UFC 331: Sean Sharaf knocks out Gable Steveson in 12 seconds
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The gist
UFC heavyweight Sean Sharaf knocked out Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson in 12 seconds at UFC 331.
The upset ended Steveson's unbeaten run and earned Sharaf a $100,000 bonus.
Background
UFC 331: VAN vs. PANTOJA 2 was a mixed martial arts event held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Gable Steveson, an Olympic wrestling gold medalist and UFC heavyweight prospect, entered his fight against Sean Sharaf as a heavy favorite. Sharaf, a UFC heavyweight, won by knockout in 12 seconds, handing Steveson his first career defeat. UFC CEO Dana White then announced a $50,000 bonus for Sharaf linked to the Paramount+ series MobLand and added $50,000 of his own, bringing the total to $100,000.
How it unfolded
- Sep 15, 2026UFC strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern led a jiu-jitsu seminar for more than 35 students at Guardian Los Angeles during UFC 331 fight week; the UFC donated $10,000 to the organization.
- Sep 16, 2026Zuffa Boxing athletes Cain Sandoval and Umar Dzambekov served as guest coaches for a youth boxing class at Wild Card Boxing Gym during fight week.
- Sep 17, 2026UFC featherweight Diego Lopes surprised students at East L.A. Jiu-Jitsu with a training seminar and Q&A.
- Sep 19, 2026UFC 331 took place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles; Sean Sharaf knocked out Gable Steveson in 12 seconds, and Arman Tsarukyan knocked out Mauricio Ruffy in Round 1 of the co-main event.
- Sep 19, 2026Dana White announced Sharaf would receive $50,000 through a bonus linked to the Paramount+ series MobLand, then added another $50,000 of his own for a $100,000 total.
- Oct 13, 2026Jon Jones, speaking to The Schmo, gave an update on Steveson after his first career defeat, saying Steveson is doing great.
- Oct 16, 2026Mauricio Ruffy posted a video denying rumours of fights with Quillan Salkilld and Salahdine Parnasse and said Paddy Pimblett is the fighter he has been hinting at.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- Jon Jones said Steveson is doing great and that he believes in him as he clears things up in his life and personal life.
- Caution
- Ruffy denied reports of a quick turnaround against Salahdine Parnasse, saying Paddy Pimblett is the opponent he has been hinting at.
Still unverified
Multiple media outlets reported that Mauricio Ruffy could face Salahdine Parnasse next, with a social media post saying the bout is in the works for UFC 335 in Las Vegas; Ruffy later denied the Parnasse matchup. Sharaf's debt is reported at $600,000.