Sean Sharaf's Stunning KO of Gable Steveson Sparks Controversy

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Sean Sharaf plans to help his mother retire after receiving a $100,000 bonus for his victory at UFC 331.

Sportskeeda - Sean Strickland expressed pride in Sean Sharaf, stating he may have become an overnight sensation after his knockout of Gable Steveson.

USA Today - Gable Steveson was criticized by UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier for leaving the octagon before the referee raised Sean Sharaf's hand.

MMA Fighting - Joe Rogan suggested that Gable Steveson "bought into his own hype too much" leading up to the fight.

USA Today - UFC CEO Dana White commented on Gable Steveson's loss, stating, "Anything is possible when two guys get in there and start fighting."

USA Today - Daniel Cormier criticized Gable Steveson for leaving the octagon before Sean Sharaf's hand was raised in victory.

Sportskeeda - Sean Sharaf, Gable Steveson, Sean Strickland, Jon Jones

MMA Fighting - Gable Steveson, Sean Sharaf

WHAT:

MMA Fighting - Sean Sharaf's knockout of Gable Steveson is considered one of the biggest upsets in the history of MMA.

CBS Sports - Sean Sharaf's victory over Gable Steveson marked his first win in the Octagon after suffering two consecutive knockout losses, bringing his record to 5-2.

MMA Fighting - Gable Steveson was criticized by fans and fellow fighters for leaving the octagon early after his knockout loss, with many calling him an "ungrateful loser."

CBS Sports - Sean Sharaf's knockout of Gable Steveson is recorded as the third fastest heavyweight knockout in UFC history.

Sportskeeda - Dana White handed Sean Sharaf an extra $50,000 for his win over Gable Steveson at UFC 331.

Yahoo Sports - Sean Sharaf was a +1200 underdog against Gable Steveson, who was a -2400 favorite.

CBS Sports - Sean Sharaf's victory marked his first win in the Octagon after suffering two consecutive knockout losses, bringing his record to 5-2.

USA Today - Gable Steveson was knocked out in 12 seconds by Sean Sharaf at UFC 331, marking his first loss in MMA and his first loss in any active competition since March 2025.

USA Today - Sean Sharaf was previously 4-2 in MMA and 0-2 in the UFC before his victory over Gable Steveson.

Sportskeeda - Sean Sharaf's victory over Gable Steveson at UFC 331 is considered one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, with Steveson being a -2400 favorite.

CBS Sports - Sean Sharaf's knockout of Gable Steveson is recorded as the third fastest heavyweight knockout in UFC history.

Yahoo Sports - Gable Steveson was listed as high as a -2500 favorite on some sportsbooks going into the heavyweight fight against Sean Sharaf.

Yahoo Sports - Sean Sharaf's victory marked his first win in the Octagon after suffering two consecutive knockout losses, bringing his record to 5-2.

MMA Fighting - Daniel Cormier stated, "You cannot be a great winner but then an ungrateful loser and I think that was bad by Steveson," criticizing Steveson's behavior after the fight.

CBS Sports - Gable Steveson's knockout loss was his first in any active competition since March 2025.

CBS Sports - Sean Sharaf's knockout of Gable Steveson at UFC 331 is recorded as the third fastest heavyweight knockout in UFC history.

CBS Sports - Sean Sharaf stated, "I feel amazing. I worked so hard. I prayed so hard. I believed in myself when nobody believed in myself" after his victory.

MMA Fighting - Sean Sharaf's victory over Gable Steveson is considered one of the biggest upsets in the history of MMA, with Steveson being an Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA Division-I wrestling champion.

MMA Fighting - Sean Sharaf landed a quick combination that led to the knockout of Gable Steveson just 12 seconds into their fight.

MMA Fighting - Sean Sharaf's win may have permanently derailed Gable Steveson's hype as a blue-chip prospect in the heavyweight division.

Sportskeeda - Dana White handed Sean Sharaf an extra $50,000 for his win over Gable Steveson at UFC 331.

Sportskeeda - Sean Sharaf knocked out Gable Steveson in just 12 seconds at UFC 331.

MMA Fighting - Sean Sharaf's victory over Gable Steveson is considered one of the biggest upsets in the history of MMA.

MMA Fighting - Gable Steveson left the octagon before the official result was announced after his knockout loss.

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - The fight took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

WHEN:

Sportskeeda - The knockout occurred during UFC 331.

WHY:

USA Today - Sean Sharaf referred to Gable Steveson as "a rapist" during a press conference, referencing Steveson's past arrest in 2019 on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct, which was dropped for lack of evidence.

MMA Fighting - Social media criticized Gable Steveson for his poor performance and sportsmanship after he left the octagon before the official result was announced.

MMA Fighting - Daniel Cormier stated, "You cannot be a great winner but then an ungrateful loser and I think that was bad by Steveson," criticizing Steveson's behavior after the fight.

MMA Fighting - Daniel Cormier criticized Gable Steveson for his behavior after the fight, stating, "You cannot be a great winner but then an ungrateful loser and I think that was bad by Steveson."

MMA Fighting - Joe Rogan suggested that Gable Steveson "bought into his own hype too much" leading up to the fight.

MMA Fighting - Sean Sharaf used Gable Steveson's past arrest for suspicion of sexual assault to criticize him during a press conference prior to the fight, which contributed to the narrative surrounding the match.

MMA Fighting - Sean Sharaf criticized Gable Steveson for his past arrest related to suspicion of sexual assault during a press conference on Thursday prior to the fight.

MMA Fighting - Sean Sharaf criticized Gable Steveson for his past arrest related to suspicion of sexual assault during a press conference prior to the fight.

HOW:

CBS Sports - Gable Steveson opened the fight with a leg kick but was caught by a left hook from Sean Sharaf, leading to the knockout just 12 seconds into the fight.

MMA Fighting - Daniel Cormier stated, "You stand there and you take your lick whenever you lose. You let that man get his hand raised and you stand there no matter how you feel."

USA Today - Daniel Cormier stated, "You cannot be a great winner and then an ungrateful loser," criticizing Steveson's behavior after the fight.

CBS Sports - Gable Steveson opened the fight with a leg kick but was caught by a left hook from Sean Sharaf, leading to the knockout just 12 seconds into the fight.

MMA Fighting - Gable Steveson exited the octagon immediately after the knockout, rather than staying for the traditional result announcement, which drew criticism from fans and commentators.

MMA Fighting - Sean Sharaf defeated Gable Steveson by landing a quick combination that led to the knockout.

Sean Sharaf achieved a stunning upset in the Octagon by knocking out Gable Steveson just 12 seconds into their fight, marking his first victory after two consecutive losses and bringing his record to five wins and two losses. Following his impressive win, Sharaf plans to use his $100,000 bonus to help his mother retire. During a press conference, he controversially referred to Steveson as "a rapist," alluding to Steveson's past legal issues that were ultimately dropped due to lack of evidence.