Nurmagomedov Rips Steveson's MMA Experience After KO Loss

Usman Nurmagomedov says Gable Steveson's shocking knockout loss at UFC 331 exposed a lack of real MMA experience, not a lack of talent.

Steveson, the Olympic wrestling gold medalist, saw his unbeaten pro MMA record end at UFC 331 when Sean Sharaf knocked him out within the first few seconds of their fight. Jon Jones watched from Steveson's corner as the fight unraveled almost as soon as it began.

What Did Usman Nurmagomedov Say About Gable Steveson?

Usman Nurmagomedov argued that Gable Steveson skipped the foundational steps most fighters go through before reaching the UFC cage. "He's an Olympic champion, but not in MMA, isn't he?" Nurmagomedov said. "He's got no amateur experience, but as we all know, you have to have amateur experience as a fighter. One hundred fights at least. You have to feel it out, that stage, the MMA stage."

Nurmagomedov pointed to the finishing sequence itself as proof of that gap. "And again, the very first punch landed, he didn't feel the distance," he said. "Yes, he's a good wrestler, an Olympic-level wrestler, but he's not a fighter nor a striker. But that is mixed martial arts, right? That includes everything." He closed with well wishes, saying, "I wish him well, speedy recovery and future success. This is MMA. This kind of thing happens here."

What This Means for Steveson's Standing in the Betting Markets

A finish that fast tends to hit a fighter's market value harder than almost any other kind of result. Sportsbooks and matchmakers weigh recency heavily, and a first-fight knockout loss like Steveson's will likely make oddsmakers cautious about installing him as a betting favorite again until he shows he can handle live striking exchanges. Nurmagomedov's critique lines up with how bettors should be viewing Steveson going forward: the wrestling pedigree is real, but until he logs more rounds against live competition, his fights carry extra finish risk in either direction.

Steveson entered the UFC as one of the promotion's most hyped amateur-to-pro crossover stories, and that hype came with scrutiny from day one. Nurmagomedov's comments reflect a broader skepticism in the sport toward decorated wrestlers who bypass a long amateur MMA apprenticeship before stepping into high-profile fights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Usman Nurmagomedov say about Gable Steveson?

Usman Nurmagomedov said Gable Steveson lacks amateur MMA experience and did not feel the distance on the punch that knocked him out against Sean Sharaf at UFC 331.

How did Gable Steveson lose at UFC 331?

Gable Steveson was knocked out by Sean Sharaf within the first few seconds of their fight at UFC 331, ending his unbeaten pro MMA record.

Was Jon Jones at Gable Steveson's UFC 331 fight?

Yes, Jon Jones was in Gable Steveson's corner when he was knocked out by Sean Sharaf at UFC 331.