Strickland Reveals Sharaf Slept On Floor Before UFC 331

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has revealed that Sean Sharaf was sleeping on the floor just weeks before his 12-second knockout of Gable Steveson at UFC 331.

Strickland shared direct messages exchanged with Sharaf three weeks before the September event, according to Sherdog. The messages included a photo Sharaf sent showing his living conditions: a mat on the floor and his belongings in luggage. Strickland responded with advice to upgrade his sleeping arrangement. "Bro getting off the floor sucks," Strickland wrote. "Least get a cheap Amazon mattress and box spring. 300 dollars."

Sharaf's Upset Win Changed Everything

Sharaf entered the fight as a +1000 underdog against Steveson, who closed as a -2500 favorite. The former Marine flatlined the wrestling standout with a left hook, earning him a $50,000 Paramount+ bonus that UFC president Dana White matched with another $50,000. Sharaf told Strickland he planned to buy an air mattress from Walmart before the fight. He has since said he intends to gift the full $100,000 bonus to his mother to help her retire.

After the victory, Strickland posted an update on his Instagram story telling Sharaf it was time to get a proper mattress now that he could afford one. The knockout marked one of the biggest upsets in UFC history and likely saved Sharaf's roster spot.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Sean Strickland reveals Sean Sharaf was sleeping on floor before UFC 331