Published 15 days ago
Colby Covington denounces Jon Jones' negative influence on Gable Steveson and urges the Olympic champion to cut ties with his mentor
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Colby Covington, former UFC interim welterweight champion, fiercely criticized Jon Jones, calling him a "demon" and accusing him of exerting a negative influence on Gable Steveson. Covington urged Steveson to cut all ties with Jones to revive his career after his first MMA loss at UFC 331.
To remember:
- Colby Covington calls Jon Jones a "demon" and denounces his negative influence on Gable Steveson.
- Covington advises Steveson to sever ties with Jones to revive his career after his loss at UFC 331.
- Covington recommends Steveson return to wrestling, the discipline where he excels, rather than venturing into MMA.
Colby Covington has never hidden his animosity toward Jon Jones, and this time, he went all out. In a recent interview, the former UFC interim welterweight champion called his long-time rival a "demon", citing a negative energy that weighs on those around him. A direct shot aimed at Gable Steveson, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist in wrestling and Jones' protégé.
MMA is a ruthless world, and Covington, known for his bluntness, didn’t hesitate to advise the young prodigy to sever all ties with his mentor. According to him, surrounding himself with positive figures is essential to revive Steveson’s career after his first MMA loss at UFC 331. This stance is part of a long-standing rivalry between Covington and Jones, two iconic figures of the Octagon.
Steveson, a former Olympic champion, now finds himself at a critical crossroads. Covington insists on a return to his roots: focusing on wrestling, the discipline where he excels, rather than the hybrid techniques of MMA. A strategy already successfully adopted by other Olympic medalists like Henry Cejudo, who transitioned brilliantly to MMA after his wrestling achievements. For Covington, Steveson must refocus on his strengths to bounce back and find the path to victory again.
Covington’s outburst sheds light on the lingering tensions within the UFC and raises questions about the influence of mentors on young fighters’ careers. Will Steveson heed Covington’s advice and turn the page on Jones? One thing is certain: his MMA career is at a turning point.

