‘Air-cleaning’ Jon Jones defends wounded rookie Gable Steveson after controversial UFC 331 cage exit — ‘He will be back’
Well, that explains it — but it certainly doesn’t make it look much better. Jon Jones has taken responsibility for Gable Steveson’s controversial decision to immediately leave the Octagon following his stunning knockout loss at UFC 331 this past weekend inside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. Steveson’s first professional defeat was already humiliating for […]
In the aftermath of Jon Jones' controversial decision to escort Gable Steveson out of the Octagon following his knockout loss at UFC 331, the undefeated MMA star has come forward to defend his young protege. According to Jones, it was his decision to take Steveson straight to the back of the arena, rather than allowing him to storm out in defeat.
"I’ve seen some reports online, and I really wanted to clear the air," Jones said. "It was my decision to take Gable straight to the back after the fight. Honestly, it was the first time in this situation for me, and my instant reaction was to get my friend to the back to make sure he was okay." While Jones' gesture demonstrates concern for Steveson's well-being, some experts question whether remaining inside the cage for an additional minute would have been too much to ask.
Nevertheless, Jones remains confident in his friend's abilities, stating, "Gable’s work ethic and will to win is there, and I stand by him and believe he will go on to be one of the best Heavyweights in the UFC. He will be back. I’m sure of it." Despite this support, Steveson's exit from the Octagon only served to intensify the criticism he has faced following his first professional loss.
Only time will tell if Steveson can overcome this setback and cement his status as a future UFC Heavyweight champion.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
