Booed, 'New Jon Jones' Has Sexual Assault Case Exposed and Sees Underdog Receive Ovation at UFC 331 Press Conference: 'Rapist'

Jon Jones and Gable during training. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/jonnybones

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Surprisingly, the situation between Gable Steveson and Sean Sharaf completely reversed at the press conference to promote UFC 331. Last Thursday (17), in California (USA), the former, described as the 'New Jon Jones ' and one of the most promising American fighters in MMA, did not have the support of the public. On the contrary, the fans sided with the opponent of the Olympic wrestling champion, the biggest underdog of the event, who ignited the rivalry by bringing up his past.

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In 2019, Steveson and a friend were arrested, accused of sexual assault, after a woman reported that she had been raped. However, the pair did not face formal charges because the Prosecutor's Office stated that it could not file a formal complaint due to limitations regarding the possibility of bringing charges; that is, criminal cases must meet the criterion of proof 'beyond a reasonable doubt'.

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Because of his controversial past, Sharaf didn't forgive Steveson and, having previously called him a rapist on social media and in interviews, he did the same face-to-face. When the suspicion of criminal sexual conduct was brought up again, the wrestler didn't pursue the matter further, but he didn't convince the fans. Despite the boos, the overwhelming favorite, the 'New Jon Jones ', didn't seem shaken and vowed to silence his rival once and for all.

Gable Stevenson and Sean Sharaf have a tense face-off at UFC. Photo: Getty Images/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

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Watch the discussion between the fighters.

Gable Stevenson : “I love seeing all these beautiful faces here. What a great opportunity to see us on this stage, to cheer and to boo. It’s an honor to be here. Honestly, I’m very excited to fight on Saturday. I’m very excited for you to see another performance from me and WOW, this is incredible. Look at you. Thank you so much.”

Gable: “I’m very excited to be here. Maybe this is deserved. I came from the preliminary card to the main card. It’s an honor to be here and it’s an honor to be in front of these people who cheer so much for me and for my greatness. I’m motivated to win. I’m motivated to put on a show for this fantastic audience. I respect Sharaf as an opponent. He came to fight and that’s what I signed up for too.”

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Sean Sharaf: “I don’t dislike the guy, but nobody likes a rapist. This guy raped a woman in 2019 and that’s why everyone is booing him. You can’t do that. It’s wrong.”

Gable: “He’s already lost just by saying that. He’s a coward and he’s already looking for a way out. He’s looking for a way to escape this opportunity. He’s here because of me; this should be a great opportunity to face Gable Stevenson .”

Sharaf: “Okay. Why did you refuse the fight at the White House?”

Gable: "Actually, I wasn't offered the chance to fight in the White House."

Sharaf: "Yes. Okay."

Gable: "What are you talking about?"

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Sharaf: "Okay. Loophole"

Gable: “It’s a good name, isn’t it? What a great name. I see a lot of people rooting for him, but we’ll see how many people will be rooting for him when he gets knocked out and falls flat on the floor on Saturday.”

Sharaf: “You’re going to resort to a takedown to save your life, my friend. You can’t trade blows. You know you won’t trade with me. You’re going for the takedown. You already know that.”

Gable: “I would love to give everyone on this stage the opportunity to speak, not let Sharaf have all the opportunity. So, next question.”