Gable Steveson responds to sexual assault allegations in first statement since knockout loss at UFC 331 - MMA Fighting

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson issued his first public statement following a 12-second knockout loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331, released on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Rather than dwelling on the defeat, Steveson primarily addressed sexual assault allegations from his time at the University of Minnesota, which resurfaced after Sharaf repeatedly labeled him a "rapist" and "loophole" during fight week.
Steveson was arrested on sexual misconduct charges in 2019, but he has consistently maintained his innocence, and the charges were dropped due to "inadequate evidence" without any criminal penalty.
In his statement, Steveson said he "did not do anything alleged," emphasizing that he was never charged, never convicted, and faced no finding of responsibility, and that he fully cooperated with law enforcement including a separate Title IX review.
He noted his own attorney conducted an independent investigation and stated on the record that the outcome would remain the same even if the law were changed, adding that no pending legal issue involves him.
Steveson directed his remarks to his family, friends, and supporters, describing himself as a husband and father to a young daughter, and said he intends to focus on his family and his work moving forward.