‘Air-cleaning’ rookie Jon Jones defends wounded Gable Steveson after controversial UFC 331 cage exit — ‘He will be back’

Well, that explains it — but it certainly doesn’t make it look much better. Jon Jones has taken responsibility for Gable Steveson’s controversial decision to immediately leave the Octagon following his stunning knockout loss at UFC 331 this past weekend…

By Alexander Behunin · MMA Mania

Published: Tuesday, 22 September 2026 at 12:26 AM

Key Things to Know

Jon Jones took responsibility for Gable Steveson leaving the Octagon immediately after his knockout loss at UFC 331.
Steveson faced online backlash for exiting the cage before the official fight results were announced.
Jones stated his primary concern was to get Steveson to the back to ensure he was okay.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Jon Jones has taken responsibility for Gable Steveson's controversial decision to immediately leave the Octagon following a knockout loss at UFC 331. Steveson faced heavy online backlash for storming out of the cage before the official result was announced at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

Jones clarified that he made the decision to take Steveson straight to the back to ensure his health and safety. He defended Steveson's work ethic and expressed confidence that the former Olympic gold medalist will return to become one of the UFC's top heavyweights.

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