Heavy favorite Gable Steveson enters the second fight of his UFC career facing intense fan backlash and controversy, according to recent reporting leading up to UFC 331 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. While the 26-year-old heavyweight prospect boasts an undefeated mixed martial arts record featuring four straight knockouts, his transition to the organization has reignited scrutiny over a 2019 criminal sexual conduct investigation from his time at the University of Minnesota where he ultimately faced no criminal charges.
Fan Backlash and Press Conference Confrontation Ahead of UFC 331
During a public press conference promoting the event, fans at the Crypto.com Arena loudly booed Steveson, according to event coverage. His upcoming opponent, Sean Sharaf, called Steveson a “rapist” from the stage while members of the audience echoed the accusation. Steveson smiled through the exchange and later flipped off the booing crowd as he walked off stage.
Sharaf, a former U.S. In June 2019, Steveson and a teammate were arrested on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct; five months later, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced that Steveson and the other wrestler would not face criminal charges due to inadequate evidence, pointing at the time to state laws regarding voluntary alcohol consumption by alleged victims. Minnesota lawmakers subsequently closed the statute loophole in 2021.
UFC Promotion and Fighter Comparisons
The UFC signed Steveson in April, introducing him during a Paramount+ livestream at UFC 327 where cameras showed him seated next to legendary fighter Jon Jones, who serves as his mentor. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 240 pounds, Steveson entered his debut against Elisha Ellison on the preliminary card, where he secured a knockout win cheered by the audience.
According to event schedules, Steveson’s matchup against Sharaf was originally slated for the prelims before being moved to the main card following a cancellation. Sharaf posted on Instagram to question promotional access, writing that content creator Nina-Marie Danielle—known as Nina Drama—did multiple collaborations with Steveson while ignoring him. “Guess Marines aren’t worthy of interviews just rapists,” Sharaf wrote on Instagram.
Transition From Olympic Wrestling to Professional Combat Sports
Steveson first rose to national prominence at the Tokyo Olympics, where at age 21 he became the youngest freestyle wrestler to win the super heavyweight division via a last-second victory over Geno Petriashvili of Georgia. His hometown of Apple Valley, Minnesota subsequently declared a Gable Steveson Day, and the athlete soon signed a multi-year deal with the WWE.
During his stint in professional wrestling, Steveson debuted in 2023 against Baron Corbin but faced heavy boos from crowds, with fans chanting comparisons to Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, according to the Minnesota Star and the Star Tribune. The WWE ultimately released Steveson in 2024 before he transitioned to mixed martial arts.
“It’s fun. It’s a big stage. So many cool people watching,” Steveson told Joe Rogan inside the Octagon following his debut win over Ellison. “I’m a great athlete. I’m a great person. I go out there and do special things, as you can see.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Gable Steveson fighting at UFC 331?
Gable Steveson fights Sean Sharaf on the main card of UFC 331 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Did Gable Steveson face criminal charges in 2019?
What is Gable Steveson’s MMA record?
Steveson enters his second official fight with a 4-0 record in mixed martial arts, having secured four straight knockouts.
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