Jon Jones' friend opens up about rape allegations after loss at UFC 331.

Gable Stevenson promotes Dirty Boxing event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/DirtyBoxing

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Days after the brutal and surprising defeat to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 , Gable Stevenson came forward not to talk about the knockout he suffered in just 12 seconds, but to address a rather delicate and controversial situation. Through a post on social media last Tuesday (22), the Olympic champion addressed the episode in which he was the target of a rape investigation in 2019. The topic was brought up by the fighter's opponent during the press conference of the last event.

Addressing the situation directly, the Olympic champion made a point of reaffirming that there had not even been a formal accusation against him, directing his statement to fans and family members. Furthermore, he was clear in stating that he did not commit the sexual crime.

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“Before and during the week of the fight, an incident from my college days was brought up by my opponent. I believe this was done to try to destabilize me psychologically, but it also reopened something that had already been resolved years ago. I want to make it clear: I did not commit the alleged acts. I was never formally charged with a crime, and the case was eventually dismissed by the prosecution. The allegations were not ignored or dismissed. They were thoroughly and rigorously analyzed, as I fully cooperated with the authorities,” he said in part of his statement.

 

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Understand the case of the rape of Jon Jones' friend.

Jon Jones and Gable Stevenson train together. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @gable

Back when he was a wrestler at the University of Minnesota, Stevenson and another wrestler were arrested on suspicion of committing sexual crimes against a young woman. Due to a lack of evidence and a loophole in local law regarding consent in cases of alcohol consumption, the Hennepin County prosecutor's office decided not to pursue the case. Because of the publicity, the law was changed in 2021, but it could not be applied against Gable.

Check out the full statement.

“This statement is for my family, my friends, my fans, and the people who truly know me and know what kind of man I am. I know there are people who will never support me, no matter what I say or do. That’s their choice. But I’m speaking to the people who know me not only as an athlete, but as a husband and father of a young daughter. Before and during fight week, an incident from my college days was brought up by my opponent. I believe this was done to try to destabilize me psychologically, but it also reopened something that had already been resolved years ago. I want to make it clear: I did not commit the alleged acts. I was never formally charged with a crime, and the case was ultimately dismissed by the prosecution. The allegations were not ignored or dismissed. They were thoroughly and rigorously analyzed, as I fully cooperated with the authorities, including in a separate investigation under Title IX.”

There were no criminal charges, conviction, or any conclusion that I was responsible for what was alleged. The case was closed, and there are no pending legal issues involving my name. My lawyer conducted his own investigation and officially stated that even if the law had been changed, the outcome would have been the same—which, in itself, says it all.

I understand the seriousness of such allegations and I understand that people may have doubts when they only hear one side of the story. From now on, I will continue to focus on my wife, my daughter, my family, and the work ahead of me. To those who support me, thank you very much. I know who I am. My family knows who I am. The people who have walked with me throughout my life know who I am. That's what matters to me, and that's what I will keep my focus on.

Regarding my opponent: congratulations, you beat me. I made a mistake. The night was yours. Just like in my wrestling days after a loss, I returned with an undeniable will to win and a focus that took me to the top of my sport. I believe Saturday night's result will propel me to do the same. I will achieve greatness, and that won't stop me.”

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