Gable Steveson, Tai Tuivasa Bouts Officially Added to UFC 331 in Los Angeles

Two heavyweight matchups have been officially added to the UFC 331 card in Los Angeles, set for September 19, with both bouts now confirmed for the event.

Olympic gold medalist and wrestling standout Gable Steveson will make his UFC debut against Shawn Sharaf. Steveson, 26, from the United States, enters the promotion with a 1-0 UFC record noted in the booking, though his broader professional ledger reflects a fighter only now establishing himself inside the Octagon. At six-foot-one, the young American heavyweight carries considerable amateur pedigree into his early professional career and will be looking to build momentum in the division.

The second bout features Tai "Bam Bam" Tuivasa, who returns to action carrying an 8-10 UFC record and an overall professional mark of 15-10. The 33-year-old Australian, who trains out of Lions High Performance Centre, stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach and comes in as a southpaw. Tuivasa has built a reputation as one of the heavyweight division's most entertaining strikers, averaging 3.66 significant strikes landed per minute with 48 percent striking accuracy. He faces Roberts Despain, who holds a 1-2 UFC record.

Why it matters

• Steveson's development as a prospect in the heavyweight division draws continued attention given his wrestling credentials and limited professional experience.
• Tuivasa, at 8-10 inside the UFC, is navigating a pivotal stretch of his career and needs a strong performance to remain relevant in a loaded 265-pound division.
• Both matchups pit fighters at contrasting stages of their careers, giving UFC 331's heavyweight portion a mix of emerging talent and a veteran looking to reverse recent fortunes.