Steveson's Manager Remains Optimistic After 12-Second KO

Gable Steveson's manager is staying upbeat after the Olympic wrestler suffered a devastating knockout loss in his fifth professional MMA bout.

Steveson was stopped by Sean Sharaf in just 12 seconds at UFC 331 on Saturday when a flush left hook put him out cold before follow-up punches on the ground made the finish academic. The loss ended the former WWE performer's unbeaten run and came amid controversy over Sharaf's pre-fight callout referencing past sexual assault accusations against Steveson.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 331 on Ticketmaster →

Manager Abe Kawa Compares Loss To Champions' Setbacks

Manager Abe Kawa took to Instagram after the defeat to post words of support for his client, according to BJ Penn dot com. "It's ok that Gable got caught," Kawa wrote. "It's ok that he was booed. It's ok his opponent talked sh*t. It's ok that the world is kicking him when down. It's the life he chose. Islam got clipped. Arman has lost. DJ has lost. Gsp lost. Dc lost. Jose Aldo lost. All went on to have absolutely legendary careers. We stand by our guy. He will be back real soon and he will be great!"

Steveson drew criticism for leaving the Octagon before Bruce Buffer announced the official result. Color commentator Daniel Cormier called out the early exit during the broadcast, though UFC president Dana White appeared less critical of how the heavyweight handled the stoppage loss.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 331 on Ticketmaster →

The gold medalist reportedly had a difficult fight week after Sharaf brought up the assault allegations during pre-fight promotion. How Steveson responds to the setback in his next appearance will determine whether he can salvage his MMA career or if he returns to his wrestling background.

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• BJPenn — Gable Steveson’s manager remains optimistic despite nightmare 12-second KO loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331