Former WWE Wrestler Gable Steveson Knocked Out in 12 Seconds at UFC 331

Gable Steveson’s unbeaten MMA record ended almost as soon as his fight began Saturday night.

Sean Sharaf knocked out the former WWE wrestler and Olympic gold medalist 12 seconds into the first round at UFC 331 on September 19 in Los Angeles. Sharaf landed a left hand that dropped Steveson, and referee Frank Trigg stopped the heavyweight bout.

The official result recorded in MMA Fighting’s live coverage was a first-round knockout at 0:12.

Sean Sharaf Delivers a Stunning Upset

Steveson entered the fight with a 4–0 professional MMA record. He had won his UFC debut in July by first-round knockout and was attracting attention as a heavyweight prospect with an exceptional wrestling background.

Sharaf entered having lost his first two UFC appearances. Once the opening bell rang, however, he immediately pressed forward and caught Steveson during the first exchange.

MMA Fighting reported that the finishing blow was a left hook.

Steveson never had an opportunity to establish the wrestling control that helped make him an Olympic champion. The loss moves his professional MMA record to 4–1 and gives Sharaf his first UFC victory.

From WWE to the UFC

The result will also draw attention from wrestling fans who followed Steveson’s earlier career change.

After winning freestyle wrestling gold at the Tokyo Olympics, Steveson signed with WWE in 2021. He appeared on the company’s programming but never developed into the featured star many expected when he arrived. WWE released him in 2024. He later pursued MMA, making his professional debut in 2025. Reuters documented that career path ahead of his first fight.

His credentials on the mat remain extraordinary. Steveson is an Olympic gold medalist and a two-time NCAA heavyweight champion. Saturday’s fight exposed how quickly a heavyweight MMA bout can end before either competitor has the chance to put a broader game plan into action.

What Comes Next for Steveson?

A 12-second knockout is a major setback for an athlete building momentum in a new sport. It is too early to say what Steveson’s next fight will be or whether the result will change the UFC’s plans for him.

His immediate focus will be on recovering and reviewing what happened against Sharaf. If he returns to the Octagon, the question will be how he handles an opponent willing to attack from the opening second.

For Sharaf, the win is a defining moment. He entered UFC 331 facing one of MMA’s most closely watched prospects and left with a knockout that wrestling and fight fans will be discussing for some time.

Did this result change your expectations for Gable Steveson’s MMA career?