Gable Steveson’s manager sends message of support after UFC 331 loss: ‘He will be great’

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson suffered a devastating 12-second knockout loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. Following the defeat, Steveson's manager Abe Kawa released a statement on Instagram offering strong support for his fighter. Steveson reportedly left the arena to a chorus of boos before the official decision was read.

Kawa defended Steveson by pointing out that many mixed martial arts legends, including Islam Makhachev, Georges St-Pierre, and Daniel Cormier, suffered losses before having legendary careers. Sharaf, who entered the heavyweight bout as a significant underdog, turned the crowd against Steveson during pre-fight media events by referencing a 2019 rape allegation.