Palestinian UFC Fighter Sean Sharaf Shares Mothers Heartbreaking Story After Upset KO Victo
Sean Sharaf pulled off one of the greatest upsets in UFC history at UFC 331. The Palestinian-American heavyweight knocked out Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in just 12 seconds on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Sean Sharaf entered UFC 331 as a massive underdog, with oddsmakers listing him as a +1000 to +1200 underdog against Gable Steveson. The former U.S. Marine had lost both of his previous UFC bouts and was fighting for his career at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. What followed was the third-fastest finish in UFC heavyweight history and one of the biggest upsets the sport has ever seen.
Sharaf wasted no time, landing a right hand before uncorking a devastating left hook that sent Steveson crashing to the canvas unconscious. Referee Frank Trigg rushed in to stop the fight at just 12 seconds of the first round. Steveson, a 2020 Olympic wrestling gold medalist and protege of Jon Jones, suffered his first professional MMA loss in stunning fashion.
In his post-fight interview, Sharaf said, “I feel amazing. I worked so hard, I prayed so hard. Believed in myself when nobody believed in myself.”
He also took a moment to pray for his deceased father.
Sharaf’s path to this moment was far from easy. Sharaf was winless in his two UFC fights going into his bout with Steveson, with both of his UFC losses coming by knockout.
The victory earned Sharaf the Mobland “Proper Chaos” bonus according to the official UFC website. During the post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White also added that he would match the bonus.
“They did a Mob Land bonus tonight for 50 grand. That’s going to Sean and I’m going to match it for another 50 so he gets 100. Somebody said he’s 600 grand in debt,” the UFC boss revealed. “We’re knocking out 100 grand of the 600. There you go. Congrats to him.”
Sharaf’s Struggles
Behind the highlight-reel knockout lies a story of personal struggle that Sharaf revealed in the aftermath of his career-defining win.
Sharaf disclosed that he was facing potential bankruptcy before UFC 331, having accumulated debt through years without sponsors while dealing with injuries. He had been sleeping on the floor at Sean Strickland’s gym in the lead-up to the fight, according to Strickland (h/t Championship Rounds).
Sean Strickland shares a screenshot of his texts with Sean Sharaf just 3 weeks ago
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 20, 2026
He was sleeping on the floor and didn’t even own a mattress
🗣️ Strickland: “Time to get a nicer mattress after that 100K bonus you’re about to get.” pic.twitter.com/mFLtWJCpWU
Despite his debt, Sharaf told Megan Olivi during the post-fight interview with Paramount + that he would send the entire sum to his 66-year-old mother, who has been battling serious health problems.
“I just really want to be able to help my mom, and I just want to help her retire this year,” Sharaf said. “She’s got a lot of health problems.”
His voice cracking, he added, “I just want to call my mom. She’s been worrying about me, and she’s been praying so hard for me.”
“She wanted to come, but the last one I was all busted up, so I was worried about her. She’s got asthma. She’s got a pacemaker. She’s got so many health problems. She has sciatica right now, and I just want to help her retire. So I’m really hoping to get a bonus. I could give that to her and help her uh take some time off from work. That’d be really great.”
Advocacy Beyond the Cage
Sharaf, who is of Palestinian heritage, has used his platform to advocate for Palestine beyond his fighting career.
At the tail end of his interview with Olivi, Sharaf added, “I’ve got to say, free Palestine. The people are hurting out there. We just want to see them free.”
The moment reflected Sharaf’s willingness to speak openly about his identity and beliefs, even under the bright lights after his upset.
Before UFC 331, Sharaf approached boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and asked him to say “Free Palestine.”
Sharaf identified himself as Palestinian during the exchange, telling Mayweather, “Free Palestine, brother. I’m Palestinian.”
The interaction quickly spread across social media, bringing further attention to his cause.
Steveson, who was heavily promoted by the UFC, walked out of the octagon before the official decision was announced, skipping Sharaf’s victory celebration. Daniel Cormier criticized Steveson’s decision, noting the lack of sportsmanship.
Sharaf, however, chose grace over resentment, despite bringing up Steveson’s 2019 arrest during the pre-fight buildup.
“I think he’s going to go back, he’s going to get better,” Sharaf said of Steveson during his post-fight press conference. “He’s got a hell of a lot of talent, so I’m sure you guys will see him again.”
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.