‘I was bullied my whole life’ – Heavyweight who lost almost 300lbs to pursue fighting dream scores epic win on UFC debut

Steven Asplund issued a powerful message after stopping Sean Sharaf on his UFC debut.

Asplund scored an emphatic TKO win over Sharaf at UFC Vegas 112 on Saturday night, having earned his contract in Dana White‘s promotion through a 16-second KO in the Contender Series three months ago.

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The 27-year-old Minnesota native put a beating on his American counterpart, cutting Sharaf wide open in round one.

Sharaf showed grit and determination to keep responding to Asplund’s blows, but the former couldn’t go on as round two came to an end.

Asplund put his foot firmly on the gas as he sensed a finish, and after a series of damaging blows, referee Mark Smith called a stop to the contest with three minutes and 49 seconds on the clock in round two.

Steven Asplund overcome with emotion after successful UFC debut

“I’m a meme on Twitter and Instagram, [but] I want every little kid to know you don’t have to be ashamed of your body,” Asplund told the camera instantly after his win.

Asplund, who once weighed 525lbs, had been clowned on social media over his appearance in the buildup to his fight at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

‘Concrete’ has endured an unrecognisable transformation since his early 20s to pursue his dream of becoming a fighter.

Speaking to Michael Bisping, who had blood on his shirt from sitting in the commentary booth during the fight, Asplund added: “I’m honoured that this was my debut and this is what the performance was.

“I told everyone in this heavyweight division, I’ve gotta gas tank that’s gonna make you f***ing sick.

“I used to be 525lbs — I was an athlete then, but I’m an even better athlete now.

“This gas tank is only getting better, my skills are only getting better.”

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Asplund credited his parents for fighting for everything they had while raising three children, before he concluded: “I’m an emotional guy, man.

“Like I sad I was fat, I was bullied my whole life.

“I just want every little kid that’s been bullied or felt like they’re not good enough or worthy, you are.

“You don’t have to be ashamed of your body. I look disgusting, I know I do and a lot of people have a lot of s*** to say… be confident!”

During his win, Asplund incredibly smashed a UFC record, landing 170 significant strikes — the most for a three-round heavyweight clash in the promotion’s history.

‘Concrete’ found his feet as a professional under the Legacy Fighting Banner in the last 12 months, and is now 7-1 in MMA, riding a four-fight win streak.

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Speaking to Fox 9 in August 2024, Asplund revealed how he sees life in a new light since his remarkable weight loss journey.

“The struggle, the process, the destination – I do believe that this has given me a new lease on life.

“I wouldn’t have lived past my age currently if I would have stayed on that track.”

He will now look to break into the UFC’s top 15 heavyweight rankings.

Tom Aspinall is the current king of White’s heaviest division.