Gable Steveson denies 2019 sexual assault allegations in first statement since brutal Sean Sharaf defeat

Gable Steveson has addressed historic allegations of sexual assault in a statement after suffering a knockout blow just seconds into his fifth MMA fight.

The multi-disciplinary fighter was beaten in his second outing under the UFC banner, losing to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331, his first MMA loss after four wins in a year.

Now 26, the former professional wrestler and one-time NFL hopeful was investigated along with a college wrestling teammate over allegations made when he was 19.

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Steveson was never charged and 'there is no pending legal issue'

The allegations became a major talking point during fight week after Sharaf referenced them repeatedly, with Steveson issuing a lengthy statement following his defeat.

"I want to be clear: I did not do anything alleged," said Steveson in a post on Instagram.

"I was never charged with a crime, and the matter was ultimately dropped by the district attorney. The allegations were not ignored nor brushed aside. They were thoroughly and heavily reviewed as I fully cooperated with law enforcement, including a separate Title IX review.

"There were no criminal charges, no conviction, and no finding of responsibility against me. The matter was closed, and there is no pending legal issue involving me.

"My own attorney did their own investigation and stated on the record that even if the law was changed, I would have the same outcome, which now speaks for itself."

It was a chastening night for Steveson, who tasted defeat in the Octagon for the first time.

He was floored by a Sharaf punch after just 12 seconds of the first round in Los Angeles, leaving him with a 4-1 record in MMA overall.

"As for my opponent, congratulations, you caught me," added Steveson.

"A mistake on my end was made. It was your night.

"Just like my wrestling days after my loss, I came back with an undeniable will to win and focus that led me to the top of my sport.

The result of Saturday night, I believe, will catapult me to do the same. I will be great, and this won’t deny me."

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Why was Gable Steveson investigated in 2019?

The allegations addressed in Steveson's statement date back to his time on the wrestling team at the University of Minnesota.

Steveson and University of Minnesota wrestling teammate Dylan Martinez were arrested in 2019 on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct following an allegation of sexual assault. Neither man was ultimately charged.

Neither Steveson nor Martinez were charged. The prosecutor stated that there was inadequate evidence and the case could not be fairly pursued.

"[The prosecutor] also hinted that alcohol may have been involved, saying that under Minnesota’s current laws on intoxication and a victim’s ability to give consent, his office was restricted in how it could bring charges in the case," according to AP News.

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