Gable Steveson responds to sexual assault allegations in first statement since knockout loss at UFC 331

Gable Steveson addressed the aftermath of his stunning 12-second knockout loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 this past weekend, issuing a formal statement that focused primarily on responding to sexual assault allegations from his college years rather than the devastating defeat itself.

Sharaf had repeatedly called Steveson a "rapist" and "loophole" in the days leading up to their fight, resurrecting allegations from 2019 when Steveson was arrested on sexual misconduct charges while competing at the University of Minnesota. The charges were eventually dropped due to inadequate evidence, and Steveson was released without facing criminal penalty. In his statement, Steveson emphasized that he was never charged with a crime, that the matter was thoroughly reviewed including a separate Title IX investigation, and that he maintained his innocence throughout.

"I did not do anything alleged," Steveson wrote in the prepared statement, adding that his own attorney conducted an independent investigation and concluded he would face the same outcome even under changed laws. He acknowledged the seriousness of such allegations while asserting that the case had been closed with no pending legal issues.

Regarding his UFC loss, Steveson offered brief acknowledgment, stating "you caught me" and crediting a mistake on his part. He drew parallels to his wrestling career, expressing confidence that the defeat would fuel his comeback with the same determination that carried him to Olympic gold in 2020. After the knockout, Steveson exited the octagon quickly without congratulating Sharaf; Jon Jones, his mentor and former two-division UFC champion, later explained that the quick exit was to ensure Steveson received immediate medical attention.