Wildest UFC Reactions to Gable Steveson Getting Knocked Out Cold in 12 Seconds

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On Saturday night at UFC 331, massive heavyweight underdog Sean Sharaf knocked out Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in just 12 seconds, and the entire crowd was reeling at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The knockout also prompted wild reactions from current UFC fighters, retired fighters, and even UFC President and CEO Dana White.

The fight was the second bout on the main card of UFC 331 and was predicted by Athlon Sports MMA Team’s AI model to result in a Steveson win via TKO in the first round. The AI model’s “most likely alternative” prediction, however, had Sharaf winning with a first-round knockout.

Sep 19, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Sean Sharaf (blue gloves) fights Gable Steveson (red gloves) during UFC 331 at Crypto.com Arena. Griffin Hooper-Imagn Images

The Knockout That Shocked the World

Sean Sharaf needed just one punch to end Gable Steveson’s night and potentially alter the trajectory of the heavyweight division.

The former US Marine caught Steveson with a devastating left hook just 12 seconds into the opening round, sending the Olympic gold medalist crashing to the canvas unconscious (via UFC and UFC on Paramount+):

Referee Frank Trigg immediately stepped in to wave off the fight, marking the third-fastest heavyweight knockout in UFC history.

The betting odds leading into the fight painted a picture of a colossal mismatch. Steveson entered the bout as high as a -2500 favorite, while Sharaf was a +1000 underdog. Sharaf had been winless in his first two UFC appearances and was widely expected to serve as a stepping stone for the heavily hyped wrestling phenom.

Instead, Sharaf delivered one of the sport’s greatest upsets. The win was so stunning that lead commentator Jon Anik called it the “stunner of all stunners,” while Joe Rogan said Steveson was “out cold” before his body even hit the mat.

Steveson’s coach, former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, had his reaction filmed by the Paramount+ broadcast while in his athlete’s corner (via Jed I. Goodman on X):

The two were booed out of the arena after Steveson decided to leave the cage before the official result was announced (via HappyPunch on X):

Dana White on Historic Upset

UFC President Dana White addressed the shocking result during the post-fight press conference, offering a measured perspective on the unpredictability of the sport.

“Anything is possible, man. Anything is possible when two guys get in there and start fighting,” White said.

“You never know how fights are going to go. That’s why when people always ask me, ‘Oh, what do you think? Is this guy going to fight this guy after Saturday?’ Let’s see what happens on Saturday,” he added.

Fighters and Pros React

The knockout generated massive reactions from UFC fighters, including athletes currently on the roster and retired legends.

Former UFC middleweight champion and UFC 331 desk analyst Michael Bisping posted a vlog on his YouTube channel chronicling the night, even meeting Sharaf backstage after his knockout victory.

“Dude, that was one of the craziest knockouts I’ve ever seen,” Bisping told Sharaf. “It was crazy! Ten-to-one underdog, just like I was, in this city. I know you’re getting a $100,000 bonus.” 

Retired UFC flyweight legend Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson also filmed his reaction to Sharaf’s performance in a YouTube vlog.

“Oh sh—! Wow!” he exclaimed. “It’s a crazy sport, boys. It’s truly a crazy sport. Undefeated Olympic gold medalist gets slept in under 30 seconds.” 

“Not going to lie to you guys, I didn’t think that fight was going to go like that because [Sharaf] was on a two-fight losing streak,” he added. “He really took advantage of just taking it to Gable Steveson, not being afraid of him, so good for him.”

Other UFC fighters, including Israel Adesanya, King Green, Diego Lopes, Paddy Pimblett, and Sean O’Malley, expressed their shock at the upset knockout:

Even Sean Sharaf’s former opponent, Steven Asplund, shared his reaction to the knockout (h/t MMA Mania):

Fan Backlash Erupts Over Steveson’s 2019 Arrest

During the press conference, Sharaf called Steveson a ‘rapist’ and brought up controversy surrounding Steveson’s 2019 arrest on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct while he was a wrestler at the University of Minnesota. The hostile reception that greeted Gable Steveson at Thursday’s UFC 331 press conference was just a preview of the fan reaction that followed his 12-second knockout loss.

Social media erupted with visceral reactions immediately after Sharaf’s stunning knockout, with many fans framing the result as a form of justice:

While the future of Steveson’s career in the UFC is in doubt, the MMA world is still collectively stunned by Sharaf’s knockout performance that derailed the mystique and hype around the Olympic gold medalist.

It’s upsets like these that make MMA such an exciting sport to watch.

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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.