Sharaf Ends Steveson in 12 Seconds at UFC 331
Sean Sharaf shockingly ended Gable Steveson’s undefeated run with a 12-second knockout at UFC 331, a performance he later celebrated by channeling Nate Diaz’s iconic post-victory rhetoric in front of the crowd.
According to GN sports/mma (en-US), Sean Sharaf delivered a memorable post-fight moment by invoking Nate Diaz’s famous 'I'm not surprised' catchphrase during his ring interview, adding a layer of theatrical flair to his historic 12-second knockout.
Source: MMA SuckaGN sports/mma (en-US) reports that the bout was elevated to the main card after Brian Ortega withdrew, and notes that Sharaf avoids a potential release from the UFC by securing this victory, which may now be labeled the 'Upset of the Year.'
Source: Sports IllustratedYahoo Sports confirms the knockout was delivered by a left hook after Steveson briefly attempted to grapple, noting that the Minnesota wrestling legend entered the fight as a significant betting underdog. The report also highlights Sharaf's pre-fight confrontation at the weigh-ins, where he pressed Steveson regarding a past sexual assault allegation that was ultimately dropped.
Source: Yahoo SportsGN sports/mma (en-US) reports that Sean Sharaf, a former Marine and 12-to-1 underdog, described the knockout as a deliberate effort to seize the hype surrounding his opponent, while also highlighting victories by local fighters Edmen Shahbazyan and Marlon Vera on the same card.
Source: Press TelegramYahoo Sports confirms the knockout occurred just 12 seconds into the first round, noting that Sharaf's left hand sent the -2000 favorite crashing to the canvas before he could land follow-up shots. The report also highlights that Steveson was training under Jon Jones and had been viewed as a fast-track contender for a heavyweight title shot prior to this loss.
Source: Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports reports that this shocker stands as the biggest betting upset in DraftKings' history and the third-fastest stoppage in UFC heavyweight records. The report also highlights that Sharaf had been winless in his last two Octagon fights, while Steveson, mentored by Jon Jones, walked off the canvas under his own power.
Source: Yahoo SportsAccording to Yahoo Sports, the knockout was delivered by a devastating left hook that landed on Sharaf's second punch, forcing referee Frank Trigg to intervene immediately. The report notes that Steveson was his second punch was the only one Sharaf needed to end the fight, with the Olympic champion crumpling to the canvas instantly.
Source: Yahoo SportsGN sports/mma (en-US) confirms that Sharaf, a U.S. Marine veteran with a 0-2 UFC record, landed a career-altering left hook to secure this historic upset against the -2000 favorite. The report highlights that Sharaf had been pushing back against the odds during fight week, stating he was not surprised by the result.
Source: yahoo.comYahoo Sports reports that Steveson faced a hostile reception from the Crypto.com Arena crowd, who booed him for exiting the cage before the official decision was read. The outlet also highlighted the full UFC 331 results card, noting other early knockouts by Ryan Gandra and Joanderson Brito alongside the main event shock.
Source: Yahoo SportsGN sports/mma (en-US) confirms the knockout blow was a left hook that snapped Steveson's head, with referee Frank Trigg intervening immediately after the 12-second stoppage. Sharaf responded to the shock victory by declaring he felt amazing and that he had simply to believe in his own power.
Source: MMA FightingA single left hand snapped the night in half. Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist and favorite, dropped before the crowd could even settle into their seats.
Source: yahoo.com
