Gable Steveson Puts 2019 Sexual Assault Case to Rest After It Resurfaces at UFC 331: “I Was Never Charged”

In the UFC, there have been many fighters who have been accused of different things. From legal problems to serious crimes, the sport has seen many such cases over the years. Recently, Gable Steveson faced a lot of headlines and opinions ahead of his UFC 331 fight. After his June 2019 arrest on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct, many fans discussed the case, and his opponent, Sean Sharaf, also brought it up during fight week.

Steveson chose not to address the matter at the time, but a few days after his loss, he shared a statement addressing both the loss and the now-closed college case.

Gable Steveson Finally Addresses His Closed College Case

After his 12-second knockout loss, Steveson spoke about the issue from his college days that was brought up before the fight. He said the matter was looked into years ago and that he was never charged or found guilty. He said the case was closed and there is no legal case against him now.

In his words, “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.”

Additionally, Steveson also said he wants to focus on his wife, daughter, family, and MMA career. He also congratulated Sharaf and admitted that he made a mistake in the fight. The Olympic gold medalist said he will learn from the loss and come back stronger.

He said, “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.”

Jon Jones Takes the Blame After Gable Steveson Didn’t Stay Back Following His Loss

The college case wasn’t the only thing Steveson faced backlash for. For those who don’t know, he quickly got out of the cage after his loss and didn’t wait for Bruce Buffer to announce it, which made many, including former UFC champion Daniel Cormier, ridicule him for not showing sportsmanship. Meanwhile, Jones said it was his decision to take him back after his knockout loss.

“Honestly it was the first time in this situation for me and my instant reaction was to get my friend to the back to make sure he was ok. Gable’s work ethic and will to win is there and I stand by him and believe he will go on to be one of the best heavyweights in the ufc. He will be back I’m sure of it,” Jones stated.

Indeed, after everything that has happened, it will be a challenging road for him to return and bounce back with a win.