Gable Steveson has finally broken his silence after the stunning 12-second upset that marked the first loss of his professional MMA career at UFC 331. The Olympic champion released a lengthy statement through his manager, Abe Kawa, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, addressing not just the shocking defeat but also resurfaced allegations from his college years. This isn’t just about a fight, it’s about the entire narrative surrounding a premier athlete.
The “Mistake on My End” and a Vow to Be Great Again
The loss itself was brutal: a historic 12-second upset at the hands of Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. For an Olympic gold medalist, a fighter with a previously unblemished professional record, it was a moment nobody saw coming. Steveson described the defeat as a “mistake on my end,” a surprisingly direct admission for such a public setback. But he quickly pivoted to his history of bouncing back, drawing a parallel to his decorated amateur wrestling career. “Just like my wrestling days after my loss, I came back with an undeniable will to win and focus that led me to the top of my sport,” Steveson wrote. He vowed that “the result of Saturday night, I believe, will catapult me to do the same.” It’s clear he sees this as a brutal lesson, not a career-ender, insisting, “I will be great, and this won’t deny me.”
Resurfaced Allegations and Steveson’s Direct Response
Beyond the octagon, Steveson also used his statement to confront the sexual assault allegations that resurfaced during UFC 331 fight week. These allegations stemmed from a 2019 incident in his college years. He stated that his opponent raised the incident “to get in my head,” but acknowledged it “reopened something that had been addressed years ago.” Steveson was unequivocal in his denial, stating, “I did not do anything alleged.” He provided a detailed account of how the matter was handled: he was “never charged with a crime,” and the “matter was ultimately dropped by the district attorney.” He emphasized that the allegations were “thoroughly and heavily reviewed” as he “fully cooperated with law enforcement,” including a “separate Title IX review.” Steveson asserted there were “no criminal charges, no conviction, and no finding of responsibility against me,” adding that the matter was closed with “no pending legal issue involving me.” His own attorney, he noted, conducted an investigation and stated on the record that the outcome would have been the same even if the law had changed.
Steveson recognized the seriousness of such allegations and understood why people might have questions from hearing only “part of a story.” He made it clear that moving forward, his focus is on his wife, his daughter, his family, and “the work in front of me.” This whole situation is a massive test for the Olympic champion. How he comes back from a devastating 12-second loss and these lingering allegations will define his path in the UFC.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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