Gable Steveson emotional as he speaks for first time since UFC 331 knockout loss
Gable Steveson has shared an emotional message on social media.
Speaking for the first time since his loss at UFC 331, Steveson had much to get off his chest. Letting friends, family, and supporters know that he is fine after the defeat and will bounce back stronger was on his to-do list, but there was a more pressing issue he wanted to address. Since his days in college, allegations have been clouding his success, and he felt now was the right time to explain in detail his side of the story.
Tired of being accused of something he claims he is innocent of, Gable Steveson shared this message on social media:
“This statement is for my family, my friends, my fans, and the people who truly know me and know the kind of man I am. I know there are people who will never support me, no matter what I say or do. That’s their choice. But I’m speaking to the people who know me not just as an athlete, but as a husband and a father to a young daughter.”
“Prior to and during fight week, an incident from my college years was brought up by my opponent. I believe it was raised to get in my head, but it also reopened something that has been addressed years ago. I want to be clear: I did not do anything alleged. I was never charged with a crime, and the matter was ultimately dropped by the district attorney. The allegations were not ignored nor brushed aside. They were thoroughly and heavily reviewed as I fully cooperated with law enforcement, including a separate Title IX review. There were no criminal charges, no conviction, and no finding of responsibility against me. The matter was closed, and there is no pending legal issue involving me.”
Many fans are asking what’s next for Gable Steveson. Does he pick himself up and keep pushing toward his championship dreams, or does he pack it up and venture into a different career choice? Steveson is no stranger to failure and believes the loss will only make him stronger.
Sharing a parting message to the man who beat him, Sean Sharaf, Steveson said:
“As for my opponent, congratulations, you caught me. A mistake on my end was made. It was your night. Just like my wrestling days after my loss, I came back with an undeniable will to win and focus that led me to the top of my sport. The result of Saturday night, I believe, will catapult me to do the same. I will be great, and this won’t deny me.”