Sean Sharaf breaks silence after knocking out Gable Steveson

Sean Sharaf landed the biggest punch of his life at UFC 331.

Ahead of the bout, all eyes were on Gable Steveson. He was being considered as the new generation’s best. An Olympic gold medalist who could likely dominate the UFC heavyweight division with just his wrestling. But that wasn’t the story on Saturday night. It was Sharaf’s night. A true underdog story of grit, showing just how far self-belief can take you. No wins in the UFC, likely being cut if he loses, and set up to fail; fighting Steveson, who was the biggest favorite of the night, closing at -2200. All it took was 12 seconds to completely flip Sharaf’s life and career on its head.

Sean Sharaf didn’t allow the doubt and prior failures in the octagon to affect his performance. Confident, Sharaf stormed forward and landed a devastating one-punch knockout in the opening moments of the first round. Speaking out for the first time, Sharaf spoke of the relief he’s feeling, saying:

“I’m just proud. I kept believing in myself, you know. I’m coming off of two losses. It was really hard. I was questioning, doubting myself the whole way. But I just had to trust in myself, and everyone’s praying for me and believing in me. I just went out there, and I just, I left it in God’s hands. It paid off.”

Changing his game plan from the regional scene, Sharaf no longer expects to go and knock his opponent out. The former U.S. Marine revealed his shift in strategy.

“Usually, in all my fights, I’m always thinking I’m going to knock them out quick. So, this time I was preparing to go through a three-round war. I didn’t want to get overexcited,” Sharaf added. “When he fell, I was just like, ‘Oh, what’s happening?’ I just jumped on him, and I’m just so blessed. I’m so grateful, and I’m just so happy right now… It was like a 10-1 underdog, so I know my people are making some money tonight.”