Gable Steveson, the celebrated Olympic gold medalist and former WWE wrestler, faced a shocking 12-second knockout defeat to Sean Sharaf on Saturday night in Los Angeles. Steveson’s choice to leave the Octagon before Sharaf was officially declared the winner drew sharp criticism from UFC Hall of Famer and commentator Daniel Cormier, though UFC CEO Dana White offered a defense of the young fighter’s actions.
Upon Steveson’s early departure from the Octagon, the crowd at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena responded with boos (h/t MMA Junkie). During the UFC 331 post-fight broadcast, Cormier strongly condemned Steveson’s behavior, highlighting the importance of showing respect to an opponent’s victorious moment regardless of personal emotions. “You stand there, and you take your lick whenever you lose,” Cormier stated. “You let that man get his hand raised, and you stand there no matter how you feel.”
Cormier acknowledged that the aftermath of a brutal loss can be overwhelming, even for seasoned athletes, admitting he himself has cried after tough defeats. However, he stressed that such emotions do not justify disrespecting the sport’s etiquette. “You cannot be a great winner, but then an ungrateful loser,” Cormier remarked, marking Steveson’s conduct as disappointing.
In contrast, Dana White took a more understanding approach at the post-fight press conference. While recognizing that Steveson’s abrupt exit was unusual, White pointed out that unpredictable moments are part and parcel of combat sports. “Anything is possible when two guys get in there and start fighting,” he said, emphasizing the uncertainty of fight outcomes.
White attributed Steveson’s reaction to the heavy pressure the young fighter placed on himself, especially considering this was his first professional loss after an undefeated streak. The UFC boss recalled a similar incident involving Forrest Griffin at UFC 148 in 2012, where Griffin ran out of the Octagon after winning, reinforcing that such incidents happen. “Forrest Griffin f—ing ran out of the Octagon when he won the fight,” White explained. “These things happen.”
The defeat was a major upset, as Steveson entered the fight as the heavy betting favorite. Sharaf seized an early opportunity to hand Steveson his first professional loss, rapidly turning the narrative that Steveson was poised to become the UFC’s next heavyweight star on its head. Beyond the physical setback, Steveson now faces mental hurdles from public criticism—including from figures like Cormier—and from fans, alongside opponents who bring up past controversies such as his 2019 arrest.
Despite the backlash, White’s support signals that the UFC remains invested in Steveson’s future. The organization has heavily promoted him as a potential superstar, and White’s defense suggests confidence in his ability to bounce back and thrive in MMA.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section.
Fan Take: This dramatic upset and the heated debate over sportsmanship highlight how unpredictable and emotionally charged MMA can be, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. How Steveson rebounds from this experience could redefine his career and influence the heavyweight division’s competitive landscape.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
