Gable Steveson addresses assault allegations after UFC 331 knockout loss

The Olympic wrestling champion released his first statement since being stopped by Sean Sharaf, denying allegations raised during fight week.

Gable Steveson issued a prepared statement on Tuesday, his first public comments since being knocked out in 12 seconds by Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 this past Saturday.

Rather than dwell on the loss, the 2020 Olympic wrestling gold medalist primarily addressed sexual assault allegations dating to his time at the University of Minnesota. Sharaf had repeatedly referred to Steveson as a rapist in the buildup to their fight.

Steveson was arrested in 2019 on sexual misconduct charges. He has consistently denied wrongdoing, and the charges were dropped for inadequate evidence, leaving him without any criminal penalty.

In his statement, Steveson said he did not do anything alleged, was never charged with a crime, and fully cooperated with law enforcement and a separate Title IX review. He said there was no conviction, no finding of responsibility, and no pending legal issue.

Steveson also congratulated Sharaf, calling the defeat a mistake on his end, and said that just as he rebounded from losses in wrestling, he believes the result will push him toward the top of MMA.

After the knockout, Steveson left the octagon quickly without congratulating Sharaf. Former two-division champion Jon Jones said he made that call to get his protégé immediate medical attention.