Gable Steveson and Sean Sharaf’s UFC 331 matchup has gained unexpected heat after Sharaf referenced a past sexual-assault allegation against the Olympic gold medalist.
Steveson, who makes his second UFC appearance this Saturday in Los Angeles, called Sharaf’s decision to bring up the allegation “cowardly” while insisting he has no interest in trash talk.
“I’m here to win. I’m not here to joke around. I’m not here to shit talk. I’m not here to be rude to anybody. I’m here to win and go home,” Steveson said.
The controversy stems from a 2019 sexual-assault allegation involving Steveson and former University of Minnesota wrestling teammate Dylan Martinez. Both were arrested on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct, but Hennepin County prosecutors later announced that neither man would be charged, citing insufficient evidence to fairly charge and prosecute the case.
Sharaf previously questioned the UFC’s promotion of Steveson before referring to him as a “rapist,” prompting the former Marine to become a focal point of attention heading into their fight.
Steveson, however, appears determined to let his performance do the talking when the two meet at UFC 331 on September 19.
