Published 20 days ago
Covington’s Scathing Criticism: Is Steveson Betraying His Olympic Roots by Stepping into the Cage?
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Colby Covington, former UFC interim champion, fiercely criticized Jon Jones’ influence on Gable Steveson after his shocking defeat at UFC 331. According to Covington, this partnership is pulling Steveson away from his wrestling fundamentals, the discipline where he excels.
To remember:
- Colby Covington accuses Jon Jones of having a negative influence on Gable Steveson, pulling him away from his Olympic wrestling roots.
- Gable Steveson, 2021 Olympic gold medalist, suffered a quick KO at the hands of Sean Sharaf in just 12 seconds at UFC 331.
- Covington points out that Steveson is gradually abandoning his signature wrestling style for a less refined striking game, highlighting the risks of his MMA evolution strategy.
Unbelievable! Gable Steveson's lightning-fast defeat at UFC 331, knocked out in just 12 seconds by Sean Sharaf, has reignited the debate over Olympic athletes transitioning to MMA. But it’s Colby Covington, the former UFC interim champion, who landed the hardest blow with his open criticism of Jon Jones's influence on the young fighter. According to him, this partnership is poison for Steveson, pulling him away from his Olympic wrestling fundamentals—the discipline where he shined by winning gold at the Tokyo 2021 Games.
A Controversial Alliance
For Covington, Steveson’s entourage—particularly Jon Jones—bears responsibility for this setback. Jon Jones, a polarizing figure in MMA, is often at the center of controversy, and this time, it’s his influence on Steveson that’s under fire. Covington argues that this alliance brings negative energy, distancing Steveson from his greatest strength: his ground game and wrestling mastery. "Steveson has everything to dominate in MMA, but he’s losing his identity," he declared, emphasizing that the young fighter struggles to translate his wrestling into the cage.
Gradually Abandoning Wrestling
Covington’s verdict is clear: despite his Olympic pedigree, Steveson is gradually abandoning wrestling, his greatest asset, to focus on a less refined striking game. According to Covington, this strategy is risky and may explain his loss to Sharaf, an opponent less experienced in wrestling but more comfortable in boxing. "By abandoning wrestling, Steveson is robbing himself of his most fearsome weapon," he added, reminding us that Olympic wrestling remains a cornerstone of modern MMA.
An Uncertain Future
This defeat and the criticism that followed raise a crucial question: can Steveson succeed in MMA without relying on his wrestling mastery? Covington doubts it, and MMA history is full of examples of Olympic wrestlers who thrived in the cage. Yet Steveson’s evolution seems to be taking a different path, perhaps influenced by questionable strategic choices. One thing is certain: his future in MMA will depend on his ability to find a balance between his Olympic roots and the demands of the sport.
Between scathing criticism and strategic soul-searching, the Steveson-Jones-Covington saga highlights the tensions running through modern MMA. One thing is clear: for Steveson, the road to redemption will be fraught with challenges, and his return to the spotlight will hinge on his future choices.