Jon Jones Explains Gable Steveson Leaving Octagon After 12-Second KO Loss at UFC 331

After his stunning knockout loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331, Gable Steveson quickly exited the ring before the winner's hand could be raised.

While the move could be seen by some as poor sportsmanship, Jon Jones, Steveson's mentor, said he advised Steveson to leave early to make sure he was healthy.

Even in knockout situations, it's a bit uncommon for fights to leave the Octagon as fast as Steveson did.

"You cannot be a great winner but then an ungrateful loser, and I think that was bad by Steveson," UFC commentator Daniel Cormier said after Steveson left the ring.

It certainly wasn't a good look from Steveson, but Jones' statement perhaps sheds some light on the situation. In future losses, it might be best for Steveson to stick around for the post-fight formalities.

Steveson, 26, was a collegiate wrestler and Olympic gold medalist who made the transition to MMA last year, and he's been pegged as one of the rising stars in the sport. He won his first four professional fights, including his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison in July.

But not long into his second UFC fight, much of the hype surrounding Steveson vanished. He was a heavy favorite against Sharaf, but lost in just 12 seconds, marking one of the fastest heavyweight finishes in UFC history.

Sharaf wasn't exactly a big name in the world of UFC coming into the fight. He had a 5-2 record but had lost his only two UFC fights before facing Steveson, making the win all the more surprising.

Steveson will surely be back on a main card soon, but the loss to Sharaf perhaps served as a humbling moment early in his career.