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Valter Walker Attributes Gable Steveson’s UFC 331 Loss to Mental State

By MMAReign News Desk·Sep 22, 2026 • 4:04 AM

Valter Walker claims that Gable Steveson was not mentally prepared for his second UFC bout, which resulted in a surprising loss at UFC 331.

Valter Walker has offered his perspective on the recent heavyweight upset involving Gable Steveson at UFC 331. According to Walker, Steveson appeared to be struggling mentally leading into his sophomore appearance, which ultimately concluded in a historic and rapid defeat.

Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist, faced significant scrutiny following his 12-second knockout loss to Sean Sharaf earlier this month. While the MMA community and various media personalities have dissected the tactical aspects of the bout, Walker’s assessment centers on the psychological challenges inherent in transitioning from collegiate and freestyle wrestling to the professional cage.

Since the event, the aftermath of the fight has remained a prominent topic of conversation, with various parties—including management and internal UFC stakeholders—weighing in on the result. Walker’s comments add a layer of insight into the potential internal barriers Steveson may have faced while navigating his early transition into the promotion. Steveson continues to be a focal point of discussions regarding the integration of elite-level wrestlers into the heavyweight division despite the setback.


Source: Sherdog.

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