Jon Jones gives Gable Stevenson a training session before his UFC fight. Photo: Getty Images/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Gable Stevenson suffered a traumatic defeat at UFC 331. On that occasion, Jon Jones ' protégé entered the octagon as a heavy favorite, with odds of 13 to 1, but ended up being knocked out by Sean Sharaf in just 12 seconds of the fight. For Jon Anik, the result could represent the beginning of a decisive phase in the Olympic medalist's career.
In a statement to 'Submission Radio', the commentator highlighted the magnitude of the psychological challenge Steveson will face after suffering such a quick knockout. According to Anik, the fighter will need to rely on his mental and physical preparation, as well as the talent that brought him to the UFC, to recover from the setback.
“Gable is now having to deal with an experience that many athletes of his level have simply never had to face. This guy was completely taken down and knocked out in 12 seconds. So how is he going to recover? I think he's going to lean on everything that brought him to this position: mentally, physically, and the talent God gave him,” said Jon Anik.
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Despite concerns about the impact of the defeat, Anik still sees potential for a successful career for Steveson in the organization. The commentator stated that he believes that if the fighter manages to reach the mark of ten fights in the UFC, he will be able to achieve good results. At the same time, he cautioned that it is not yet possible to know if the heavyweight will reach that number of fights.
“I still believe that if Gable Stevenson makes it to 10 fights in the UFC, he will be very successful. I'm not sure he'll actually make it to 10 fights. This is a considerable setback. So, I'm as curious as anyone else to see how he'll react to it,” the commentator concluded.
End of the hype?
Gable Stevenson was brutally knocked out by Sean Sharaf in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X
Considered one of the most anticipated names in the UFC, Gable Stevenson barely had time to warm up in his second fight in the organization. In the first few seconds, Jon Jones ' protégé tried to advance on Sean Sharaf, but was surprised by a series of crosses. The last blow, a left cross, landed squarely and instantly knocked down the Olympic medalist.
GABLE STEVESON JUST GOT KNOCKED OUT
The biggest upset in history????
The Olympic rapist champion is screwed! pic.twitter.com/fAoLopi6gj
— José Louis (@concatenarsim) September 20, 2026
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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