Back in 2015, Sage Northcutt made his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut by knocking out Francisco Trevino in the very first round at UFC 192. What’s even more impressive, is that “Super” was just 19 years old and a college student.
Since then, however, Sage has racked up a 3-2 record inside the Octagon, alternating wins and losses, getting back into the win column after a year-long layoff last night (Sat., Nov 11. 2017) against Michel Quinones.
Now that he’s healthy and no longer has college holding him back, “Super” says the best is yet to come.
“Since my very first fight in the UFC, it was about two years ago, I was 19 years old,” Northcutt told MMA Junkie after the fight. “I was studying in school at the same time. I was coming out of high school. I was actually in college at Texas A&M University, so my very first fight, I was doing school at the same time. My next few fights, I was in school. But now I’ve withdrawn from school, and I’m focusing full-time on the UFC and fighting. Now I’m training at Team Alpha Male, one of the best teams in the world, and I’m growing as a fighter, getting better and better.”
Indeed, Sage put his studies to the side in order to focus on the fight game. After having his tonsils and wisdom teeth removed — which forced him out of a fight earlier this year — Northcutt eventually linked up with Team Alpha Male for his comeback.
It’s a partnership that proved fruitful.
“I’m working my way up, one fight at a time,” Northcutt said. “I’m back down at lightweight, undefeated at lightweight, so that’s a blessing. I’ve been 4-0 as a lightweight. … Obviously in the future, I’m going to be looking forward to getting a belt and having Team Alpha Male there with me.”
With a long fighting future ahead of him, Sage says he is only getting better, which can’t be good for future opposition.
“I am still a kid, 21 years old right now,” Northcutt added. “I was the youngest person in the UFC to come in and win their first fight in the UFC. … I’m still growing, still getting better as a fighter, too,” he concluded.
While Sage hasn’t completely ruled out returning to college, for now it seems putting his studies on hold have proven to be the right decision for his combat career.
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