Gable Steveson Compares Sean Sharaf to Mike Tyson Opponent Peter McNeeley
- Gable Steveson prepares for his first main card appearance in the promotion by comparing his next opponent, Sean Sharaf, to Peter McNeeley ahead of their heavyweight bout in...
- The 26-year-old prospect outlined his perspective on the matchup during a media day interview, pointing to the historical precedent of Mike Tyson facing Peter McNeeley in 1995 for...
- My sense is that he is truly thrilled to perform and announce, ‘Hey, I fought Gable Steveson.’ It resembles the occasion when Mike Tyson squared off against Peter...
Gable Steveson prepares for his first main card appearance in the promotion by comparing his next opponent, Sean Sharaf, to Peter McNeeley ahead of their heavyweight bout in Los Angeles. Steveson enters the matchup following his transition to mixed martial arts this year as an Olympic gold medalist, while Sharaf looks to secure his first victory inside the Octagon after dropping his two prior promotional appearances, according to reporting from MMA Junkie.
Steveson Draws Parallels to Mike Tyson’s 1995 Comeback
The 26-year-old prospect outlined his perspective on the matchup during a media day interview, pointing to the historical precedent of Mike Tyson facing Peter McNeeley in 1995 for his first fight after returning from a three-year prison sentence. In that bout, Tyson secured a quick victory after McNeeley’s manager entered the ring to stop the contest. Steveson utilized that historical comparison to characterize Sharaf’s mindset heading into the weekend.
My sense is that he is truly thrilled to perform and announce, ‘Hey, I fought Gable Steveson.’ It resembles the occasion when Mike Tyson squared off against Peter McNeeley. Peter McNeeley was out here talking [to] the whole world, everybody, saying, ‘Hey, I got the chance to fight Mike Tyson.’ Saturday will be that day for him and he’ll go to be a regular citizen after that.
Gable Steveson, via MMA Junkie
Steveson described Sharaf as a regional competitor who reached the major promotion, contrasting that status with his own goal of winning championships rather than simply making the roster. Sharaf initially signed with the organization holding an undefeated 4-0 record before suffering defeats in his first two Octagon appearances.
Sean Sharaf Responds Ahead of Los Angeles Bout
Sharaf addressed the rising hype surrounding his opponent during his own media sessions, stating that he remains unimpressed by the credentials of the athletic heavyweight. While acknowledging Steveson’s wrestling background and Olympic gold medal, Sharaf emphasized that the matchup ultimately boils down to a standard fistfight inside the cage.
Everyone’s just all hyped. He’s an Olympic gold medalist but this is fighting. We’re gonna fight.
Sean Sharaf, via MMA Junkie
The promotion has placed the matchup on the main card as part of an effort to build Steveson’s experience level within the heavyweight division. Steveson has also drawn attention recently regarding the title picture, viewing injury issues surrounding Tom Aspinall as a notable opening within the weight class. Both heavyweights will step into the cage in Los Angeles on Saturday night to resolve their war of words.