Like many in the MMA community, Colby Covington also wants Gable Steveson to cut ties with his mentor, coach, and friend Jon Jones after what happened at UFC 331.

Last month, Steveson was knocked out by Sean Sharaf in just 12 seconds at UFC 331. The loss marked Steveson’s first MMA defeat and raised doubts about whether the fighter once viewed as a future UFC champion has the technical skills to reach the top, with clear flaws in his game exposed.

Gable Steveson also faced heavy criticism from fans after Sharaf brought up his controversial past. He faced even more backlash for leaving the octagon before Sharaf’s hand was raised, with fans and analysts saying he should have stayed and accepted the loss.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Gable Steveson reacts after a knockout defeat against Sean Sharaf in a heavyweight fight during the UFC 331 event at Crypto.com Arena on September 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Colby Covington torches Jon Jones while advising the latter’s protege Gable Steveson

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Colby Covington said that although former two-division champ Jon Jones is a great fighter and has done great things in the UFC, he is not a ‘proven coach,’ which Gable Steveson must note and ditch ‘bad-energy demon’ Jones. “Chaos” quipped:

“I think a lot of bad energy comes onto him from Jon Jones. Gable thinks it’s cool, ‘Oh, I’m hanging out with one of the greatest fighters of all time. Oh yeah, I’m so cool.’ But really, he’s just killing himself, bro… You’re now taking energy from a guy that’s a literal demon… He just doesn’t realize that the biggest thing holding him back is his corner man, Jon Jones.”

“He may have been a great fighter and done some great things in the UFC, but he’s not a good coach… You need good energy around you, you need good people, and you need good coaches. He’s not a good coach. He’s not a proven coach.” [h/t: Ariel Helwani]

Check out Colby Covington’s comments below:

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.