UFC Heavyweight Star Predicts Unimpressive Future For Gable Steveson
Sean Sharaf has stated that he is not impressed with what he has seen of Gable Steveson’s game so far.
Gable Steveson made his UFC debut in an emphatic manner. Taking on Elisha Ellison earlier this year, the Olympic gold medalist secured a knockout victory in the very first round of the bout.
Now, looking to climb up the ladder, Steveson is readying to take on his next opponent, Sean Sharaf, but while there's been significant hype around Steveson, Sharaf is seemingly unimpressed with his star-studded opponent.
During the UFC 331 media day, Sharaf was asked if he liked how Steveson goes about his business. Replying in the negative, the UFC heavyweight star touted the Olympic gold medalist as ‘overhyped’ and also predicted that Steveson would be handed his first loss at UFC 331.
Sharaf said, “No, I'm not impressed. Everyone's just all hyped. He's an Olympic gold medalist, but this is fighting. We're gonna fight. …”
He added, “It doesn't bother me at all. I get it. They're gonna push him, they're gonna promote him. I just want the same opportunity to promote myself and tell my story."
Unlike Steveson, Sharaf doesn’t have a shining CV in the UFC. Making his debut on Dana White’s promotion back in 2024, he lost his bout against Junior Tafa. Next up, his second trip inside the octagon ended in disappointment when he lost to Steven Asplund. Thus, the upcoming bout will be a true test of character for the 6’3” star.
Gable Steveson Calls Sean Sharaf ‘Coward’
During the build-up to their fight, Sharaf brought up the troubled past of the Olympic gold medalist. Back in 2019, Steveson was arrested on suspicion of criminal sexual misconduct. While the charges were never filed, Sharaf did call out Steveson as a ‘ra**st.’
Taking significant dislike to the statement, the Olympian told MMA Junkie, “I feel like if guys are going to bring up certain things, it's a coward coming up out of him. It's a guy that's showing up for his own will and to say, 'Hey, I'm a sacrificial lamb.' And that's what he's going to be Saturday, and we will show the world once again that Gable Steveson is going to keep upgrading himself and keep being the best he can possible be."
With a lot going on, it now remains to be seen what happens next.
