Sean O’Malley, Paddy Pimblett and UFC Stars React to -2500 Favorite Gable Steveson Losing at UFC 331

The MMA community was shocked to see Gable Steveson getting knocked out cold in the very first sequence of his UFC 331 fight.

Sean O’Malley, Paddy Pimblett and UFC Stars React to -2500 Favorite Gable Steveson Losing at UFC 331

Paddy Pimblett and Sean O'Malley reacted to Gable Steveson losing (Image via Chris Unger Photography/Screengrab)

UFC 331 in Los Angeles had an action-packed fight card for the fans. The co-main and main event delivered thrilling action, but one main card bout received major attention online. -2500 betting favorite, Gable Steveson, got knocked out with the first punch thrown by his opponent, Sean Sharaf.

Steveson is an accomplished Division I All-American wrestler with an Olympic gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics. His transition to MMA brought much hype as he trained with UFC GOAT candidate, Jon Jones. Steveson was supposed to rejuvenate the heavyweight division with his arrival.

Sean Sharaf knocking Steveson out cold had an overwhelming positive reaction from the MMA fans. Even fighters joined in to give their take on the matter. The likes of Sean O’Malley, Israel Adesanya, and Pimblett Pimblett reacted in a shocking manner as a hyped prospect faced his first career loss.

O’Malley, Adesanya, and Demetrious Johnson had a shocking reaction on their livestream of UFC 331. Johnson brought up Sharaf’s 0-2 UFC record, and that’s when the former Marine landed the knockout blow on the Olympian.

Meanwhile, Adesanya clapped his hands after witnessing a stunning upset. Pimblett admitted it was a brutal knockout as the punch landed right on Steveson’s chin.

Before the knockout punch landed, Steveson and Sharaf traded blows. Steveson had his eyes closed in that sequence due to the lack of experience, and that’s when the military veteran knocked him out.

UFC fighter-turned-comedian, Brendan Schaub, believed that Steveson may not reach far in MMA. Meanwhile, Pimblett believed that a wrestle-heavy approach would better suit the Olympian.

King Green and Diego Lopes attended the fight at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The duo couldn’t believe what just transpired, and Lopes signaled that it was a cold moment.

UFC legends Michael Bisping and Chris Weidman had their analyst desk duties at UFC 331. The former middleweight champions couldn’t believe what they witnessed at the event. Their reactions says it all.

Part of the reason why majority of MMA fans hate Steveson is due to his controversial incident from 2019. It is famously known as the ‘Gable Steveson Loophole‘ in MMA circles.

Due to how things played, MMA fans always target the Olympic gold medalist with insults and mockery. Although the fighters have stayed away from mentioning the loophole, they couldn’t evade the shock that came from Steveson’s knockout loss.

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Daniel Cormier criticize Gable Steveson for being an ungrateful loser

As a -2500 favorite, everyone expected Steveson to continue his rise in the UFC heavyweight division. Ahead of UFC 331, Sharaf continuously brought up the loophole incident, and Steveson’s response didn’t satisfy anyone.

Daniel Cormier upset with Gable Steveson not showing respect
Daniel Cormier upset with Gable Steveson not showing respect (Image via UFC X Account/MMA Mania)

After losing the bout, the Olympic gold medalist chose to walk out towards the back as he didn’t want to stay for the result announcement. This incident made triggered many fans due to the lack of respect shown from Steveson’s side.

UFC hall of famer, Daniel Cormier, deeply appreciates the wrestling skills of Steveson. However, DC targeted his fellow American wrestler for not showing respect as well as not using his skillset well inside the octagon.

You know, you are a 4-0 fighter. Wrestle him. You have to. Also, you stand there and take your lick whenever you lose. You let that man get his hand raised, and you stand there no matter how you feel. If you are concussed, cry. I mean I did it. You cannot be a great winner, but then an ungrateful loser. And, I think that was bad by Steveson.

Daniel Cormier via UFC 331 broadcast

Steveson headed back after losing, accompanied by Jon Jones and other coaching staff. Steveson’s manager, Abe Kawa, promised that Steveson would come back better than ever.

The ex-WWE star’s fighting style is clearly reminiscent of Jones. However, he doesn’t have the long reach to sustain that style. It remains to be seen how the Olympian comes back for his next fight.

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