UFC news: Gable Steveson breaks silence on 12-second knockout loss

On Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, former Olympian and WWE star Gable Steveson faced off against Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 . However, their match finished even before it properly started. Competing in his second-ever UFC fight, Steveson suffered a humiliating knockout loss against Sharaf.

Sharaf knocked out Steveson just 12 seconds into the first round. It marked Steveson's first loss in professional MMA , taking his win-loss record to 4-1. Before this loss, Steveson had won his first three fights against Braden Peterson, Kevin Hein, Hugo Lezama, and Elisha Ellison.

Following the loss, Steveson became a topic of conversation on the internet and a victim of severe social media backlash and trolling. Now, days after his loss, Steveson has broken his silence .

Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

"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. 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," he shared.

Steveson also addressed the sexual assault allegations from a 2019 incident in his college years that resurfaced ahead of the fight. He claimed that it was raised to get into his head. He made it clear that he did not do any of the alleged things and was never charged with a crime as well.

"The allegations were not ignored nor brushed aside. They were thoroughly and heavily 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 did their own investigation and stated on the record that even if the law was changed, I would have the same outcome, which now speaks for itself," he added.

He also commented on how serioes allegations like these are. However, moving forward, he wants to stay focused on his wife, daughter, and his family. "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.

"As for my opponent, congratulations. You caught me. A mistake on my end was made. It was your night. Just like my wrestling days after my loss, I came back with an undeniable will to win and focus that led me to the top of my sport. The result of Saturday night, I believe, will catapult me to do the same. I will be great, and this won't deny me," Steveson finished.

Steveson is a 2020 U.S. Olympic wrestling gold medalist and two-time NCAA Division I national champion, a former WWE Superstar , and a member of the NFL's Buffalo Bills.