Gable Steveson had opened up on his stunning UFC 331 knockout loss.
Steveson fought Sean Sharaf on the main card of UFC 331 in a fight the Olympic gold medalist was the biggest betting favorite in UFC history. However, Steveson suffered a stunning KO loss in just 12 seconds for his first professional loss.
After the loss, Steveson immediately left the Octagon and didn’t stay for Sharaf to have his hand raised. Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier criticized him for it. Now, days after the defeat, Steveson finally addressed the loss and also brought up the sexual assault allegations that Sharaf mentioned at the press conference.
GABLE STEVESON ISSUES STATEMENT AFTER UFC 331
“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.
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 had 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. The allegations were not ignored nor brushed aside. They were thoroughly and heavily reviewed as I fully cooperated with law enforcement, including a separate Title IX review.
There were no criminal charges, no conviction, and no finding of responsibility against me. The matter was closed, and there is no pending legal issue involving me. My own attorney did their own investigation and stated on the record that even if the law was changed, I would have the same outcome, which now speaks for itself.
‘I WILL BE GREAT, AND THIS WON’T DENY ME’
I understand how serious allegations like this are. And I understand that people may have questions when they hear only part of a story. Moving forward, I am going to keep focusing on my wife, my daughter, my family, and the work in front of me. To the people who support me, thank you. I know who I am. my family knows who I am. The people who have walked with me through life know who I am. That’s what matters to me, and that’s where I’m going to keep my focus.
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.”
- Cole Shelton
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