Mega prospect Sage Northcutt says he’s feeling “super human” heading into his welterweight clash against Bryan Barberena and forecasts a future in the division.
“Super” is proving to be an apt nickname for UFC standout Sage Northcutt. The 19-year-old made his UFC debut in 2015 and has dazzled fans with his aggressive fighting style and athletic prowess. Northcutt has netted two stoppages since October and will look to extend his win streak to 8-0 against Bryan Barberena at UFC on Fox 18 this Saturday.
The lifelong martial artist was originally scheduled to face Andrew Holbrook at 155 lbs. but the Indiana native pulled out of the bout citing a broken foot. Northcutt agreed to make the jump to welterweight to take on late replacement Barberena instead and says he’s feeling “Super Human” going into the bout.
“I found out that my opponent that I was going to fight broke his foot, and that was at 155,” he told MMAjunkie. “So now the new opponent that got arranged for me is at 170, welterweight. I had actually cut back the amount of food I was eating. I was already getting close to my weight of fighting at 155, and now I feel great. I feel super strong. I feel like a super human getting to eat all this food and going back to welterweight at the last minute.
All eyes will be on Northcutt in Newark, New Jersey and the karate world champion is looking to make a statement. If successful, Sage plans to take a few more fights at 170 lbs. before he drops back down to lightweight.
“There is a chance that I might fight another fight at 170 or two more fights and go back to 155,” Northcutt said. “I’m not really sure yet exactly what the plan is, but it’s very possible I’ll have more fights and stay here at 170 and very possible I’ll go back to 155 in the future.”
Northcutt vs. Barberena will kick off the main card at UFC on Fox 18 on January 30th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.