Jon Anik Doubts Gable Steveson Will Reach 10 UFC Fights After 12-Second Knockout
UFC commentator Jon Anik has questioned whether Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson will compete long enough to make 10 UFC appearances, despite believing he has the talent to succeed in the heavyweight division. Speaking to Submission Radio in an interview released on September 30, Anik expressed concern about how Steveson would respond to his first professional defeat, a 12-second knockout loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 on September 19.
Steveson began his UFC career with a first-round stoppage victory over Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 on July 11 before suffering the shocking defeat. Anik revealed that he had questioned Steveson’s long-term commitment even before the loss, while drawing comparisons with other elite wrestlers, including Bo Nickal, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. He stressed that Steveson’s physical ability and natural talent could still help him rebuild his career.
Steveson has since congratulated Sharaf and expressed his determination to make a comeback. Anik’s concern, therefore, is not that Steveson lacks ability, but whether he will remain committed to MMA long enough to fulfil his potential after such a devastating setback.
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