Usman Nurmagomedov Targets Jon Jones and Gable Steveson After UFC 331 Disaster

Gable Steveson and Jon Jones caught a stray from Usman Nurmagomedov, an uncharacteristic move that surprised the MMA community.

Usman Nurmagomedov Targets Jon Jones and Gable Steveson After UFC 331 Disaster

Usman Nurmagomedov trolls Gable Steveson and Jon Jones (Image via UFC.com/MMA Fighting)

UFC 331 produced a monumental upset when Sean Sharaf knocked Gable Steveson out cold in 12 seconds. Many MMA fighters reacted in disbelief due to the hype behind Steveson. However, free agent Usman Nurmagomedov reacted harshly, bring Jon Jones into the mix as well.

Jones took Steveson under his wing before his final UFC bout. The Olympic gold medalist entered UFC 331 as a -2500 betting favorite. Sharaf came in range and landed a left-handed strike straight to the chin to knock Steveson out cold. Jones was stunned with how things unfolded inside the octagon.

Jones’ reaction went viral on social media shortly after. Nurmagomedov caught wind of the reaction, and posted a comment on his Instagram Story targeting Jones and Steveson.

You know what a boomerang is, Jon? It comes back, that’s life. Good luck to your little boyfriend for what’s next!

Usman Nurmagomedov via Instagram Stories

Usman’s brother, Umar Nurmagomedov, suffered a knockout loss last month at the hands of Song Yadong. The Chinese star jumped out of the octagon to celebrate with Jones, who was in attendance. This may have been the reason why the former Bellator champion targeted Jones.

Shortly after, Nurmagomedov told Red Corner MMA about Steveson lacking amateur MMA fights before turning professional. This time, the tone was not negative unlike what he posted on Instagram.

He’s an Olympic champion, but not in MMA, isn’t he? He’s got no amateur experience… You have to have amateur experience as a fighter. One hundred fights at least… He’s a good wrestler, an Olympic-level wrestler, but he’s not a fighter nor a striker.

Usman Nurmagomedov told Red Corner MMA

Steveson tries to fight like Jones at times with a variety of kicks aimed at his opponent. Jones has a massive reach and height to perform that style well, but Steveson lacks the reach that prevents him from finding success.

Trying to strike with opponents without using his wrestling skills became Steveson’s downfall at UFC 331. Usman Nurmagomedov echoed that the gold medal winner needed experience moving forward.

As of now, Steveson and Jones has yet to respond to Nurmagomedov’s diss. With how rough last weekend was for them, it doesn’t look like either of them will respond anytime soon.

RELATED
Dana White Admits to Ciryl Gane Mistake, Talks Josh Hokit Title Shot, and Praises Arman Tsarukyan After UFC 331

Usman Nurmagomedov’s manager says Gable Steveson came too early into the UFC

Steveson only had four fights in his professional MMA career before UFC 331. He is one of two most prominent American wrestlers alongside Bo Nickal to compete in MMA at the highest level in recent times. Nickal also suffered a brutal TKO loss when he faced a step-up in competition.

Usman Nurmagomedov's manager spoke about Gable Steveson
Usman Nurmagomedov’s manager spoke about Gable Steveson (Image via X/Instagram)

Usman Nurmagomedov’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently spoke to Submission Radio on a variety of topics. The interview also had a brief segment on Steveson’s loss at UFC 331. Abdelaziz revealed that Steveson lacked experience just like Nurmagomedov said.

He’s a freak athlete. But guys, experience and time in the gym and the competition, the UFC is a completely different animal… Also you are looking at a guy, he can be a best ever. But in a way, his career already five step back because why would you bring a guy like that in the UFC at this age 26 years old? Why would you do that? I just don’t agree with it.

Ali Abdelaziz told Submission Radio

Abdelaziz revealed that he was the manager of Sean Sharaf as well. Nevertheless, he felt bad for Steveson and his team.

The controversial manager also said that despite having Jones and other world-class coaches, Steveson had much more to learn.

After losing for the first time, Bo Nickal learned from the loss and came back to the win column as an improved fighter. It remains to be seen if the Olympic gold medalist can do the same moving forward.

Also Read: