Steveson enters with enormous hype after transitioning from Olympic wrestling to MMA. Although many expected him to rely heavily on takedowns, he has showcased explosive striking and has finished every professional opponent inside the first round. His UFC debut against Elisha Ellison further strengthened the belief that he could become a future heavyweight contender.
Sharaf possesses the power to make things interesting, but his recent UFC performances have exposed defensive issues. Both Junior Tafa and Steven Asplund stopped him, and now he faces arguably the most athletic heavyweight prospect in the division.
Gable Steveson
Last 3 Bouts
Win. Elisha Ellison – KO/TKO
Win. Hugo Lezama – TKO
Win. Kevin Hein – KO
Strengths
Olympic gold medal-winning wrestling credentials
Elite athleticism and explosiveness
Four first-round finishes in four professional wins
Excellent top control and physical strength
Fast hands for a heavyweight
Trains at a high-level camp with elite fighters
Unbeaten professional record
Weaknesses
Limited MMA experience
Has never fought beyond the first round
Still developing defensive striking habits
Unproven against top-level UFC competition
Has yet to face adversity inside the cage
Keys to Victory
Use wrestling to dictate where the fight takes place
Close distance quickly
Avoid unnecessary striking exchanges early
Force Sharaf to defend takedowns
Maintain pressure from the opening bell
Capitalize on his athletic advantages
Sean Sharaf
Last 3 Bouts
Lose. Steven Asplund – TKO
Lose. Junior Tafa – TKO
Win. Anselm Asplund – KO/TKO
Strengths
Heavy punching power
Finishing ability
Larger frame and reach advantage
Experience training at Xtreme Couture
Aggressive offensive style
Dangerous in early exchanges
Weaknesses
Two-fight losing streak
Defensive striking concerns
Limited grappling résumé
Has been stopped in both UFC defeats
Vulnerable when pressured backward
Struggles against superior athletes
Keys to Victory
Keep the fight standing
Use his reach advantage
Force Steveson into a striking battle
Make Steveson work beyond the first round
Defend early takedown attempts
Capitalize on any inexperience from the Olympic wrestler
Odds
Gable Steveson -2100
Sean Sharaf +1100
