Published 19 days ago
Lack of MMA background: Usman denounces Gable Steveson’s lack of benchmarks, despite his Olympic gold in wrestling
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Usman Nurmagomedov strongly reacted to Gable Steveson’s lightning-fast defeat at UFC 331, where the American wrestler was knocked out in just 12 seconds. For the champion, this performance reveals a glaring lack of MMA experience, despite his Olympic wrestling title.
To remember:
- Usman Nurmagomedov criticizes Gable Steveson’s lack of amateur MMA background after his 12-second KO at UFC 331.
- For Usman, at least 100 fights are needed to master the specifics of MMA, including distance management and striking.
- Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, struggles to transfer his talent to MMA, with gaps in striking and cage fight adaptation.
- Matt Brown also questions Jon Jones’ influence in his preparation, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to MMA.
UFC 331 will be remembered for a KO as quick as it was spectacular. In just 12 seconds, Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, crumpled under his opponent’s strikes, sparking a wave of reactions across the MMA world. Among the most critical voices was Usman Nurmagomedov, the undisputed lightweight champion, whose blunt honesty left many stunned.
For Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé, this lightning-fast defeat is the ultimate proof of Steveson’s gaps in MMA. Despite his Olympic wrestling title, the young American sorely lacks the benchmarks needed in the sport. "At least 100 fights are needed to master distance and the specifics of the cage," he declared, highlighting the vast difference between wrestling and MMA. Usman, himself from a lineage of champions, stresses the importance of a solid amateur background before aiming to compete with the best.
A glaring lack of experience in striking and distance management
Steveson, who made his MMA debut in 2024, struggles to translate his wrestling talent into striking. His lack of experience in striking and unfamiliarity with cage distance were exposed during this fight. A sentiment echoed by other MMA figures, like Matt Brown, who questions the preparation of the young prodigy. "Did Jon Jones underestimate the challenges of MMA?" he asks, pointing to the champion’s influence on Steveson’s career.
A transition to MMA more complex than expected
Gable Steveson’s journey underscores the difficulties faced by athletes from other disciplines. While wrestling provides a strong foundation in control and grappling, it does not adequately prepare for the demands of striking and distance management. Usman Nurmagomedov, who himself went through a complete MMA journey, reminds us that transitioning to mixed martial arts requires years of work and adaptation. "You don’t become a real fighter in just a few fights," he insists, while wishing Steveson a speedy recovery.
Gable Steveson’s defeat at UFC 331 exposed the limits of a too-rapid transition to MMA. Between lack of experience, technical gaps, and external influence, the young American will need to redouble his efforts to make his mark in the sport. A lesson for all who believe talent alone guarantees success.