Gable Steveson's manager addresses horrific KO loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331
(Courtesy :Â UFC)
Abe Kawa defends Gable Steveson after stunning 12-second knockout.
Gable Steveson’s manager, Abe Kawa, has defended his client following the heavyweight prospect’s shocking 12-second knockout loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331.
Steveson entered the bout with significant expectations, but Sharaf landed a left hook that immediately ended the contest. The defeat marked the first MMA loss of Steveson’s career.
Kawa addressed the criticism surrounding Steveson in a lengthy Instagram post, calling for patience while reminding fans that elite fighters have also suffered difficult defeats during their careers.
“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.“
Kawa then pointed to several former champions and legends who experienced defeats before going on to establish remarkable careers.
“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!”
The defeat was not only Steveson’s first MMA loss, but also his first defeat in any active competition since Wyatt Hendrickson beat him in the NCAA finals in March 2025.
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The aftermath of the knockout generated additional discussion after Steveson regained consciousness and left the Octagon before the official decision could be read.
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier criticized Steveson’s actions, calling him an “ungrateful loser.” Cormier argued that fighters should remain in the Octagon following a defeat and allow the winner to enjoy the moment, even after suffering a concussion.
Cormier also acknowledged that he had experienced the emotions of defeat himself, saying he had cried in that same spot during his career.
Dana White offered a more understanding perspective. Asked about Steveson’s reaction at the UFC 331 press conference, the UFC CEO said he was not particularly surprised by what happened.
White pointed to the enormous expectations surrounding Steveson and recalled Forrest Griffin leaving the Octagon after his trilogy fight with Tito Ortiz at UFC 148 in 2012. “These things happen,” White said.
Sharaf, meanwhile, remained respectful despite the heated buildup to the fight. The victory was his first in the Octagon after two consecutive knockout losses and moved his record to 5-2.
Sharaf said he saw Steveson leaving the cage, but was focused on his own experience of suffering his first UFC loss when he was 4-0. He suggested that defeats can ultimately make fighters better.
“He’s got a hell of a lot of talent,” Sharaf said, adding 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. A less dangerous matchup could give the highly touted heavyweight an opportunity to rebuild and address the areas of his game that need improvement.
Who knocked out Gable Steveson at UFC 331?
Sean Sharaf knocked out Steveson with a left hook after just 12 seconds in the very first round of their contest.
Was UFC 331 Gable Steveson’s first MMA loss?
Yes, it was the first defeat of Steveson’s MMA career; he is now 4-1.
What did Abe Kawa say about Steveson’s loss?
Kawa defended Steveson and pointed to several elite fighters who suffered losses before going on to have legendary careers.
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