Gable Steveson breaks silence after KO loss at UFC 331, addresses sexual assault allegations
(Courtesy : UFC)
The former Olympic wrestling champion addressed his first professional MMA defeat.
Gable Steveson has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering a shocking knockout loss to Sean Sharaf in the very first minute of Round 1 at UFC 331.
Steveson shared an emotional message on social media, assuring his family, friends, fans and supporters that he intends to bounce back from the defeat.
However, the 26-year-old had a more pressing issue to address, responding to allegations from his college years that resurfaced during fight week.
Gable Steveson addresses sexual assault allegations from college years
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Steveson said the allegations have followed him since his wrestling career and 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.”
He continued by addressing the sexual assault allegation that was brought up by Shraff during UFC 331 fight week and became a topic of discussion in the MMA community.
“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.”
Steveson also said he fully cooperated with law enforcement and a separate Title IX review, adding 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.
Gable Steveson vows to bounce back after UFC 331 loss
Steveson’s future in MMA has become a topic of discussion following the loss. The former wrestling standout, however, made it clear that he does not view the setback as the end of his championship ambitions.
Sharaf stopped Steveson early in their UFC 331 bout, handing him the first defeat of his professional MMA career.
Steveson congratulated his opponent while drawing on his wrestling experience to explain why he believes the setback can fuel his comeback.
“As for my opponent, congratulations, you caught me. A mistake on my end was made. It was your night.”
“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.”
“The result of Saturday night, I believe, will catapult me to do the same. I will be great, and this won’t deny me.”
Steveson has now made his position clear: the UFC 331 loss is a setback, but one he believes can ultimately become another chapter in his pursuit of success.
What did Gable Steveson say after his UFC 331 loss?
Steveson said he was fine after the defeat and vowed to return stronger while addressing allegations from his college years.
Who defeated Gable Steveson at UFC 331?
Sean Sharaf defeated Steveson by knockout, handing him the first loss of his professional MMA career.
What did Steveson say about his future?
Steveson said the defeat would not stop him from pursuing his goals and compared his planned comeback to how he responded to losses during his wrestling career.
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