A Historic Upset in Los Angeles
Gable Steveson suffered his first professional defeat on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, when Sean Sharaf knocked him out just 12 seconds into their UFC 331 main-card bout at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The result stands as the largest betting upset in UFC history. Three days later, Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated wrestlers ever to move into mixed martial arts, broke his silence through social media.[S1]
In his statement, Steveson said he was speaking to family, friends, fans and those who know him as a husband and father to a young daughter. He acknowledged that some people will never support him regardless of what he says or does, calling that their choice. He also addressed the college-era allegation that Sharaf repeatedly referenced during fight week, saying he believed it was raised to get into his head but that it reopened something already addressed years ago.[S1]
Steveson Denies Allegation, Cites Reviews
Steveson stated that he did nothing alleged, was never charged with a crime, and that the matter was ultimately dropped by the District Attorney. He said the allegations were not ignored or brushed aside but were thoroughly and heavily reviewed, and that he fully cooperated with law enforcement, including a separate Title IX review. He added that there were no criminal charges, no conviction and no finding of responsibility against him, that the matter was closed, and that no legal issue involving him remains pending.[S1]
He also said his attorney conducted an independent investigation and stated on the record that even if the law were changed, the outcome would be the same. For context, Steveson and University of Minnesota wrestling teammate Dylan Martinez were arrested in June 2019 on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct after a woman reported being sexually assaulted. Neither man was formally charged. Six months later, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced there was inadequate evidence to fairly charge and prosecute the case, explaining that prosecutors must prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt and acknowledging that Minnesota law at the time restricted how his office could pursue cases involving intoxication and consent.[S1]
Under the statute then in force, a voluntarily intoxicated person did not meet the state's definition of mentally incapacitated. Minnesota lawmakers later amended the law to allow prosecutions involving complainants who became incapacitated through voluntary alcohol consumption, a change critics often called the intoxication loophole. Freeman never said the legal restriction was the sole reason Steveson or Martinez were not charged, nor that changing the law would have produced charges. Steveson's attorney, Christa Groshek, maintained his innocence and argued that a different statute would not have altered the case's outcome. Because no charges were ever filed, the allegation was never adjudicated at trial.[S1]
Loss, Exit and What Comes Next
Turning to the fight, Steveson congratulated his opponent, acknowledged that a mistake on his end was made, and called it Sharaf's night. He compared the setback to losses during his wrestling career, saying he returned with an undeniable will to win and focus that took him to the top of his sport, and predicted Saturday's result would propel him to do the same. He declared that he will be great and that this will not deny him.[S1]
Steveson also drew heavy criticism for immediately leaving the Octagon without congratulating Sharaf or staying for the official result. His coach, former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, later took responsibility for the controversial exit, saying it was his decision to escort his wounded prospect backstage. Steveson, now 26, holds a 4-1 professional record. His physical tools and wrestling resume have not vanished overnight, but after the biggest betting upset in UFC history, the road toward his promised greatness suddenly looks much longer.[S1]
