Sean Sharaf knew Gable Steveson was looking past him before UFC 331

Sean Sharaf upset favored heavyweight Gable Steveson with a 12-second knockout at UFC 331, and has since revealed he spotted warning signs that the Olympic wrestler was overlooking him.

Sharaf (5–2) was a severe underdog entering the bout against the highly touted Steveson (4–1). The fight ended in stunning fashion when Sharaf caught Steveson early and cold, in what ranks among the quickest upsets in UFC history. In recent comments, Sharaf explained how he recognized Steveson's overconfidence weeks before they stepped into the octagon.

Sharaf told TMZ Sports that Steveson competed in a Real American Freestyle wrestling match at RAF 12 less than a month before their UFC fight—while simultaneously in fight camp preparing for their showdown. That decision to compete in another combat sport so close to their bout convinced Sharaf that Steveson was underestimating the matchup.

"He did a wrestling match like the month prior, and that's when I knew," Sharaf explained. "He's in fight camp and he's going to do another event."

For Sharaf, the bout represented a last stand. He entered on a two-fight knockout skid and was widely dismissed as a stepping stone for Steveson's rise. Critics and even Steveson himself had labeled him a sacrificial lamb. That disrespect fueled Sharaf's resolve.

"I was on the chopping block," Sharaf said. "I signed up for this. I signed the contract. I am definitely going to show up on fight night and I'm definitely here to f*cking win."

Sharaf concluded by stressing a core MMA lesson: never underestimate any opponent at the sport's highest level, regardless of credentials or hype. In the octagon, he noted, every fighter possesses the tools to land a fight-changing blow.