Sharaf Stuns Steveson in 12-Second UFC 331 Upset

Sean Sharaf delivered one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history on Saturday night, knocking out Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson just 12 seconds into their fight at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. The 33-year-old Sharaf told TMZ that Steveson never saw the finish coming.

Sharaf spoke with Babcock days after the victory, saying Steveson carried himself as though the outcome was already decided before the fighters exchanged a single strike.

"He did an [Real American Freestyle] match. He did a wrestling match like the month prior, and that's when I knew," Sharaf told TMZ. "He's in fight camp and he's going to do another event."

Sharaf was referring to Steveson's RAF 12 match on August 22, which took place less than a month before the two met in the Octagon. Steveson won that wrestling match decisively, but Sharaf argued the bout showed his opponent was not singularly focused on preparing for the MMA fight.

Sharaf said he entered the fight believing his UFC career was on the line.

"I was on the chopping block, like, literally, everyone was just like, he even said in his interview, 'He's a sacrificial lamb,' 'He's a coward,' 'He's looking for a way out,' and I'm like, 'Bro, I signed up for this, brother. I signed the contract.' I am definitely going to show up on fight night and I'm definitely here to f****** win," Sharaf told TMZ.

"That's another lesson, like, bro, you can't underestimate anyone. Like I said, he has two hands, he has two legs, he bleeds red and you can get touched, especially in the UFC," Sharaf told TMZ.

The betting odds reflected the lopsided expectations heading into the bout. Steveson entered as a massive favorite in the range of -2500, meaning a bettor would have needed to risk $2,500 to win $100. Sharaf, meanwhile, sat around +1000, meaning a $100 wager would have returned a $1,000 profit.

Twelve seconds after the opening bell, Sharaf put the Olympic champion to sleep, and Steveson had exited the Octagon before officials raised Sharaf's hand in victory.

Sharaf also addressed in the interview how he felt two days after the knockout, what was running through his mind as he threw the finishing punch, whether he believes he got into Steveson's head, and what comes next in his career.