Gable Steveson, who transitioned from collegiate wrestling to WWE before trying his hand at football and now mixed martial arts, signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC earlier this year. After a victorious debut, Steveson’s second UFC bout ended abruptly when he was knocked out in just 12 seconds by Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 in Los Angeles on September 19. Sharaf, having lost his previous two fights and entering as a heavy underdog, stunned the audience with a swift left hook that ended the match instantly, marking one of the most surprising upsets in UFC history. For his shocking win, Sharaf received a $100,000 “Proper Chaos” bonus from UFC President Dana White.
The fight attracted significant media attention, partly due to comments made by Sharaf during the UFC 331 press conference, where he referenced Steveson’s 2019 legal issues involving allegations of sexual assault in Minnesota—an accusation that did not lead to charges because of a then-existing loophole in state laws regarding intoxicated victims. Despite this controversy, Steveson’s release from WWE in 2024 was reportedly due to his inability to connect with fans, lack of in-ring improvement, and a contract that WWE felt was no longer justified, according to Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer.
Fan Take: This knockout loss highlights the unpredictable nature of MMA and the challenges even talented athletes like Steveson face when switching sports. For fight fans, it’s a reminder that success in one combat arena doesn’t guarantee dominance in another, making every UFC event an exciting proving ground for rising contenders and seasoned veterans alike.
Source: www.wrestlinginc.com
