Eric Nicksick wants to see Gable Steveson form his own style away from his mentor.
Steveson (4-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) was knocked out by Sean Sharaf (5-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) in just 12 seconds at UFC 331 in Los Angeles, marking one of the biggest upsets in octagon history.
Nicksick was called up last second to be in Sharaf's corner, so he witnessed the shocking moment cageside. The Xtreme Couture head coach thinks Steveson has been too influenced by Jones' style.
"This guy, being the ultimate competitor, you know, an Olympian, I'm sure he's chomping at the bit to get back in there," Nicksick told MMA Junkie Radio of Steveson. "I think he's got a great coaching staff around him, with Brandon (Gibson) and Greg (Jackson) and Jon Jones, one of the best to ever
do it.
"From an outside perspective looking in, I think maybe (he should blend) his style more into his striking. He's trying to move around a little bit like Jon, and doing things that Jon does really well with his length, and Gable's a different build, a different style. I think maybe catering to his body type a little bit more (would help). But again, that's over time. You're going to keep growing and keep learning."
The likes of Henry Cejudo have advised Steveson to take time off to work on his striking, but Nicksick has an opposing view.
"I think he's going to be just fine, and he'll be in good hands," Nicksick said. "If I were them, I would try and turn him around pretty quick."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Coach: Gable Steveson trying to fight a little bit too much like Jon Jones
