Gable Steveson Denies 2019 Rape Allegation, Issues Statement On KO Loss

Gable Steveson got knocked out in just 12 seconds by Sean Sharaf at UFC 331, marking the first loss of his MMA career.

Ahead of the fight, Sharaf called Steveson a rapist, referencing allegations made against him in 2019. It was determined that he would not face criminal charges due to a lack of adequate evidence.

On Tuesday, Steveson posted the following statement regarding the allegation and his loss:

“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 had 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. My own attorney did their own investigation and stated on the record that even if the law was changed, I would have the same outcome, which now speaks for itself.

I understand how serious allegations like this are, and I understand that people may have questions when they hear only part of a story. Moving forward, I am going to keep focusing on my wife, my daughter, my family, and the work in front of me. To the people who support me, thank you. I know who I am. My family knows who I am. The people who have walked with me through life know who I am. That’s what matters to me, and that’s where I’m going to keep my focus.

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.”

🚨 Gable Steveson just released a statement following his knockout loss:

“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 had been addressed years ago.… pic.twitter.com/0eD6aFWaUX

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 22, 2026

Prior to the decision being read, Steveson exited the Octagon. Jon Jones took blame for that decision. You can find his statement here.