Sean Sharaf delivered the biggest surprise of the night at UFC 331, stopping heavily favored Gable Steveson in just 12 seconds at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The heavyweight, who entered the bout with an 0-2 UFC record and as a -2500 underdog, landed a perfectly timed left hand that sent the Olympic gold medalist to the floor before Steveson could establish any offense.
The finish ranks as the third-fastest in UFC history.
Sharaf’s win earned him a $50,000 ‘Performance of the Night’ style bonus that was doubled on the spot, with UFC CEO Dana White pledging an additional $50,000 after the result.
White stated, “They did a MobLand bonus tonight for $50,000, and that’s going to Sean. I’m going to match it with another 50, so he gets $100,000. Somebody said he’s $600,000 in debt, so we’re knocking $100,000 off that.”
Speaking after the win, Sharaf said the plan going in was simple. “I told you the game plan was hit, don’t get hit, leave with a bag full of cash, man. Everyone thought I was joking but no, I’m just so grateful. I’m so grateful. I prayed so hard. I believed in myself. My team believed in me, and I’m just so happy. I’m just so happy for this moment.”
On the finish itself, Sharaf said he had actually prepared for a longer match. “I had prepared to go three rounds. In my last matches, I was kind of always expecting to knock him out early. So this match I was like, I was ready to go through war, and God blessed me with that punch. I got a mean left hook. I got power in both hands, and I just let my hands go, and that’s what happens.”
Amid the celebration, Sharaf turned reflective when asked what he’d tell athletes still grinding on the regional circuit. He didn’t shy away from detailing his own financial situation.
“You just got to believe in yourself, and it’s a grind, man. On the regional scene, you’re not getting paid. You’re constantly getting beat up. Some got to work a full-time job, and it’s a grind, man. Even once you get to the UFC, bro, I’m about to file bankruptcy this year. I’m so far in debt, it’s not even funny. And I just want to help my mom retire.”
Sharaf, who served six years in the Marines before pursuing mixed martial arts, said he has never had a sponsor despite years of competing. He added that his primary goal now is to help his mother retire this year due to her ongoing health problems.
