Daniel Cormier, Joe Rogan criticize ‘ungrateful loser’ Gable Steveson for behavior after knockout loss at UFC 331

Gable Steveson's undefeated run at heavyweight came to a stunning halt at UFC 331 when Sean Sharaf delivered a devastating left hook just 12 seconds into their bout, dropping the Olympic wrestling gold medalist with a knockout loss. What made the moment more memorable than the upset itself was Steveson's reaction in defeat: after rising from the canvas, the 26-year-old prospect simply walked out of the octagon without congratulating his opponent or remaining for the victory announcement, drawing immediate criticism on social media and from UFC commentary team members Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan.

Cormier, speaking after the fight, stressed the importance of sportsmanship in combat sports, telling Steveson that fighters must "stand there and take your licks" after a loss, regardless of emotion or injury. "You cannot be a great winner but then an ungrateful loser," Cormier said, emphasizing that even crying or showing distress is acceptable—but walking away is not. Rogan, for his part, attributed the upset to overconfidence bred by early hype and favorable odds, suggesting Steveson's flat-footed stance telegraphed his vulnerability to Sharaf's perfectly executed hook.

For context, Sharaf entered the bout with an 0-2 UFC record, making his knockout of the heavily favored Steveson a genuine Cinderella upset. Cormier noted that while he faced different expectations early in his own career, the lesson for Steveson is clear: Olympic credentials and undefeated records earn no automatic respect in the octagon. The loss serves as a harsh reminder that MMA's learning curve is steep, and reputation alone cannot substitute for technique and composure under pressure.