Steveson Explains Snubbing Sharaf's Staredown at UFC 331

Gable Steveson refused to make eye contact with Sean Sharaf during their ceremonial staredown at UFC 331 because his coach Jon Jones taught him to withhold that respect from opponents who haven't earned it. Steveson and Sharaf meet on the main card Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, and the heavyweight prospect used his Friday face-off to send a message before ever throwing a punch.

"It's just normal Jon Jones protocol," Steveson said after the ceremonial weigh-ins. "We want our opponent to earn our respect and Sean hasn't earned our respect in any aspect of anything. It's nothing personal. It just has to happen now."

Asked directly what he gains by looking away instead of locking eyes, Steveson framed it as a way to drain the moment of meaning before the fight even starts. "You're expecting a tough face off," he said. "You're expecting someone to come out there and really look you in the eye and say, 'Hey, I'm going to beat you.' By us looking away we're taking away all the credibility of even having that interaction."

Why Steveson Is Borrowing Jones' Playbook

The move is a direct lift from Jon Jones, who has used the same silent-treatment staredown for years to unsettle opponents and control the pre-fight narrative. Steveson has leaned on Jones as a mentor since turning pro, and the parallels have only grown more obvious fight week to fight week, right down to body language at the podium.

It also arrives at a tense moment for Steveson. Sharaf has leaned into personal trash talk in the buildup, and a chunk of the UFC fan base has started booing Steveson, still unconvinced by an Olympic wrestling résumé that hasn't yet translated into a signature octagon win. Refusing the staredown reads as Steveson trying to seize control of a week that has otherwise felt like it was slipping away from him.

What It Means for the Betting Line

None of the theater has moved the number. Steveson is a massive -2000 favorite over Sharaf, a gap that reflects a serious talent and experience mismatch rather than anything happening at the podium. Sharaf is the kind of opponent Steveson is supposed to blow through on his way up the heavyweight ladder, and oddsmakers see this as close to a formality.

For bettors, the staredown snub doesn't change the calculus on the moneyline, but it does hint at how Steveson wants this one to go. A fighter that confident about controlling the narrative before the bell usually isn't looking to survive three rounds, he's looking to make a statement. That makes an early finish worth a look for anyone shopping method-of-victory or round props, given how badly Steveson needs a clean, emphatic win to quiet the doubters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Gable Steveson refuse to look at Sean Sharaf during their UFC 331 staredown?

Gable Steveson said skipping eye contact was 'normal Jon Jones protocol,' explaining that Sharaf hadn't earned his respect and that looking away strips the moment of any credibility.

What is the betting line for Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf at UFC 331?

Gable Steveson is a massive -2000 betting favorite over Sean Sharaf heading into their UFC 331 main card bout in Los Angeles.

When and where is UFC 331 taking place?

UFC 331 takes place Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, streaming live on Paramount+, with Gable Steveson facing Sean Sharaf on the main card.