LOS ANGELES – Gable Steveson rubbed many the wrong way with his immediate handling of his first MMA loss, but his opponent, Sean Sharaf, chose to give him some grace.
Steveson (4-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) suffered his first professional MMA loss this past Saturday at UFC 331. It was a big shock for the MMA world, as the Olympic gold medalist in wrestling entered the bout as a 24-1 betting favorite, and was knocked out just 12 seconds into the bout by Sharaf (5-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC), who was 0-2 in the UFC and likely fighting for his job.
After the loss, Steveson, who was very dismissive of Sharaf's chances in the build-up, walked out of the octagon before the verdict was read and Sharaf's hand was raised – something not often done in the UFC.
"Yeah, I saw him
leaving, but, you know, I remember I was thinking about this before the fight: I was 4-0, I was undefeated when I had my first loss in the UFC and he just had his first loss. It makes you better. You're going to take a look back, and you can't underestimate people. You can't think you're untouchable and you're going to just run through people. I think he's going to go back. He's going to get better. He's got a hell of a lot of talent, so I'm sure you guys will see him again."
Sharaf made sure to keep cool in the lead-up to the fight. Yes, it was a big career moment, but he didn't want to treat Steveson as an untouchable being – which is why the win didn't shock him the way it did the fanbase.
"No, honestly, it really hasn't because I was just treating this like every other fight," Sharaf said. "Like, I don't put anyone on a pedestal. He has two hands, two legs, and he bleeds red. I guess I shocked the world, but I haven't felt any different. I'm definitely getting more interviews, that's for sure. But that's about it."
Sharaf told the world all week what was going to happen. His plan was to close the distance and connect his big left hand, and that's what he did.
"I told you the game plan was hit, don't get hit, leave with a bag full of cash, man," Sharaf said. "Everyone thought I was joking, but no. I'm just so grateful. I'm so grateful. I prayed so hard. I believed in myself. My team believed in me, and I'm just so happy. I'm so happy for this moment."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Sean Sharaf reacts to upset win over Gable Steveson: 'You can't underestimate people'
