Anthony Wint Urges Sean Sharaf to Retire After Swift UFC 332 Knockout
Anthony Wint, former NFL linebacker turned UFC heavyweight contender, continued his rapid rise this past Saturday with a devastating 23-second knockout victory at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City. This marked the fifth time in his undefeated nine-fight career that Wint has finished an opponent in under a minute. His latest victim was Lucas Armand, who stood no chance against Wint’s relentless power.
After the fight, Wint quickly set his sights on Sean Sharaf, another rising heavyweight star who recently shocked the MMA world by knocking out Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in just 12 seconds at UFC 331. Wint called out Sharaf as the next logical opponent, believing their styles would make for a thrilling matchup.
Wint Thinks Retirement Might Be Best for Sharaf
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Wint admitted he hasn’t yet spoken with his agent about the potential fight but said it’s clear who he wants to face next. He thinks Sharaf’s win over Steveson was almost unbelievable, but doubted Sharaf’s chances of becoming a world champion.
"I saw the part where Sean talked about retiring — and that’d be the smartest thing for him to do. Not saying anything against Sean, but I honestly don’t think he could be a world champion. That’s nothing against him. It’s going to take a lot for me to be a world champion. I think I have a little bit more than Sean," Wint said.
Wint also revealed he has personal experience training with Sharaf. Before Wint earned his UFC contract via Contender Series in August, he helped Sharaf prepare for his fight against Steveson, effectively acting as his sparring partner and mimicking Steveson's style.
Training Insights and Approach to Fighting
Wint shared how he advised Sharaf during camp, encouraging him to expect a brutal start from Steveson. Reflecting on his own fight against Armand, Wint said he knew his opponent’s wrestling was weak and aimed to end the fight quickly with a knockout instead of relying on submissions or decisions.
"I wanted to get that knockout. I wanted to get that $100,000. So I’m going for the knockout all the time. It makes better marketing when you put somebody flat on their face," Wint explained.
Despite calling out Sharaf, Wint emphasized there is no personal animosity. He respects Sharaf and hopes the challenge is seen as an opportunity rather than a slight. If they don’t meet in the Octagon soon, Wint said he wouldn’t hesitate to train with Sharaf again.
Quick Finishes Are Wint’s Trademark
Already 2-0 in the UFC since signing in August, Wint is known for his lightning-fast finishes. Out of nine professional MMA fights, only once has he gone to a decision, winning via split decision in March 2025. He likes quick knockouts because they reduce damage and boost his marketability.
"I’ve had five wins that ended in under 40 seconds, and I train so hard. I’ve got a great team behind me, and it’s like, I’ve got more to put out there," Wint said. "I kind of already knew going into that fight that Lucas didn’t have anything for me. Once I started punching, I wasn’t going to stop."
Working on Weaknesses While Climbing the Ranks
Although Wint looks dominant, he acknowledges areas that need improvement. He knows his explosiveness, cardio, and experience could be exploited, so he dedicates much of his training to strengthening those facets.
"I think it’s obvious where I’m weakest right now. Anybody with a decent coach knows nobody can be perfect. There are very few martial artists who can’t be beaten unless having a bad day," Wint stated. "Because I know my limits, I work on them so when opponents try to take advantage, the road closes and they have to change direction."
Wint is eager to face tougher competition and test himself further, even if it means taking bigger risks. Calling out Sharaf is part of that plan, with Wint ready to raise the stakes and keep climbing the heavyweight ladder.
