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Jon Jones defends training partner after ‘upset of the century’ leads to widespread criticism
Jon Jones has said Gable Steveson’s NCAA Championships defeat ‘doesn’t define anything’ for his career. Olympian and former WWE superstar Steveson, who is Jones’ wrestling coach, suffered a crushing defeat to Wyatt Hendrickson at the championships this past weekend. Hendrickson shocked the world when he defeated StevesonGetty The wild Division I championship match has since gone viral due to its shock factor with many calling it the greatest upset in the sport’s history. In fact, UFC middleweight Eryk Anders referred to it as the ‘upset of the century,’ while former UFC star Ben Askren said it was the ‘most shocking final I can remember.’ Jones has weighed in on the conversation by offering his full support to Steveson. “Proud of my brother,” the UFC heavyweight champion wrote on Instagram. “A loss on the mat doesn’t define anything – his work ethic, heart, and character speak for themselves. “One of the hardest-working, most impressive young men I’ve met in a long time. Higher and higher we climb.” Jones was recorded training with Steveson at Albuquerque-based gym Jackson’s MMA Association ahead of his first heavyweight title defence against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November. At one point, he was inches away from knocking out the Olympic gold medallist, who swerved one of Jones’ trademark flying knees at the last second. ‘Bones’ went on to finish Miocic with a sickening spinning back kick and is now in negotiations to defend his belt against Briton Tom Aspinall next. Steveson’s defeat sparked debate among the combat sports community as many fans had criticised the 24-year-old, while others offered their praise. Jones said Steveson is one of the most ‘impressive young men’ he’s ever metGetty Images - Getty ‘Bones’ is one of the greatest MMA fighters of all timeGetty The criticism even prompted UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, who commentated live on the match, to speak out. “You my friend are an idiot and I would like you to delete your account!” he wrote on X. This came in response to a fan who said Steveson had endured a ‘generational all time bad run’ based on his time as a ‘failed’ WWE superstar and NFL player. “Olympic champion. Things happen in wrestling. It was Wyatt’s night bro. Like what are you talking about man?” Cormier added. Jones called Steveson a ‘future MMA heavyweight champion’ after the pair trained together last October. The 37-year-old is expected to fight Aspinall this year in what would be his second defence of the UFC heavyweight title after years spent dominating the 205lb division. Steveson is a former Olympic gold medallist, NFL player and WWE superstarGetty Aspinall was in the capital last week ahead of UFC London to finalise negotiations with Hunter Campbell and Dana White to unify the heavyweight division in a fight with Jones. Aspinall is the interim champion and has been calling for a fight with Jones since defending his status as the No.1 contender by knocking out Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in Manchester last July.
Jon Jones has said Gable Steveson’s NCAA Championships defeat ‘doesn’t define anything’ for his career.
Olympian and former WWE superstar Steveson, who is Jones’ wrestling coach, suffered a crushing defeat to Wyatt Hendrickson at the championships this past weekend.
The wild Division I championship match has since gone viral due to its shock factor with many calling it the greatest upset in the sport’s history.
In fact, UFC middleweight Eryk Anders referred to it as the ‘upset of the century,’ while former UFC star Ben Askren said it was the ‘most shocking final I can remember.’
Jones has weighed in on the conversation by offering his full support to Steveson.
“Proud of my brother,” the UFC heavyweight champion wrote on Instagram.
“A loss on the mat doesn’t define anything – his work ethic, heart, and character speak for themselves.
“One of the hardest-working, most impressive young men I’ve met in a long time. Higher and higher we climb.”
Jones was recorded training with Steveson at Albuquerque-based gym Jackson’s MMA Association ahead of his first heavyweight title defence against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November.
At one point, he was inches away from knocking out the Olympic gold medallist, who swerved one of Jones’ trademark flying knees at the last second.
‘Bones’ went on to finish Miocic with a sickening spinning back kick and is now in negotiations to defend his belt against Briton Tom Aspinall next.
Steveson’s defeat sparked debate among the combat sports community as many fans had criticised the 24-year-old, while others offered their praise.
The criticism even prompted UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, who commentated live on the match, to speak out.
“You my friend are an idiot and I would like you to delete your account!” he wrote on X.
This came in response to a fan who said Steveson had endured a ‘generational all time bad run’ based on his time as a ‘failed’ WWE superstar and NFL player.
“Olympic champion. Things happen in wrestling. It was Wyatt’s night bro. Like what are you talking about man?” Cormier added.
Jones called Steveson a ‘future MMA heavyweight champion’ after the pair trained together last October.
The 37-year-old is expected to fight Aspinall this year in what would be his second defence of the UFC heavyweight title after years spent dominating the 205lb division.
Aspinall was in the capital last week ahead of UFC London to finalise negotiations with Hunter Campbell and Dana White to unify the heavyweight division in a fight with Jones.
Aspinall is the interim champion and has been calling for a fight with Jones since defending his status as the No.1 contender by knocking out Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in Manchester last July.
