Jon Jones Says He Ordered Gable Steveson's Quick Exit After 12-Second KO Loss

Jon Jones said on social media that he decided to take Gable Steveson backstage immediately after the fighter's knockout loss to Sean Sharaf on Sept. 19.

Gable Steveson suffered the first loss of his professional MMA career on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, when Sean Sharaf knocked him out just 12 seconds into the opening round of their UFC bout. The finish came on a left-handed punch, and Steveson's record now stands at 4-1, having previously earned wins over Braden Peterson, Kevin Hein, Hugo Lezama and Elisha Ellison.

Steveson drew criticism when he left the octagon immediately after the stoppage, heading backstage before announcer Bruce Buffer could read the official result and without congratulating Sharaf. The move sparked controversy online.

His trainer and mentor, UFC veteran Jon Jones, addressed the incident on social media and said the decision to leave was his, not Steveson's. Jones wrote that it was his call to take Steveson straight to the back after the fight and that his instant reaction, being new to the situation himself, was to make sure his friend was okay.

Jones also voiced support for Steveson, saying his work ethic and will to win are there and that he believes the 26-year-old will become one of the best heavyweights in the UFC. Steveson, a 2020 Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, has previously competed in WWE and spent time as an NFL prospect.