Gable Steveson entered his second UFC fight as the heavy favorite, but none of that mattered as he was knocked out just 12 seconds into the UFC 331 match at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Sean Sharaf, fighting out of Santa Ana, California, rattled Steveson just seconds into the fight, delivering a left hook to the jaw of the 26-year-old former wrestling standout.
It was the third-fastest victory in the UFC’s heavyweight division, according to the broadcast.
Sharaf was in a state of shock at how quickly the fight ended, soaking in the moment before embracing the crowd reaction.
THAT. JUST. HAPPENED.
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 20, 2026
Sean Sharaf knocks Gable Steveson OUT COLD
📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/LKcjPrwqHd
“I feel amazing, Joe,” Sharaf told Joe Rogan during the
post-fight interview. “I worked so hard. … I want to thank you all so much for your support.”
Steveson did not stay in the ring as Sharaf was announced as the winner and had his hand raised. Fans booed heavily as he exited.
The Los Angeles crowd BOOS Gable Steveson mercilessly as he leaves the arena. 😳 #UFC331 pic.twitter.com/gNJcub5oBG
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) September 20, 2026
Fans had previously made their feelings clear about Steveson, booing him loudly during a public press conference earlier this week.
In June 2019, Steveson was arrested on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct while he was a member of the University of Minnesota wrestling team. He did not face criminal charges after the prosecutor dropped the case.
Steveson falls to 4-1 overall in his MMA career. He had previously earned a knockout victory over Elisha Ellison in the first round at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sean Sharaf shocks Gable Steveson with KO win in just 12 seconds at UFC 331
