Sharaf Reveals Post-Fight Moment With Steveson After UFC 331 Upset

Sean Sharaf knocked out Gable Steveson in 12 seconds at UFC 331 on Saturday, landing as the biggest underdog in UFC history, and says he did share a moment with his opponent after the stunning finish despite the Olympic gold medalist leaving the Octagon before the result was announced.

Sharaf told MMA Fighting that he caught Steveson backstage immediately after celebrating and shook hands with both him and Jon Jones, who was in Steveson's corner. Veterans including Daniel Cormier criticised Steveson for walking out before the decision, but Sharaf said the gesture meant little either way. "I don't know if the cameras caught it, after I celebrated a little bit, took it all in, I saw him standing there before he walked out, I went to him and shook his hand," Sharaf said, per MMA Fighting.

How Sharaf Pulled Off The 12-Second Knockout

The 33-year-old entered the bout at 0-2 in the UFC and understood he was cast as cannon fodder for the highly touted Steveson. Instead of freezing under the pressure, Sharaf opened with a left hook that dropped Steveson to the canvas in a heap. He credited his willingness to engage on the feet rather than respect the wrestler's pedigree. "People give the wrestling too much respect," he said, according to the report. "If you're scared of getting taken down, not only are you going to get taken down, but you're going to be hesitant striking as well."

Sharaf also leaned into verbal warfare during fight week, repeatedly referencing sexual assault allegations Steveson faced while at the University of Minnesota. The charges were eventually dropped, but Sharaf called it psychological warfare and said Steveson's decision to address the allegations in his post-fight statement confirmed it worked. "Everyone's got mistakes, everyone has got a past, I'm not innocent," Sharaf said. "But at the end of the day, I do think it got to him a little bit."

As for Steveson's early exit from the Octagon, Sharaf said the criticism aimed at the former Olympian only added to his own celebration. "Stay in the cage, leave the cage, I'm getting my hand raised either way," he said. No word yet on what the UFC has planned for either fighter next.

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• MMA Fighting — Sean Sharaf reacts to massive upset win over Gable Steveson at UFC 331, reveals what happened in post-fight interaction