Gable Steven releases statement following his stunning knockout loss at UFC 331, addressing both the defeat and the resurfacing of past allegations that dominated fight week.
Steven entered UFC 331 as one of the biggest betting favorites in UFC history. However, the Olympic gold medalist suffered the first loss of his professional MMA career when Sean Sharaf knocked him out just 12 seconds into the opening round.
The defeat shocked the MMA world and immediately sparked criticism, especially after Steven left the Octagon before the official result was announced and before Sharaf had his hand raised. UFC commentators Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier were among those who questioned his decision to exit so quickly.
Days after the setback, Steven releases statement for the first time, addressing both the loss and the sexual assault allegations from his college years that Sharaf repeatedly referenced during fight week.
“This statement is for my family, my friends, my fans and the people who truly know me and know the kind of man I am,” Steveson wrote. “I know there are people who will never support me, no matter what I say or do. That’s their choice. But I’m speaking to the people who know me not just as an athlete, but as a husband and a father to a young daughter.
“Prior to and during fight week, an incident from my college years was brought up by my opponent. I believe it was raised to get in my head. But it also reopened something that had been addressed years ago.
“I want to be clear: I did not do anything alleged. I was never charged with a crime, and the matter was ultimately dropped by the district attorney. The allegations were not ignored nor brushed aside. They were thoroughly reviewed as I fully cooperated with law enforcement, including a separate Title IX review.
“There were no criminal charges, no conviction and no finding of responsibility against me. The matter was closed, and there is no pending legal issue involving me. My own attorney conducted an investigation and stated on the record that even if the law was changed, I would have the same outcome, which now speaks for itself.”
While much of the statement focused on the allegations, Steven also reflected on the loss to Sharaf and vowed to return stronger.
“I understand how serious allegations like this are, and I understand that people may have questions when they hear only part of a story,” Steven said. “Moving forward, I am going to keep focusing on my wife, my daughter, my family and the work in front of me.
“To the people who support me, thank you. I know who I am. My family knows who I am. The people who have walked with me through life know who I am. That’s what matters to me, and that’s where I’m going to keep my focus.”
Steven also offered congratulations to Sharaf, admitting he made a costly mistake inside the cage.
“As for my opponent, congratulations, you caught me. A mistake on my end was made. It was your night,” Steven said. “Just like my wrestling days after a loss, I came back with an undeniable will to win and focus that led me to the top of my sport.
“I will be great, and this won’t deny me.”
The loss marked a stunning setback for one of the most decorated wrestling prospects ever to transition into MMA. Before UFC 331, Steven had built a perfect 4-0 record with four first-round finishes and was widely viewed as a future heavyweight title contender.
