Sharaf Calls Steveson 'Rapist' At UFC 331 Presser

Sean Sharaf called Gable Steveson a rapist to his face during the UFC 331 press conference Thursday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The confrontation came as the fighters squared off ahead of their heavyweight bout on Saturday's card, per MMA Mania. Sharaf directed the allegation at Steveson in front of assembled media and fans, adding that the hostile crowd reaction during the event stemmed from the former Olympic gold medalist's past. Steveson was investigated in 2019 for sexual assault allegations at the University of Minnesota but was never charged.

Steveson Responds to Face-Off Comments

Steveson previously addressed the resurfaced allegations in pre-fight interviews, calling Sharaf a coward for bringing up what he described as sensitive claims. The NCAA wrestling champion said he was not interested in trading insults outside the cage.

The bout marks Steveson's second UFC appearance after signing with the promotion in 2021. Sharaf enters the contest looking to build on momentum from his Contender Series win earlier this year.

UFC 331 takes place Saturday at Crypto.com Arena with flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his title against Kai Kara-France in the main event.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Sean Sharaf calls Gable Steveson a ‘rapist’ to his face: ‘That’s why everyone is booing him’ | UFC 331