Steveson undertook Old Sharaf
in his second
Ultimate Fighting Championship appearance at UFC 331 September 19 in Los Angeles. Jones watched from Steveson’s corner as Sharaf was knocked out in 12 seconds in a major upset. Steveson was later counter-punched for exiting the Octagon, accompanied by Jones, before Sharaf raised his hand.
Jon Jones said he called it quits after a 12-second knockout loss to Gable Steveson
Jones recently took the blame for Steveson’s premature exit from the Octagon. “Bones” claims it was the first time he had faced such a situation and instinctively wanted to take his friend backstage to check on him.
“I’ve seen some reports online and I really wanted to clear the air,” Jones posted to X. “It was my decision to take Gable right to the back after the fight. To be honest, it was my first time in that situation and my immediate reaction was to get my friend to the back and make sure he was okay.”
The former two-division champion is confident that Steveson will come back stronger and eventually become one of the best heavyweights around.
“Gable’s work ethic and will to win is there and I stand by him and believe he will be one of the best heavyweights in the UFC. He’ll be back, I’m sure of it.”
I have seen some reports online and really wanted to clear the air. It was my decision to take Gable straight to the back after the fight. To be honest, this was my first time in this situation and my immediate reaction was to get my friend behind me to make sure she was okay.…
– Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones)
21 September 2026