TLDR
- Gable Steveson called opponent Sean Sharaf a ‘coward’ for bringing up a 2019 sexual assault allegation that did not result in charges
- Tom Aspinall vacated the UFC heavyweight title due to an eye injury, prompting Jon Jones to consider a comeback
- Steveson confirmed he spoke with Jones about a potential return to fight Ciryl Gane, the new undisputed champion
- The Steveson vs Sharaf matchup was promoted to the UFC 331 main card after Brian Ortega withdrew from his fight
- Steveson believes he could earn a UFC title shot within one to two years if he continues his current training pace
Sources: mmafighting.com | mmamania.com
Gable Steveson had strong words for his UFC 331 opponent Sean Sharaf during media day on Tuesday, calling him a coward for bringing up a sensitive topic from his past.
The Olympic gold medalist wrestler will face Sharaf on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The fight was recently moved up to the main card after Brian Ortega withdrew from his scheduled bout.
The tension between the two fighters began earlier this month when Sharaf criticized UFC content creator Nina Drama for giving Steveson more attention. During those comments, Sharaf referenced a 2019 sexual assault allegation against Steveson that never resulted in criminal charges.
In June 2019, Steveson and former University of Minnesota wrestling teammate Dylan Martinez were arrested on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct. Hennepin County prosecutors announced six months later that neither man would be charged, saying there was “inadequate evidence to fairly charge and prosecute” the case. Steveson’s attorney maintained his innocence throughout the process.
Gable Steveson compares his #UFC331 fight with Sean Sharaf to Mike Tyson vs. Peter McNeeley.
"Saturday will be that day for him, and he'll go to be a regular citizen after that." pic.twitter.com/9OJSxSNPrR
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) September 16, 2026
Steveson Responds to Opponent’s Comments
Steveson addressed the situation at UFC 331 media day, making clear he was not pleased with Sharaf’s approach. “I’m here to win,” Steveson told reporters. “I’m not here to joke around. I’m not here to sh—t talk.”
“I feel like a lot of this is directed toward [Sharaf]. If a guy is going to bring up certain things, that’s the coward coming out of him,” Steveson said. “It’s a guy showing up of his own free will to say, ‘Hey, I’m a sacrificial lamb,’ and that’s what he’s going to be Saturday night.”
Both heavyweights have been added to Thursday’s UFC 331 press conference, giving them another opportunity to exchange words before fight night.
Jon Jones Considers UFC Return
Steveson also discussed his training partner Jon Jones potentially returning to the UFC. Earlier this week, Tom Aspinall vacated the UFC heavyweight title after suffering an eye injury that will keep him out indefinitely.
With Ciryl Gane being promoted from interim to undisputed champion, Jones is reportedly considering a comeback. “I called Jon today, and he’s honored to have the opportunity to maybe come back,” Steveson said.
Jones and Aspinall had an unresolved rivalry for several years while Aspinall held the interim title and Jones held the undisputed championship. Instead of unifying the titles, Jones fought Stipe Miocic and then retired last year without ever facing Aspinall.
“He’s always had gold around his waist. It’s cool to have him in my corner,” Steveson said. “We train every day, one-on-one together.”
It remains unclear if the UFC would be interested in booking a rematch between Jones and Gane. If not, Steveson suggested Josh Hokit should get the first chance at the new champion.
Steveson expressed support for the injured Aspinall. “I hope Tom gets well. I hope the eye gets healed up the way it should, and maybe he’ll step in the cage again,” he said. “I’ve always been a Tom Aspinall fan.”
As for his own championship aspirations, Steveson believes he could earn a title shot within one to two years. “I think if I keep training hard, and I keep staying at the pace that I am, I think in the next year and a half or year, that I could get to that spot,” the two-time NCAA heavyweight wrestling champion said.
Steveson fights Sean Sharaf on the main card of UFC 331 this Saturday in Los Angeles.
