Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf: A New Heavyweight Force Emerges at UFC 331

The heavyweight division is always one knockout away from a shake-up, and Gable Steveson is looking to be the catalyst for the next big shift. After a successful debut, the 26-year-old wrestling powerhouse is returning to the Octagon at Crypto.com UFC 331 to face Sean Sharaf. For Steveson, this isn’t just another fight; it’s a statement of evolution.

Learning from the GOAT: The Jon Jones Influence

Transitioning from an Olympic wrestling background to the brutal world of Mixed Martial Arts is no small feat. However, Steveson has a secret weapon in his corner: Jon “Bones” Jones. Training under one of the greatest fighters in history has accelerated Steveson’s growth, allowing him to embrace the role of a student once again.

Steveson emphasizes that while wrestling is second nature to him, he is working tirelessly to make his MMA game just as instinctive. By absorbing the wisdom of Jones and his elite coaching staff, he aims to anticipate every move his opponent makes, ensuring he is never caught off guard.

The Strategy: Pressure and Adaptability

Drawing inspiration from the legendary Daniel Cormier, Steveson is implementing a high-pressure fighting style. His goal is to keep opponents on edge, forcing them into mistakes through relentless forward movement.

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• Stay Active: Steveson is focusing on better timing—knowing exactly when to push and when to reset.
• Cautious Aggression: After taking a few sloppy hits in his debut, he is prioritizing precision over chaos.
• Dynamic Adaptability: The plan for the fight against Sean Sharaf is to remain loose, calm, and ready to deploy new tools in his arsenal.

Why the Matchup with Sean Sharaf Matters

For many analysts, the bout against Sean Sharaf is the perfect litmus test for Steveson. Sharaf has faced uphill battles in his previous UFC appearances, providing Steveson with a golden opportunity to refine his skills and build momentum. However, the heavyweight ladder is short and steep; a dominant performance here could fast-track Steveson into a ranked matchup sooner than expected.

“I see it coming, I feel it coming,” Steveson noted regarding his ascent in the rankings. “I would like to get through Saturday with another dominant performance and gauge where we are from there.”

How to Watch Crypto.com UFC 331

Don’t miss the action as these two heavyweights collide at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, on September 19, 2026. You can stream the entire event live on Paramount+ in the United States.

Event Schedule (ET):

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• Early Prelims: 5:00 PM
• Prelims: 7:00 PM
• Main Card: 9:00 PM

With the guidance of Jon Jones and a hunger for dominance, Gable Steveson is ready to show the world a new version of himself. Will Sean Sharaf be able to weather the storm, or will Steveson rocket his way toward the top of the division?