Gable Steveson Returns At UFC 331 Against 0-2 Heavyweight

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson will fight Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 next month in Los Angeles, the promotion announced Wednesday.

Steveson knocked out Elisha Ellison in the first round at UFC 329 earlier this summer after months of hype around his training camps with Jon Jones. UFC CEO Dana White reportedly floated fast-tracking the heavyweight prospect into the division's top 15, with Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit both mentioned as potential opponents immediately after the debut.

Sharaf Brings 0-2 UFC Record Into Matchup

Sharaf enters the bout winless in two UFC appearances, both second-round knockout losses to Junior Tafa and Steven Asplund. The 4-2 fighter won his first four professional bouts by first-round knockout before joining the promotion. He was scheduled to face Tai Tuivasa before suffering a nasal fracture weeks out from the fight, per BJPenn.com.

The matchup provides Steveson a similar level of opposition to what Ellison offered on paper. Steveson is expected to close as a significant favourite.

Charles Oliveira is rumoured to defend his BMF title against Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC 331 main event, with flyweight champion Joshua Van also set to return against Alexandre Pantoja. The full card is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Gable Steveson booked for surprising UFC 331 return against 0-2 heavyweight