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UFC star Steven Asplund who lost 19st after 'fat' taunts hits back after brutal TKO win

American star claims impressive first win in the UFC and urges fans to back body positivity as he recalls his path from 525lbs to professional fighter

[Steven Asplund is all smiles after making a winning start to life in the UFC]

Steven Asplund is all smiles after making a winning start to life in the UFC(Image: Zuffa LLC)

The Conor McGregor strut, Alex Pereiras bow and arrow, Justin Gaethje flipping off the top of the cage and Nate Diazs double bicep pose are all iconic post-fight celebrations that will live long in the memory.

But larger-than-life character Steven Asplund may have topped the lot after grabbing his moobs to mark his successful UFC debut in Las Vegas last weekend at the Apex.

The act was more than a funny viral moment, instead it was about owning and embracing his own weight-loss journey that has seen drop more than 250lbs to realise his MMA dreams and become a professional fighter.

[Steven Asplund finishes his debut win in style against Sean Sharaf in Las Vegas]

Steven Asplund finishes his debut win in style against Sean Sharaf in Las Vegas(Image: Zuffa LLC)

Appropriately, with skin in the game, having come through Dana Whites Contender Series after earning a contract with a 16-second KO, Asplund made an impressive first impression in the heavyweight ranks as he stopped a bloodied and beaten Sean Sharaf late in the second round.

The Minnesota native, 27, who tipped the scales at 525lbs in his early twenties but entered the Octagon at 261, said: Sean is no slouch and I hope that we delivered for anybody that has been bullied in their life. You feel like youre unworthy. You feel like youre not worth a s**t.

I love them all still, but I grew up with my best friends calling me fat boy, titties' and fat a**. Im not tripping as it helped grow me to who I am.

But theres another thing when I go on Twitter and now Im the face of a f****** joke.

[American heavyweight prospect Steven Asplund gets his hand raised inside the Octagon]

American heavyweight prospect Steven Asplund gets his hand raised inside the Octagon(Image: Zuffa LLC)

I struggled a lot this week with seeing people talk s***... it's difficult. I want every little kid that cant fight back, that cant articulate how they feel, or don't feel like they're enough to know that you are worthy. You dont have to be ashamed of yourself. You dont have to be ashamed of your bodies.

Just grow, get better and hard work pays off. Thats the name of my story. Im not supposed to be here, but, f***, were here.

To emphasise his transformation, Concrete racked up 170 significant strikes against Sharaf, which is a new record for a three-round heavyweight bout.

Despite his appearance, Asplund showed he has the endurance that could put even some of the divisions elite under pressure.

[Steven Asplund talks to Michael Bisping about his journey to make it to the UFC]

Steven Asplund talks to Michael Bisping about his journey to make it to the UFC(Image: Zuffa LLC)

He added: I have always had a gas tank as a fat guy because I liked hoops, running up and down the basketball court.

But the biggest improvement (since I dropped a lot of weight) is my speed and my cardio.

I think that Ill be able to outlast a lot of guys with that cardio. Im not willing to accept position, Im not willing to give up.

I definitely think that has been a blessing, while my power has got stronger as Ive lost weight.

UP NEXT: UFC 324, Sunday, January 25, 2am. Paddy Pimblett will kick-off 2026 in an interim lightweight title clash with Justin Gaethje in Las Vegas.

MONEY MATCH: Derrick Lewis (11/5) has the power to halt Waldo Cortes-Acostas heavyweight rise. Odds and full UFC betting available at boylesports.com

FINAL SAY: For me to be 33 and think that Im going to win a world title in boxing is unrealistic. I reckon I could have a couple of big fights with a big name. I wouldnt mind boxing an MMA fighter. Heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall talks boxing with Tommy Fury on his YouTube channel.

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