Usman Nurmagomedov Questions Gable Steveson’s MMA Skills After Quick Loss: “He’s Not a Fighter”

The UFC has had many Olympic medalists who successfully moved into MMA. Daniel Cormier, Ronda Rousey and Henry Cejudo are three of the biggest names. Gable Steveson is another Olympic wrestler who has recently started his MMA career. He showed good skills in his first few fights and proved he can do more than just wrestle. However, his recent loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 made people question his ability. Usman Nurmagomedov has now shared why he thinks Steveson lost.

Usman Nurmagomedov Explains Gable Steveson’s Struggles at UFC 331

Talking to Red Corner, Usman said Steveson may have the skills of an Olympic wrestler, but he does not have much experience as an MMA fighter. He believes Steveson needed more amateur fights before joining the UFC. Usman also said that while Steveson is a great wrestler, he still needs to improve his striking and other parts of MMA.

“He's an Olympic champion, but not in MMA, isn't he? He's got no amateur experience... You have to have amateur experience as a fighter. One hundred fights at least...He's a good wrestler, an Olympic-level wrestler, but he's not a fighter nor a striker,” Usman stated.

For those who don’t know, Steveson has had only five fights so far. He has won four and lost one, with all four wins coming by first-round knockout. However, his last fight ended in just 12 seconds, and that made many people question his skills.

There is no doubt that fighting in the amateur circuit helps a fighter improve. Many Olympians have also made the move to MMA and gone on to become champions. Steveson is still new to the sport, and after a few more fights, he will gain more experience and become a better fighter.

Dana White Doesn’t See Gable Steveson’s Future Ending With One Loss

Dana White has seen many fighters enter the UFC with a lot of hype but fail to live up to the expectations. Steveson is also someone fans have high hopes for and see as a future champion, especially because he trains with Jon Jones and impressed in his UFC debut. However, after his 12-second knockout loss, White was asked what future he sees for him, to which he replied positively.

“People lose. It happens. He was huge favorite and he lost it’s not like we come back on Tuesday and say that the end of him. People lose and if he believes that he's gonna come back then he will,” White said.

Indeed, it will be challenging for him to bounce back. He will also have to prove himself again and win back the fans, as many now believe he isn’t ready for the UFC yet.