The 19-year-old protege explains why he’s already earning a $40,000/$40,000 salary and advises fighters on how they can make more money in the UFC.
Sage Northcutt exploded onto the scene last year and looks to keep the momentum going in 2016. The undefeated lightweight fighter — who makes his welterweight debut against Bryan Barberena this Saturday — is being hyped as a mega-prospect and is already earning more than some UFC veterans.
In his last fight against Cody Pfister at UFC Fight Night 80, Northcutt received $40,000 to show and $40,000 to win, which was more than almost all of the fighters on the main card. Frankie Edgar topped the list with a $180,000/$180,000 payout after defeating Chad Mendes in the main event.
The 19-year-old has received criticism for his early success and responded to MMA Junkie on Tuesday.
“I want everyone in the UFC to make as much money as they can,” Northcutt said. “I want the best and the most money everyone can make in the UFC. I think and I believe that I bring something different to the table — something that makes people want to tune in and watch. (Fighters need to bring) something that’s of value to the UFC. I think that’s really important with the UFC, and people can see that with me.”
Northcutt has amassed a 7-0 professional MMA record and will look to extend his win streak when he takes on Bryan Barberena on the main card of UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader on Jan. 30 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.