TLDR
- Josh Hokit publicly criticized Jon Jones following Gable Steveson’s loss at UFC 331
- Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist, suffered a defeat in his recent UFC appearance
- Hokit appears to blame Jones for some aspect of Steveson’s performance or preparation
- The criticism suggests tension regarding Steveson’s training or coaching situation
- The comments come as Steveson continues his transition from wrestling to MMA
Sources: sports.yahoo.com
Josh Hokit has publicly criticized Jon Jones following Gable Steveson’s loss at UFC 331. The comments came shortly after Steveson’s defeat, sparking discussion within the MMA community.
Hokit, who has connections to Steveson’s training camp, directed his frustration at Jones in the aftermath of the fight. The nature of the criticism suggests Hokit believes Jones played a role in Steveson’s preparation or performance.
Gable Steveson entered UFC 331 with high expectations based on his wrestling pedigree. The Olympic gold medalist from the 2020 Tokyo Games had been working to transition his elite wrestling skills to mixed martial arts.
Gable Steveson responds to "friend" Bo Nickal's comments after his win at #UFC329:
"Bo Nickal telling me he's going to gas me out after he got gassed out a couple of fights ago is a crazy thing. I didn't mean no harm. I've got to take a shot at you if you take a shot at me." pic.twitter.com/HDYRshsjRS
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 12, 2026
Steveson won the gold medal in the 125-kilogram freestyle wrestling category at the Tokyo Olympics. He also captured two NCAA Division I national championships while competing for the University of Minnesota.
The Loss at UFC 331
Details of Steveson’s performance at UFC 331 have raised questions about his readiness for high-level MMA competition. The defeat marks a setback in his transition from wrestling to fighting in the octagon.
The UFC signed Steveson in 2021, making him one of the most decorated wrestlers to join the promotion. His signing generated excitement due to his potential to become a dominant force in the heavyweight division.
Hokit’s criticism of Jones appears to stem from concerns about Steveson’s training approach or preparation for the fight. The specific details of Hokit’s complaints have not been fully disclosed.
Jon Jones, a former light heavyweight champion, has been training at various facilities and working with different fighters. His involvement with Steveson’s camp remains unclear based on available information.
Steveson’s MMA Journey
The transition from wrestling to MMA has proven challenging for many elite wrestlers. While wrestling provides a strong foundation, fighters must develop striking, submissions, and other skills for success.
Steveson had been working on developing his complete MMA game since signing with the UFC. The organization had given him time to train and prepare before making his competitive debut.
Previous wrestling champions who transitioned to MMA have experienced varying levels of success. Some, like Daniel Cormier and Henry Cejudo, became UFC champions, while others struggled to adapt.
The criticism from Hokit raises questions about the training environment and coaching decisions. These factors can play a crucial role in a fighter’s development and performance.
Steveson’s loss at UFC 331 does not necessarily signal the end of his MMA career. Many fighters have rebounded from early setbacks to achieve success in the sport.
The public nature of Hokit’s criticism of Jones has added another layer to the situation. Such public disputes are not uncommon in combat sports but can create tension within training camps.
Hokit’s comments following the UFC 331 event have drawn attention to the challenges facing Steveson as he continues his MMA career. The specific changes that might result from this criticism remain to be seen.
