Nurmagomedov Calls Steveson Not a Fighter After 12-Second Loss
PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov criticizes Gable Steveson's lack of amateur experience after his rapid defeat at UFC 331.
Key points
- Sean Sharaf knocked out Gable Steveson in 12 seconds at UFC 331, ending his undefeated MMA record.
- Usman Nurmagomedov criticized Steveson for lacking amateur experience, calling him an Olympic wrestler rather than a fighter.
- Nurmagomedov is currently in exclusive negotiations with PFL and cannot contact other promotions until a 90-day period expires.
Gable Steveson’s first MMA loss arrived with brutal speed. Sean Sharaf ended the Olympic champion’s night in just 12 seconds at UFC 331 on Saturday.
The strike landed before Steveson could adjust. He stumbled, the cage floor rushing up, and the fight was over before the crowd fully woke.
A sharp critique from a rival
Usman Nurmagomedov, the PFL lightweight champion, offered no comfort. In an interview with Red Corner MMA, he drew a hard line between wrestling and fighting.
“He’s an Olympic champion, but not in MMA,” Nurmagomedov stated. He pointed to Steveson’s lack of amateur bouts as the core issue.
Nurmagomedov argued that a hundred amateur fights are necessary to feel the distance. Without that stage, the first punch lands before instinct can react.
The weight of mixed martial arts
The PFL champion insists wrestling alone does not define a fighter. MMA demands a complete skill set, where striking and defense must coexist.
“He’s a good wrestler, an Olympic-level wrestler, but he’s not a fighter,” Nurmagomedov said. The distinction matters when the gloves come off.
Nurmagomedov faces his own crossroads
While judging others, Nurmagomedov stands at a career fork. He finished his PFL contract with a knockout over Archie Colgan in July.
A 90-day rule locks him in exclusive talks with PFL. He cannot legally contact other promotions until that window closes, a deadline he expects to hit by the end of October.
