G. Steveson vs Sean Sharaf Prediction 20 September 2026
💥 For his milestone fifth professional bout, Olympic champion Gable Steveson has been handed a truly intriguing opponent. At UFC 331, Steveson will square off in the prelims against former Marine Sean Sharaf. The bookmakers’ odds highlight a massive gulf in class, suggesting an easy night’s work for the celebrated wrestler. Still, in the heavyweight division, a single clean shot can turn any fight on its head. That’s what makes this upcoming clash all the more compelling-anything can happen inside the Octagon.
Gable Steveson Player Overview
26-year-old Gable Steveson burst onto the MMA scene as one of the most exciting heavyweight prospects on the planet after his triumphant run at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. A protégé of the legendary Jon Jones, Steveson has already put together a perfect record with four stoppage wins, all coming inside the opening round. The American is steadily adding heavy hands to his dominant wrestling base, mixing in powerful kicks and explosive combinations. Steveson stands out with remarkable speed and exceptional cardio for a heavyweight. He relentlessly pressures his opponents, turning every second inside the Octagon into a nightmare for anyone across from him.
Sean Sharaf Player Overview
33-year-old Shon Sharaf earned his spot in the world's top league after an impressive run in regional promotions. However, his UFC debut has been disappointing, with back-to-back stoppage losses to Tafa and Asplud. Sharaf is a textbook brawler-straightforward and heavy-handed, he’s always looking for a quick knockout rather than dragging fights out. His glaring weaknesses remain his porous striking defense and a near-total lack of grappling skills. With nothing left to lose in this matchup, Sharaf will step into the Octagon with one clear objective: to land a wild shot and upset the favorite.
⭐ Editor's Pick
Despite the clear gulf in class, it’s unlikely this bout will end within the opening two and a half minutes. Sharaf knows full well that a third straight defeat could spell the end of his run in the promotion, so expect him to be laser-focused from the opening bell. Stevenson, meanwhile, will also need some time to gauge the range and pick the perfect moment for his first takedown attempt without unnecessary risk. Sharaf’s military background and natural resilience should help him weather the early storm and defend along the cage for at least half a round. Our pick: over 0.5 rounds.