The Clash That Didn't Happen

Gable Steveson has fired back at Craig Jones following their highly anticipated grappling showdown that never came to fruition. Initially set for the Craig Jones Invitational 2, Steveson withdrew just days before the match due to turf toe, leaving the MMA world buzzing.

Injury or an Excuse?

While injuries are an unfortunate part of combat sports, the timing of Steveson's withdrawal raised eyebrows, especially because he went on to compete in an MMA debut shortly afterward. Jones wasted no time in criticizing Steveson, implying he was dodging competition.

Gable Speaks Out!

After a period of silence, Steveson broke his silence in an interview with Ariel Helwani. He acknowledged his injury but hinted that Jones had suggested some "funky stipulations" prior that made him uneasy. Steveson shared, "There was a look in the eye of saying, ‘Hey, can you do something for me?'" He later confirmed that Jones asked him to lose on purpose.

The Olympian's Perspective

Steveson, who clinched Olympic gold at just 21, has faced immense pressure in his wrestling journey. After a surprising upset in the 2025 NCAA finals, the last thing he wanted was another loss on his record. He emphasized his focus on making a strong impression in MMA, stating, "I can’t have another mishap of me falling to someone in a way that’s not possible."

Different Views on the Match

Jones maintained that their discussions centered around a more relaxed, fun energy but didn't address any potential requests to manipulate the outcome. For Steveson, the match was all about competition and entertaining the fans.

Taking a Swipe at Jones

Despite claiming no ill will towards Jones, Steveson couldn’t resist taking a jab at him. He said, "Maybe he doesn’t because he hasn’t accomplished anything in his field. He’s lost to Gordon Ryan 3-4 times... He’s got a lot more digging than worrying about me."

A Strong MMA Debut

Steveson's MMA debut turned heads as he finished his opponent in just 98 seconds, showing that he’s more than capable in the ring.

Jones Responds on Instagram

Following Steveson's comments, Jones took to Instagram, possibly gearing up for a continued rivalry as the martial arts community watches closely.