Jon Jones had a front-row seat when Gable Steveson was demolished at UFC 331. Jones and Steveson have formed a close bond during Steveson’s transition from world wrestling champion to top heavyweight prospect, with the former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion taking Steveson under his wing. The retired Jones was in Steveson’s corner for his sophomore Octagon exit on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, and was shocked and disappointed along with the rest of Steveson’s team when the Olympic gold medalist was knocked out in just 12 seconds by Sean Sharaf. Watch Jones’ emotional reaction below. Jones can be seen saying something unintelligible, but was otherwise left in dejected silence as Steveson lost for the first time in his brief career. He then exchanged a look with coach Greg Jackson before Jackson spoke to Jones, who was still visibly stunned by the huge surprise. To make matters worse for Steveson, his fellow fighters criticized him on social media as cameras followed him leaving the octagon before Sharaf was officially announced as the winner.
