Gable Steveson explains no eye contact during final UFC 331 staredown: ‘It’s normal Jon Jones protocol’

Dan Hiergesell is an expert voice who serves as MMAmania.com’s weekend editor, covering mixed martial arts (MMA) for more than 15 years, getting featured on programs such as Countdown to UFC and SiriusXM Fight Club, among others.

Gable Steveson is doing everything in his power to live up to his hype this weekend at UFC 331 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif., and that includes channeling a Jon Jones-style staredown with heavyweight opponent Sean Sharaf.

Steveson, who is a massive -2000 betting favorite to win his second trip to the Octagon this Saturday night in L.A., has experienced an up-and-down fight week to say the least. Not only has Steveson had to deal with Sharaf’s very personal and controversial trash talk, but UFC fans are beginning to boo the former Olympic gold medalist until he’s able to prove himself at the highest level.

Luckily for Steveson, he’ll be able to showcase his skills once more when he meets Sharaf as part of UFC 331’s main card. Sharaf certainly isn’t the most dangerous opponent Steveson could be fighting right now, but he’s the next name in line that Steveson has to beat to climb UFC’s heavyweight rankings. Oddsmakers are fully backing Steveson to take care of business, but the 26-year-old blue chip prospect still has to deliver the goods.

Fortunately, Steveson has coach Jon Jones behind him helping him navigate some of the ups and downs of the fight game. Steveson has fully accepted Jones’ guidance and is already showing similarities to the UFC legend. This includes UFC 331’s ceremonial weigh ins when Steveson pulled a classic Jones move and refused to look Sharaf in the eyes during their staredown. Fans might call Steveson a copycat for doing so, but he believes it’s strategy.

“It’s just normal Jon Jones protocol,” said Steveson following UFC 331’s ceremonial weigh ins (see here). “We want our opponent to earn our respect and Sean hasn’t earned our respect in any aspect of anything. It’s nothing personal. It just has to happen now.”

“You’re expecting a tough face off,“ explained Steveson when asked what the advantage is of not staring an opponent down. ”You’re expecting someone to come out there and really look you in the eye and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to beat you.’ By us looking away we’re taking away all the credibility of even having that interaction so tomorrow we’ll figure it out.”

For complete UFC 331 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.