From Jon Jones to Dana White, MMA World Reacts to Sean Sharaf Shocking Gable Steveson

One of the night's biggest suprises was the knockout recorded by Sean Sharaf against the previously-unbeaten Gable Steveson. The reactions were almost immediate. From Jon Jones and Dana White to some of the biggest names in MMA, fighters and personalities had plenty to say after "The Smoke" pulled off one of the year’s most stunning upsets. 

Asked about the result, the UFC CEO chose to focus on the very thing that makes the sport so difficult to predict - “Anything is possible, man. Anything is possible when two guys get in there and start fighting. That’s why people always ask me, ‘Oh, what do you think, is this guy going to fight this guy after Saturday?’ Let’s see what happens on Saturday.”

Gable Steveson Leaves Octagon Before Official Decision

While Sharaf’s 12-second finish was shocking enough, what happened afterward also caught plenty of attention. After doctors attended to Steveson, the 26-year-old left the cage with Jones alongside him as the crowd rained down boos well before the result was announced.

White was asked about the moment as well. Rather than make too much of Steveson’s reaction, the UFC boss offered a simple reminder that even the biggest prospects can have nights like this, adding a touch of humor with a reference to Forrest Griffin.

“Obviously, he had huge expectations on himself. It happens. These things happen.” 

What was hard to ignore was the look of dismay painted on Jones’ face. The UFC legend had been in Steveson’s corner throughout his transition into MMA, making the knockout hit a little different for someone who had invested so much time in the young heavyweight.

Moments after the referee stepped in, Jones exchanged a stunned look with longtime coach Greg Jackson. There was no need for words. Steveson had arrived in the UFC with Olympic credentials, plenty of hype, and Jones himself helping guide his development. Twelve seconds later, all of that momentum had vanished.

Demetrious Johnson Left Stunned

Perhaps Demetrious Johnson’s live reaction captured the madness of the moment better than anyone. "Mighty Mouse" was on commentary on his channel when the former Marine sent Steveson crashing to the canvas, and even he struggled to process what he had just witnessed.

“The guy on a two-fight losing streak… OHHHHHH, sh*t, wowww! Good for you. It’s a crazy sport, boys. It’s truly a crazy sport, undefeated Olympic medalist gets slept under 30 seconds!!!”

Reigning UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland, on the other hand, heaped praise on Sharaf. Noting down his thoughts on social media, he tweeted, "MY MAN!!!!! BRO LETS F**KING GO!!!! Sean Sharaf legend." 

"He’ll Be Back Soon" - Steveson’s Manager Breaks Silence After UFC 331 Loss 

From Steveson’s standpoint, the night could hardly have gone worse. He was knocked out in just 12 seconds, walked out of the cage to a chorus of boos, and watched the hype surrounding his UFC arrival disappear in the blink of an eye.

His manager, Abraham Kawa, isn't letting one brutal night define what comes next. In a message of support to his fighter and his followers, Kawa acknowledged everything that came with the loss while reminding his fighter that none of it has to be the end of the story.

“It's ok that Gable got caught. It's ok that he was booed. It's ok his opponent talked shit. It's ok that the world is kicking him when down. It's the life he chose.”

His message also had a reminder that even some of MMA's greatest names have experienced the same harsh reality. Kawa pointed to Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, Demetrious Johnson, Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier, and Jose Aldo, all fighters who have tasted defeat before going on to build 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!”