Fans searching when is gable steveson next fight are getting a very different answer than they expected a week ago. As of September 20, 2026, no next fight has been announced. The Olympic gold medalist was knocked out in just 12 seconds by Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 on Saturday night in Los Angeles, and the promotion has not yet said when, where, or against whom he will fight again.
This guide explains exactly where things stand. You will find the latest news, a timeline of Steveson’s career, the possible paths back to competition, the UFC calendar for the rest of 2026, how to watch the next UFC event, and answers to the most common questions. We will keep updating this page as soon as a new bout is confirmed, so bookmark it and check back.
Quick Answer: When Is Gable Steveson’s Next Fight?
- Next fight date: Not announced (as of September 20, 2026)
- Last MMA fight: Knockout loss to Sean Sharaf in round 1 (12 seconds) at UFC 331, September 19, 2026, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- Current record: 4-1 in MMA, 1-1 in the UFC
- Last wrestling match: A win over Anthony Cassioppi at Real American Freestyle 12 (RAF 12) on August 22, 2026
- What his team says: His manager, Abe Kawa, publicly said Steveson will bounce back and return
- What the UFC says: Dana White has not announced any plans, and said anything is possible when two fighters get in the cage
- Where UFC fights stream in the U.S.: Paramount+
- Next UFC events on the calendar: UFC Vegas 121 (Sept. 26) and UFC 332 (Oct. 3), with UFC 334 (Nov. 14) and UFC 335 (Dec. 12) still ahead
That is the short version. Below, we break down why no fight is booked, what could happen next, and what the timeline might look like.
Gable Steveson’s Next Fight: What We Know Right Now
The honest answer to “when is Gable Steveson’s next fight?” is that nobody knows yet. The fighter database Next Fight lists no upcoming bout for Steveson and shows his last fight as the UFC 331 loss. His Tapology fighter page shows his record at 4-1, and Sherdog’s fighter profile and ESPN’s MMA profile are also worth checking because they update as soon as a bout is booked.
Two things are clear from reports so far:
- The UFC has not announced a next opponent or date. After the fight, UFC president Dana White spoke to reporters at the post-fight press conference but did not reveal any plans for Steveson.
- Steveson’s team expects a comeback. His manager posted a public statement the day after the fight saying the Olympic champion will be back.
Steveson himself had not publicly commented on the loss in the earliest post-fight reports. Once he does, or once the UFC books him, this page will be updated.
Why Gable Steveson’s Next Fight Is Not Booked Yet
Several factors explain why a next fight has not been announced. Some are confirmed by reports, and some are general patterns in MMA that fans should keep in mind.
Recovery and Medical Suspension
A knockout usually leads to a medical suspension. Athletic commissions set these rules, and the length depends on the commission and the severity of the finish. The reports we reviewed do not say how long Steveson’s suspension is, so treat any exact return date you see online with caution. Fighters knocked out cold are typically given time away from hard sparring and competition before they are cleared to return.
The UFC Is Deciding What Comes Next
Steveson was one of the UFC’s biggest heavyweight prospects, and the promotion invested heavily in him. After a loss like this, matchmakers have to decide whether to give him a softer opponent to rebuild, a striker to test his defense, or a longer break. Dana White told reporters that anything is possible when two fighters get in the cage and that he cuts Steveson some slack given the expectations on him. That answer did not include any booking news.
Steveson Has Other Options
Steveson is not only an MMA fighter. He also competes in Real American Freestyle, a professional wrestling promotion. Sherdog reported in July that he would return to wrestling for RAF 12 in Cleveland after his UFC debut win, with the card set for August 22. That flexibility means his next competitive appearance might not be an MMA fight at all.
Gable Steveson vs Sean Sharaf: What Happened at UFC 331
To understand what comes next, it helps to understand what happened. Steveson entered UFC 331 as one of the biggest betting favorites in UFC history, and he left in one of its biggest upsets.
The 12-Second Knockout
ESPN’s report from Los Angeles said Sean Sharaf knocked Steveson unconscious with a left hook just 12 seconds into the fight. It was Steveson’s second fight inside the Octagon. Sharaf had entered with an 0-2 UFC record, and both of those losses came by knockout. He threw a right hand first, then followed with a left hook to Steveson’s chin. It was the second punch he threw.
CBS Sports’ UFC 331 results added that Steveson opened with a leg kick, then reached out to parry incoming punches, which allowed Sharaf to loop a shot over the top and land cleanly. ESPN noted that the knockout was the third-fastest finish in UFC heavyweight history and that Dana White said Sharaf earned $100,000 in bonuses. The bout took place on the main card of an event headlined by Joshua Van’s flyweight title defense against Alexandre Pantoja.
The Betting Odds
The upset was historic in betting terms. Yahoo Sports reported that Steveson was listed as high as a -1800 favorite, while Sharaf was more than a 10-to-1 underdog at several sportsbooks. Other outlets listed even bigger numbers, with some books showing Steveson near -2500. Another Yahoo Sports report called it the biggest upset in UFC history, since Sharaf was a +1000 underdog. Odds varied by sportsbook, so the exact figures differ from source to source.
Steveson Leaves the Cage Early
After the knockout, Steveson left the Octagon before the official result was announced. Fans booed, and commentator Daniel Cormier said Steveson should have stayed for the announcement. Dana White took a softer view, pointing to the pressure and expectations Steveson faced and noting that other fighters have left the cage in emotional moments. MMA Junkie’s coverage of White’s reaction and MiddleEasy’s report cover both sides.
The Reaction From Sharaf and the MMA World
Sharaf kept his post-fight comments respectful, according to reports, and BoxingNews.com said he predicted a bright future for Steveson after the fight. Yahoo Sports collected the wildest reactions from fighters and commentators, including broadcaster Jon Anik calling the finish the “stunner of all stunners.” The UFC’s own highlight video shows the full 12 seconds, and MMA Mania’s highlights page covers the aftermath.
Fight Week Recap: The Build-Up to UFC 331
The knockout was shocking in part because of how loud the build-up was. Sharaf spent fight week telling anyone who would listen that he would beat Steveson, according to CBS Sports, even though the betting markets treated Steveson as a near-certain winner.
The tension showed up at the public events. BoxingNews.com reported that Steveson drew boos at the press conference and the weigh-ins, and again when he walked out of the cage. Fans and media also noted that the pair did not make eye contact at the final staredown, and MMA Mania published a piece in which Steveson explained why. Meanwhile, Jon Jones was in Steveson’s corner, and the UFC had put significant promotional weight behind the young heavyweight.
It all added up to a huge contrast. Steveson went into the fight as one of the most hyped prospects in the sport, and he came out of it with the sport’s biggest upset of the year. That gap between expectation and result is a big reason the story remains at the top of MMA news, and why so many fans keep asking when he will return.
What the Loss Revealed About Steveson as an MMA Fighter
The most striking part of UFC 331 was not only the loss but how quickly it happened. Before that night, his first four professional opponents never pushed him beyond the opening round, according to Yahoo Sports’ analysis. That meant he had never faced real adversity in the cage, so nobody knew how he would respond when a heavy-handed striker landed cleanly.
A few points stand out from the coverage:
- The wrestling never came into play. The fight ended before Steveson could use the skill set that made him an Olympic champion. The finish came from a two-punch sequence, not a wrestling exchange.
- Defense on the feet is the question. Steveson reached out to parry punches, and Sharaf looped a shot over the top. Opponents will likely test his striking defense early in future fights.
- The size and reach conversation. A Yahoo Sports column pointed out that Steveson stands 5’11”, which is short for a heavyweight, and argued that the way he pulled away from the pocket carries more risk without a big reach advantage. That is one commentator’s opinion, not a fact about how he must fight.
- Experience matters. With only five professional fights, Steveson is still early in his MMA development, and many prospects need time to sharpen their striking defense.
None of this means his career is over. It does show why the UFC and his team may want to choose the next opponent carefully, and why a specific date has not been announced.
The Jon Jones Connection
Jon Jones is a major part of Steveson’s story. The former UFC champion has been a key training partner and was in Steveson’s corner at UFC 331, according to Sports Illustrated. Jones also co-owns the Dirty Boxing Championship, and he was the person who announced Steveson’s DBX 4 booking after Steveson’s MMA debut.
Jones has not fought since his UFC 309 win over Stipe Miocic in November 2024, and he has not ruled out a return. Because Jones is so closely tied to Steveson’s training, any decision about Steveson’s next fight will likely involve his camp, his coaches, and his management team, not just the UFC’s matchmakers.
Sean Sharaf After the Win: What’s Next for the Winner
Sharaf’s next move also affects the story. He entered UFC 331 at 0-2 in the UFC, and a third straight loss would likely have cost him his roster spot. Instead, the win moved him to 1-2 in the UFC and 5-2 overall, and Yahoo Sports noted that it keeps him on the UFC roster. In the sources we reviewed, no next opponent for Sharaf had been announced either.
In the sources we reviewed, no rematch between the two had been discussed. Because the first fight ended so quickly, some fans may want to see one, but for now that is only speculation.
Gable Steveson’s MMA Record and Fight History
Before UFC 331, Steveson was unbeaten. Here are the fights that outlets consistently report:
| Date | Event | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 12, 2025 | LFA 217 (MMA debut) | Braden Peterson | Win, TKO, round 1 |
| July 11, 2026 | UFC 329 (UFC debut) | Elisha Ellison | Win, KO, round 1 |
| Sept. 19, 2026 | UFC 331 | Sean Sharaf | Loss, KO, round 1 (0:12) |
Outlets differ on the details of Steveson’s other early bouts, including a quick knockout at Dirty Boxing Championship’s DBX 4 event, so check Tapology or Sherdog for the full list. His overall record stands at 4-1 in MMA, and 1-1 in the UFC.
His Wrestling Matches
Steveson has continued to wrestle between MMA fights. He beat Alexander Romanov at RAF 9 in May 2026, and the Sherdog report on his RAF 12 booking said he would face former collegiate rival Anthony Cassioppi at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on August 22, with the card streaming on Fox Nation. Next Fight’s profile lists that match as a win for Steveson. For more Olympic and wrestling coverage, follow Sports News Era.
Steveson’s MMA Record vs UFC Record: What the Numbers Mean
Search results can make his record look confusing, so here is the breakdown. Steveson is 4-1 in MMA, which counts all of his professional MMA bouts across promotions. He is 1-1 in the UFC, which counts only his two Octagon fights: the win over Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 and the loss to Sharaf at UFC 331. His Real American Freestyle wrestling matches are separate and do not count toward his MMA record.
Some outlets also describe his early bouts differently, including his DBX 4 appearance. If you see two different records online, check which promotion or ruleset the source is counting.
Timeline: Gable Steveson’s Road to UFC 331
Steveson’s career has moved quickly, which helps explain why fans expect news soon.
- Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Wins Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling. He is also a two-time NCAA Division I national champion, according to ESPN.
- After wrestling: Tries professional wrestling with WWE and football with the Buffalo Bills before turning to MMA, according to Sports Illustrated.
- March 2025: Suffers a stunning loss to Wyatt Hendrickson in the NCAA championship match, which was widely called the biggest upset in college wrestling history. Afterward, he said the road does not end with a loss.
- September 2025: Makes his professional MMA debut at LFA 217.
- 2026: ESPN reported that the UFC signed him and set a July debut. He then won his UFC debut at UFC 329 on July 11.
- August 22, 2026: Returns to the wrestling mat at RAF 12.
- September 19, 2026: Suffers his first pro MMA loss at UFC 331.
Steveson has already shown that he can bounce back from a stunning loss. His 2025 NCAA defeat did not end his athletic career, and he moved on to bigger platforms quickly.
What Could Happen Next: Possible Paths for Gable Steveson
Since nothing is officially booked, here are the realistic possibilities. These are scenarios, not confirmed plans.
Path 1: A Quick UFC Rebooking
The UFC often keeps a marketable prospect active after a loss. One outlet suggested that Steveson’s next opponent could be someone coming off multiple losses who struggles with takedowns, while the UFC will likely want a striker with knockout power who can test him again. Heavy’s analysis laid out that view. It is an opinion, not an announcement.
The timing matters, too. Paramount+’s UFC schedule page says UFC fight cards are typically announced about 8 to 12 weeks in advance. If that pattern holds and a medical suspension applies, a fight in late November or December looks more realistic than one in early October. That is an inference from typical scheduling, not a confirmed plan.
Path 2: A Return to Wrestling First
Steveson competes in RAF, so a wrestling match could be his next competitive appearance. After UFC 329, he said he hoped to return to the Octagon in the fall, but the loss could change that plan. A wrestling return could let him compete without taking strikes while he reviews his MMA game. BJPenn.com asked the same question: will he go back to wrestling roots or stick to striking?
Path 3: A Longer Break and a Reset
Some commentators think Steveson faces a real test of commitment. A Yahoo Sports “morning after” column argued that the loss will show how deeply he is committed to MMA, while MMA Mania asked whether Steveson will ever fight again. Those are opinion pieces, and his team is publicly saying the opposite.
What Steveson’s Team and the UFC Have Said
Dana White
At the post-fight press conference, White said that anything is possible when two fighters get in the cage, and that people should wait to see what happens rather than assume the result. He also cut Steveson some slack for leaving the cage, saying the fighter had huge expectations on himself. White did not announce a next fight.
Manager Abe Kawa
Kawa posted on Instagram the day after the fight. He compared Steveson to fighters who lost big fights and went on to great careers, naming Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, Demetrious Johnson, Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier, and Jose Aldo. He closed by saying Steveson will be back soon. You can read more in Yahoo Sports’ report on the statement and the Sportscape Magazine write-up.
Reported Payout
MMA Mania reported that Steveson earned $160,000 for the 12-second loss, while the event’s headliner, Alexandre Pantoja, earned much more. Payouts are usually reported by outlets and are not always official, so treat that figure as a reported number.
The UFC Calendar: When Steveson Could Realistically Return
The table below shows the remaining UFC schedule for 2026. These are event dates from the calendar, not confirmed bookings, and dates and cards can change. There is no evidence that Steveson is on any of these cards.
| Date | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 26 | UFC Vegas 121 | Fight Night |
| Oct. 3 | UFC 332: Silva vs. Wang | Delta Center, Salt Lake City; first numbered main card to air on CBS |
| Oct. 10 | UFC Vegas 122 | Fight Night |
| Oct. 17 | UFC Edmonton | Fight Night |
| Oct. 24 | UFC 333 | Numbered event |
| Oct. 31 | UFC Vegas 123 | Fight Night |
| Nov. 7 | UFC Vegas 124 | Fight Night |
| Nov. 14 | UFC 334 | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Dec. 12 | UFC 335 | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas |
The dates come from Yahoo Sports’ 2026 calendar report and the Wikipedia page for UFC 332. Athlon Sports’ UFC schedule tracks start times and booked cards as they are released. For UFC schedule updates and previews, you can also follow Sports Dastak.
The Heavyweight Division: Where Steveson Fits
Steveson’s loss lands in the middle of a shifting heavyweight division. Former champion Jon Jones, who trains Steveson and was in his corner, has not ruled out a full return to MMA, according to Sports Illustrated. The same report noted that Tom Aspinall has been sidelined after eye pokes suffered at UFC 321, which has left the heavyweight picture in flux.
Steveson had previously been described as the most talented heavyweight prospect in recent MMA history, according to Yahoo Sports. The loss does not erase his Olympic gold medal or his wrestling credentials, but it does show that he still has to prove himself against striking specialists. UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden lists Ciryl Gane in a heavyweight bout on AXS’s UFC ticket page, which shows how quickly the division keeps moving.
How to Watch the Next UFC Event
If Steveson is booked, the fight will likely air on the UFC’s usual platforms. In the United States, UFC events stream on Paramount+, and UFC 331 itself was carried live there, according to MMA Mania. Paramount+’s own schedule page lists the UFC events and says the fights stream live and on demand with a subscription. UFC 332 is scheduled to be the first numbered main card to air on CBS, per Wikipedia.
Broadcast rights differ by country. If you live outside the U.S., check your local sports channel or streaming service and the UFC’s events page for watch information. Avoid unofficial streams, which are often unsafe.
How to Track Gable Steveson’s Next Fight Announcement
To stay ahead of news, use these sources:
- The UFC’s events page: UFC.com posts new fight cards as they are confirmed.
- Fighter databases: Check Tapology, Sherdog, and Next Fight, which update quickly.
- Major MMA news: ESPN’s MMA coverage and CBS Sports’ UFC hub publish breaking announcements.
- Steveson’s manager and social accounts: Announcements often appear on social media first.
- Wrestling news: If he returns to the mat, watch for Real American Freestyle announcements.
- Our coverage: Follow Sports Tamasha, Sports News Era, and Sports Dastak for updates on combat sports as soon as new details emerge.
How to Spot Fake or Premature Fight Announcements
Whenever a star loses, rumors spread fast. Fans searching for “Gable Steveson next fight” may see posts claiming a date or opponent before anything is official. Use this checklist before you believe or share one:
- Look for an official source. A real booking appears on UFC.com, on the promotion’s verified social accounts, or through established outlets such as ESPN, CBS Sports, or MMA Junkie.
- Check the date on the story. Older articles about his earlier bookings, such as DBX 4 or RAF 12, often resurface in search results and can look like new announcements.
- Beware of screenshot rumors. A screenshot with no link is not confirmation.
- Separate opinion from news. Columns about what “should” happen next are not bookings.
- Wait for both sides to confirm. A fight is not final until the promotion and the fighter’s team have both confirmed it.
Frequently Asked Questions: When Is Gable Steveson’s Next Fight?
Q: When is Gable Steveson’s next fight?
A: No fight has been announced as of September 20, 2026. He was knocked out by Sean Sharaf on September 19 at UFC 331, and neither the UFC nor Steveson has revealed a next opponent or date.
Q: Who beat Gable Steveson?
A: Sean Sharaf knocked him out with a left hook 12 seconds into the first round at UFC 331 in Los Angeles.
Q: What is Gable Steveson’s MMA record?
A: He is 4-1 in MMA and 1-1 in the UFC. UFC 331 was his first professional loss.
Q: Will Gable Steveson fight again in the UFC?
A: His team says he will bounce back, but the UFC has not announced any plans. Reports we reviewed do not say he has been released.
Q: Was Gable Steveson cut from the UFC?
A: No report we reviewed says the UFC has released him. Check the UFC’s official announcements for confirmation.
Q: How long did the Gable Steveson vs Sean Sharaf fight last?
A: It lasted 12 seconds. ESPN reported it as the third-fastest finish in UFC heavyweight history.
Q: What were the odds for Steveson vs Sharaf?
A: Steveson was listed as high as a -1800 to -2500 favorite depending on the sportsbook, and Sharaf was more than a 10-to-1 underdog at several books.
Q: Did Gable Steveson wrestle before UFC 331?
A: Yes. He competed at Real American Freestyle 12 on August 22, 2026, against Anthony Cassioppi.
Q: Who trains Gable Steveson?
A: Former UFC champion Jon Jones has been a key training partner and was in his corner at UFC 331, according to reports.
Q: Where was UFC 331?
A: UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2 took place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on September 19, 2026.
Q: When is the next UFC event?
A: UFC Vegas 121 is scheduled for September 26, and UFC 332 is scheduled for October 3 in Salt Lake City.
Q: Where can I watch UFC fights?
A: In the U.S., UFC events stream on Paramount+. UFC 332 is scheduled to be the first numbered main card on CBS. Outside the U.S., check local sports channels and streaming services.
Sources and Further Reading (Backlinks)
The fight results, records, calendar dates, and reactions in this guide come from established sports and MMA outlets. For real-time updates on Steveson and the UFC, see:
- ESPN — Olympic Champ Steveson KO’d by Sharaf in Just 12 Seconds at UFC 331
- ESPN — Gable Steveson MMA Profile
- CBS Sports — UFC 331 Results and Highlights: Sean Sharaf Scores All-Time Upset
- CBS Sports — UFC News, Events, Rankings and Results
- Yahoo Sports — Sean Sharaf Shocks Olympic Champ Gable Steveson With Brutal 12-Second KO
- Yahoo Sports — Sean Sharaf Pulls Off Biggest Upset in UFC History
- Yahoo Sports — Dana White Reacts to Gable Steveson’s UFC 331 Loss, Early Cage Exit
- Yahoo Sports — Wildest UFC Reactions to Gable Steveson Getting Knocked Out Cold in 12 Seconds
- Yahoo Sports — Gable Steveson’s Manager Releases Statement After Shocking 12-Second Knockout Loss
- Yahoo Sports — UFC 331, The Morning After: Goodbye Gable?
- Yahoo Sports — UFC Announces Dates for UFC 334, UFC 335 to Close Out 2026 Slate
- MMA Mania — UFC 331 Highlights: Sharaf Stuns MMA World, Upsets Gable With 12-Second KO
- MMA Mania — UFC 331, The Morning After: Will Gable Steveson Ever Fight Again?
- BJPenn.com — Gable Steveson’s Manager Remains Optimistic Despite 12-Second KO Loss
- BoxingNews.com — Sharaf on Steveson’s Future After Stunning KO
- MiddleEasy — Dana White Defends Gable Steveson After UFC 331 Cage Exit
- Heavy — Dana White Reacts to Gable Steveson Losing at UFC 331
- Sportscape Magazine — Gable Steveson’s Manager Sends Strong Message After UFC 331 Loss
- Sherdog — Gable Steveson Fighter Profile
- Sherdog — Gable Steveson Returns to Wrestling Following UFC 329 Debut Win
- Tapology — Gable Steveson Fighter Page
- Next Fight — Gable Steveson Next Fight 2026
- UFC.com — Sean Sharaf Knocks Steveson Out in 12 Seconds (Video)
- UFC.com — UFC Fight Cards, Watch Times, Live Stats
- Sports Illustrated — UFC Star Gable Steveson Offers Jon Jones Prediction for Next UFC Fight
- Sports Illustrated — Jon Jones Announces Gable Steveson’s Next Fight Following Pro MMA Debut
- Sports Illustrated — Gable Steveson Says NFL, MMA Doors Are Still Open (2025)
- Wikipedia — UFC 332: Silva vs. Wang
- Wikipedia — Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Athlon Sports — When Is the Next UFC? Date, Start Times, Full Schedule
- Paramount+ — UFC Schedule 2026: Dates and Start Times
- AXS — UFC Tickets, Fight Schedule and Upcoming Events
More combat sports and general sports coverage from our network:
- Sports Tamasha — daily sports news, previews, and how-to-watch guides
- Sports News Era — sports news, results, and analysis
- Sports Dastak — live sports updates, schedules, and features
Every external link above is directly relevant to Steveson, the UFC, or the UFC 331 event. Quality and relevance matter more than link count, so when you update this article, replace outdated links rather than adding unrelated ones.
About Gable Steveson
Gable Steveson is a 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling and a two-time NCAA Division I national champion who competed for Minnesota. After his wrestling career, he tried professional wrestling and football before switching to MMA, where he began his professional career in September 2025. He signed with the UFC and won his debut in July 2026, then suffered his first loss at UFC 331. He also continues to compete in Real American Freestyle wrestling.
About Sean Sharaf
Sean Sharaf is a heavyweight and U.S. Marine veteran who entered UFC 331 with an 0-2 UFC record. His 12-second knockout of Steveson was his first Octagon win and one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, and it moved him to 1-2 in the UFC and 5-2 overall, according to ESPN.
Disclaimer
This guide is written for general information and is based on published reports at the time of writing. Fight cards, dates, records, and odds can change, and some details differ between outlets, so always confirm important information on official UFC channels. Speculation about future bookings is labeled as such. Betting information is provided for context only and is intended for adults of legal age.
