Weidman Blames Corner for Steveson's Early Exit
Former champion Chris Weidman argues that Gable Steveson’s corner failed to keep him in the cage after his loss to Sean Sharaf.
Key points
- Gable Steveson lost to Sean Sharaf in 12 seconds at UFC 331 in Los Angeles.
- Chris Weidman criticized Steveson's corner for letting him leave before the hand was raised.
- Jon Jones admitted he suggested the early exit to ensure Steveson's physical safety.
The air in Los Angeles still hums with the shock of Saturday’s blowup. In the white silence of the Crypto.com Arena, Gable Steveson stood frozen, the weight of a twelve-second knockout settling on his shoulders. It was not just the loss that hung heavy in the room, but the quiet, hurried exit. The Olympic gold medalist turned and walked away before the referee could raise the hand of Sean Sharaf. That single act of withdrawal transformed a sporting defeat into a controversy, echoing through every corner of the combat world.
Criticism did not wait for the week to end. Fans booed the wrestler as he left the stage, their voices a sharp hiss against the backdrop of the arena. But the loudest judgment came from within the sport itself. Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, speaking on the podcast "Deep Waters," did not mince words about the behavior. He pointed directly at the team surrounding Steveson, arguing that the cornermen failed in their most fundamental duty: to keep their fighter accountable to the rules of the game.
Weidman demands respect for the opponent
Weidman described the moment as a humbling, terrible experience that required a specific kind of grit.
Experienced corner faces sharp criticism
The former champion listed the heavy hitters in Steveson's camp, naming legendary coach Greg Jackson and Jon Jones. He argued that while Jones had never faced defeat, Jackson and the others understood the protocol of losing.
Jones claims he prioritized safety
In a direct response to the public scrutiny, Jon Jones admitted to the role he played in the early departure. He stated that it was his idea for Steveson to leave the cage before the official result was announced. His reasoning was strictly protective: he wanted to ensure Steveson was physically okay before the chaos of the post-fight presser and the crowd could overwhelm him. According to MMA Junkie, this admission adds a new layer to the debate, shifting the narrative from pure disrespect to a misguided attempt at care.
