Former champion Jon Jones has taken responsibility for Gable Steveson leaving the cage before his loss was announced at UFC 331.
On Saturday, Steveson was knocked out by underdog Sean Sharaf in 12 seconds in Los Angeles. It was the first loss of Steveson's young career, which has brought major expectations due to his Olympic gold medal in wrestling.
Steveson and Jones left the cage and ringside area before their result was announced. Jones, 39, wrote on social media: "It was my decision to take Gable straight to the back after the fight. Honestly it was the first time in this situation for me and my instant reaction was to get my friend to the back to make sure he was ok."
Jones added that Steveson's work ethic and will to win are there, and that he believes Steveson will go on to be one of the best heavyweights in the UFC.
Steveson was 4-0 prior to UFC 331, with four first-round knockouts. Sharaf, a former US marine, was emotional after his win and told reporters: "Yeah, I saw him leaving, but I was thinking about this before the fight."
Sharaf said he was 4-0 and undefeated when he had his first loss in the UFC, and that the experience makes you better. He added that he believes Steveson will go back, get better and be seen again.