Sean Sharaf reacts to massive upset win over Gable Steveson at UFC 331, reveals what happened in post-fight interaction

Sean Sharaf pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history at UFC 331, knocking out Olympic gold medalist and rising prospect Gable Steveson in just 12 seconds with a devastating left hook.

Coming into the fight at 0-2 in the UFC, Sharaf was expected to serve as a stepping stone for Steveson, who entered as one of the sport's hottest prospects. The 33-year-old veteran, however, had other plans. "I think when your back's against the wall and you're on the chopping block at 0-2 and you're going against the hottest prospect in MMA history, you're either going to take that leap of faith or you're going to fail," Sharaf told MMA Fighting after his victory. "I just completely surrendered to it."

Sharaf's strategy centered on aggressive striking and refusing to be intimidated by Steveson's wrestling credentials. "People give the wrestling too much respect," Sharaf explained. "If you're scared of getting taken down, not only are you going to get taken down, but you're going to be hesitant striking as well. That was the biggest thing. Get out there and get in his face!" The approach proved devastatingly effective, with Sharaf charging forward immediately and landing the fight-ending blow before Steveson could establish control.

Leading up to the fight, Sharaf engaged in psychological warfare, repeatedly referencing Steveson's past sexual assault allegations from his time at the University of Minnesota—charges that were later dropped. Sharaf credited this verbal strategy as a factor in Steveson's apparent mental state heading into the bout. "It's called psychological warfare," Sharaf said. "It's not just physical. I've studied fighting for so long and Jon Jones has talked about it before. Everyone's got mistakes, everyone has got a past."

After his knockout victory, Steveson immediately exited the octagon rather than stay to congratulate Sharaf, a decision that drew criticism from veterans like Daniel Cormier. However, Sharaf revealed they did shake hands backstage. "I saw him standing there before he walked out, I went to him and shook his hand and shook Jon Jones' hand," Sharaf said. "We did shake hands, and when he left, everyone is saying he's rage-quitting the game and that just makes it ever funnier."