Gable Steveson breaks silence after UFC 331 first-minute KO, addresses sexual assault allegation
Gable Steveson has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering a knockout loss to Sean Sharaf in the very first minute of Round 1 at UFC 331 and used the appearance to address a sexual assault allegation that resurfaced during fight week.
The 26-year-old posted an emotional message on social media aimed at his family, friends, fans and supporters, saying he intends to bounce back from the defeat while also responding to an incident from his college years that he said had followed him since his wrestling career. He said the matter was raised during fight week and that he felt it was time to explain his position directly.
"This statement is for my family, my friends, my fans, and the people who truly know me and know the kind of man I am. I know there are people who will never support me, no matter what I say or do. That’s their choice. But I’m speaking to the people who know me not just as an athlete, but as a husband and a father to a young daughter," Steveson wrote.
He added that the allegation had been addressed previously and set out his account of official reviews: "Prior to and during fight week, an incident from my college years was brought up by my opponent. I believe it was raised to get in my head, but it also reopened something that has been addressed years ago." "I want to be clear: I did not do anything alleged. I was never charged with a crime, and the matter was ultimately dropped by the district attorney." The post said he fully cooperated with law enforcement and a separate Title IX review and that there were no criminal charges, conviction, or finding of responsibility against him. "The matter was closed, and there is no pending legal issue involving me," Steveson said.
Steveson also addressed the fight itself, congratulating his opponent after the early stoppage: "As for my opponent, congratulations, you caught me. A mistake on my end was made. It was your night." The knockout at UFC 331 handed Steveson the first defeat of his professional MMA career after Sharaf stopped him early in their bout.
Drawing on his wrestling background, Steveson framed the loss as a potential catalyst for a comeback, saying, "Just like my wrestling days after my loss, I came back with an undeniable will to win and focus that led me to the top of my sport." He added, "The result of Saturday night, I believe, will catapult me to do the same. I will be great, and this won’t deny me." He said he was fine after the defeat and vowed to return stronger.
Steveson said the UFC 331 loss is a setback but insisted it will not end his pursuit of success, and his future in MMA has become a topic of discussion following the defeat.