gable on Instagram

MMA star Usman Nurmagomedov has questioned Gable Steveson’s lack of MMA experience after his first professional loss.

At UFC 331, Gable Steveson’s unbeaten record in mixed martial arts came to an incredibly abrupt end. After a tense build-up to his clash with Sean Sharaf, Gable wound up being knocked out cold within the first few seconds of their fight getting underway.

RELATED: Jon Jones mocked by Usman Nurmagomedov after ‘boyfriend’ Gable Steveson’s shocking loss

Jon Jones could only watch on in the corner as Gable Steveson’s entire career flashed before his eyes. Of course, getting knocked out early in your run isn’t unusual in this sport, but it’s particularly bad when there’s so much scrutiny around you even being in the UFC in the first place.

In a recent interview, Usman Nurmagomedov weighed in on the Gable Steveson debate and his experience level.

Usman Nurmagomedov’s view on Gable Steveson

“He’s an Olympic champion, but not in MMA, isn’t he?” Nurmagomedov told Red Corner MMA of Steveson. “He’s got no amateur experience, but as we all know, you have to have amateur experience as a fighter. One hundred fights at least. You have to feel it out, that stage, the MMA stage.

“And again, the very first punch landed, he didn’t feel the distance. Yes, he’s a good wrestler, an Olympic-level wrestler, but he’s not a fighter nor a striker. But that is mixed martial arts, right? That includes everything. I wish him well, speedy recovery and future success. This is MMA. This kind of thing happens here.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

If Gable wants to get anywhere near the top of this division, he needs to make some big changes – and fast.

What do you think the ceiling is for Steveson in the Ultimate Fighting Championship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM