Abe Kawa defends Gable Steveson after 12-second KO loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331
Gable Steveson’s manager, Abe Kawa, publicly defended the heavyweight prospect after Steveson was knocked out by Sean Sharaf in 12 seconds at UFC 331 when Sharaf landed a left hook that ended the contest.
Steveson entered the fight with significant expectations, but the defeat was the first MMA loss of his career, leaving him 4-1. It was also his first loss in any active competition since Wyatt Hendrickson beat him in the NCAA finals in March 2025.
Kawa addressed criticism in a lengthy Instagram post, asking for patience and writing: “It’s ok that Gable got caught. It’s ok that he was booed. It’s ok his opponent talked ****. It’s ok that the world is kicking him when down. It’s the life he chose.“ He then cited other fighters in the post, writing: “Islam got clipped. Arman has lost. DJ has lost. Gsp lost. Dc lost. Jose Aldo lost. All went on to have absolutely legendary careers. We stand by our guy. He will be back real soon and he will be great!” A post shared by Ibrahim Kawa (@abrahamkawa) accompanied the message.
The knockout and its aftermath drew debate after Steveson regained consciousness and left the Octagon before the official decision was read. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier criticised that action, calling him “an ungrateful loser” and saying: "You let that man get his hand raised, and you stand there no matter how you feel… You cannot be a great winner, but then an ungrateful loser." Cormier also acknowledged he had cried in that same spot during his career.
UFC president Dana White offered a more sympathetic view, saying he was not particularly surprised by Steveson’s reaction and noting the enormous expectations placed on the prospect. White referenced Forrest Griffin leaving the Octagon after his trilogy fight with Tito Ortiz at UFC 148 in 2012 and said, “These things happen.”
Sharaf remained respectful after the win; the victory was his first in the Octagon following two consecutive knockout losses and moved his record to 5-2. He said he saw Steveson leaving the cage but recalled experiencing his own first UFC loss when he was 4-0 and suggested setbacks can be formative, adding: “He’s got a hell of a lot of talent,” and that fans will see Steveson back in the Octagon.
Steveson could now take the remainder of 2026 away from competition before potentially returning in 2027, and a less dangerous matchup was suggested as a way for the heavyweight to rebuild and address areas of his game that need improvement.