Overview
- Steveson was knocked out in about 12 seconds by Sean Sharaf in a major upset at UFC 331 in September, marking his first professional defeat.
- Jones told The Schmo that Steveson is “doing great,” has returned to training, and that the team will add more sparring to address gaps exposed in the fight.
- The loss was magnified by steep betting lines that made Steveson a heavy favorite and by pre-fight references to a 2019 arrest that was later not charged by a Minnesota county attorney.
- Sharaf’s upset has raised questions about both fighters’ near-term plans, including Steveson’s medical clearance, matchmaking in the heavyweight ranks, and Sharaf’s sudden rise and uncertainties.
- Steveson is an Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medalist who was fast-tracked into the UFC after early MMA wins, and Jones’s update frames the next steps as technical and coaching changes rather than a career-ending setback.