Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson suffered the first defeat of his professional MMA career at UFC 331 on Saturday night, getting knocked out by Sean Sharaf just 12 seconds into their heavyweight bout at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The 12-Second Upset at Crypto.com Arena
The heavyweight clash entered the Octagon with Gable Steveson listed as a massive betting favorite, with sportsbooks placing him as high as a -1800 or -2000 favorite at Draft Kings. His opponent, Sean Sharaf, entered as a +875 underdog searching for his first UFC win after back-to-back knockout losses, stepping into the cage winless in his previous two Octagon appearances and labeled as a heavy underdog.
That disparity evaporated almost immediately after the opening bell. Sharaf pressured the heavyweight prospect against the cage, capitalizing when Steveson dropped his guard to parry a jab during the first exchange. A picture-perfect left hand connected flush, sending Steveson crashing to the canvas. Sharaf landed a few follow-up shots to seal the deal, and referee Frank Trigg stepped in to stop the fight just 12 seconds into the first round.
The finish marks the third-fastest knockout in heavyweight history. For Steveson, the defeat drops his professional record to 4-1 overall and 1-1 inside the promotion, abruptly halting a momentum-building start. Sharaf, known as “The Smoke,” was ecstatic after securing the standout victory of his career, improving his record to 5-2 MMA and 1-2 UFC. Steveson now stands at 4-1 MMA and 1-1 UFC following the all-time upset defeat.
Jon Jones and the Cageside Reaction
Watching closely from the corner was former two-division champion Jon Jones, who has worked closely with Steveson throughout his transition to MMA. Jones has taken Steveson under his wing, serving as his primary coach and mentor since the wrestler joined his New Mexico camp after helping Jones prepare for his 2024 heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic. Jones was in Steveson’s corner for Saturday’s fight alongside Jackson Wink head coach Greg Jackson and Brandon Gibson.
Cameras immediately panned to the veteran fighter as the stoppage unfolded. Jones stood frozen with his mouth wide open, staring blankly toward the canvas before muttering, “Oh my God,” as captured by broadcast footage. The sorrow on the former champ’s face was apparent as Greg Jackson came over and whispered something in his ear. Fortunately, Steveson got up and began talking to his corner and the officials who came to check on him, though he was still visibly stunned by the massive upset.
The viral corner reaction instantly drew heavy attention across social media platforms. Observers noted the raw contrast from earlier in Steveson’s career, as the 26-year-old transitioned to MMA in 2025 on the heels of a decorated amateur wrestling career that saw him capture gold at the 2020 Olympic Games at just 21 years old. Steveson also became a two-time NCAA Division I national champion and two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner, the award given annually to collegiate athletics’ top wrestler.
Pre-Fight Protocol and Fight Week Tension
Tensions between Steveson and Sean Sharaf had been brewing throughout fight week in Los Angeles due to comments exchanged between them. During the buildup, his next opponent made reference to his past at the press conference, prompting the Olympic gold medalist to completely ignore his opponent by turning away from him during their final ceremonial face-off.
Speaking to Sportsnet’s Aaron Bronsteter shortly after the ceremonial weigh-ins, the heavyweight prospect explained why he was advised to do this by one of the greatest fighters of all time.
“It’s just a normal Jon Jones protocol,” Steveson said. “We discussed it before. We want our opponents to earn our respect and Sean hasn’t earned our respect in any aspect of anything. It’s nothing personal, it just has to happen now.”
Gable Steveson, heavyweight prospect
Steveson had previously replicated something seen from “Bones” on September 18, utilizing a plan taken from the former champion. Despite the animosity, Steveson noted that he welcomes the personal stakes brought by opponents as he continues navigating his fighting career.
Immediate Aftermath and Public Scrutiny
Following the bout, frustration spilled over outside of athletic competition. Steveson left the Octagon before Bruce Buffer could officially announce the result, drawing boos from the Los Angeles crowd. Making matters worse for Steveson, he was lambasted by his fellow fighters on social media as cameras followed him leaving the octagon before Sharaf was officially announced as the winner, with one writing he had lost all respect for that dude.
The abrupt setback forces the former collegiate wrestling standout to recalibrate after experiencing high-level combat sports success since capturing gold at the 2020 Olympic Games. With Jones guiding his trajectory, the athletic camp now faces the task of rebuilding the heavyweight prospect following a defeat that left the former champion and the rest of Steveson’s team in crestfallen silence.