“What Am I Doing It For?” Sean Sharaf Questions Future After Gable Steveson Upset
Sean Sharaf questions his UFC future after stunning Gable Steveson with a 12-second knockout at UFC 331.
Sean Sharaf has stunned the MMA world with his 12-second knockout of heavily-favored Gable Steveson during UFC 331. However, instead of celebrating his first UFC victory and possibly setting up a huge rematch, the heavyweight is questioning if he has anything more left to prove in the Octagon.
The 0-2 fighter in the Octagon had the odds stacked against him as he took on one of the most highly touted upcoming heavyweights in the promotion. All it took was one left hook for Sharaf to secure the biggest win of his career and one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history.
Sean Sharaf Questions What Comes Next
The win dramatically shifted Sharaf's position in the UFC, making him more prominent. However, the popularity and attention of the upset also caused him to reconsider if he could ever recreate such a monumental achievement.
Speaking of the controversy and perception around his victory being just a lucky punch, he pondered continuing his fighting career and whether chasing another major achievement would be worth it.
Sean Sharaf look thoughtfully for retirement after massive UFC 331 upset over Gable Steveson
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 1, 2026
"Everyone's making it seem like this was just a fucking lucky punch, one shot... Can I beat that? Like, do I... leave the table when you're up, that's what they say... What am I doing it… pic.twitter.com/8fUP20lkuz
"Everyone's making it seem like this was just a f****** lucky punch, one shot... Can I beat that? Like, do I... leave the table when you're up? That's what they say... What am I doing it for? Just f****** for more money? For a belt? Like, what... what am I doing it for?"
Sharaf's comments suggest that he is weighing whether another UFC run could match the significance of his victory over Steveson.
Sharaf's UFC Journey Takes An Unexpected Turn
Long before UFC 331, Sharaf had been struggling to find his footing inside the promotion. The former U.S. Marine was stopped by consecutive fights against Junior Tafa and Steven Asplund, leaving him searching for his first UFC victory.
However, against Steveson, Sharaf needed just 12 seconds to turn his fortunes around. The 33-year-old landed a clean left hook and followed up with several punches, eventually defeating Steveson for the first time in his professional MMA career.
Sharaf has since said that the aftermath has been pretty overwhelming. As of now, he is not announcing his next opponent, but is rather looking at whether this was the biggest fight of his career or the end of it.
