Nurmagomedov Questions Steveson's Zero Amateur Experience

Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov says Gable Steveson should have fought amateur bouts before stepping into the UFC octagon.

Steveson suffered a first-round knockout loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331, getting dropped cold within seconds of the opening bell. The Olympic wrestling gold medalist entered the promotion with zero amateur MMA experience, a decision Nurmagomedov questioned in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA.

Why Amateur Experience Matters For Olympic Wrestlers

"He's an Olympic champion, but not in MMA, isn't he?" Nurmagomedov told the outlet, per MMA Junkie. "He's got no amateur experience, but as we all know, you have to have amateur experience as a fighter. One hundred fights at least. You have to feel it out, that stage, the MMA stage."

The Bellator champion pointed to striking deficiencies as the root cause of Steveson's knockout. "The very first punch landed, he didn't feel the distance," Nurmagomedov said. "Yes, he's a good wrestler, an Olympic-level wrestler, but he's not a fighter nor a striker. But that is mixed martial arts, right? That includes everything."

Jon Jones cornered Steveson for the bout. The former UFC heavyweight champion could only watch as his training partner's unbeaten professional record ended in devastating fashion. Nurmagomedov closed his assessment by wishing Steveson a quick recovery, noting that early knockouts happen in mixed martial arts.

Steveson next fights at a date yet to be announced by the UFC.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Usman Nurmagomedov questions Gable Steveson’s lack of MMA experience