Sage Northcutt was the owner of some of the most promising hype in the UFC when he burst on to the scene with two stellar wins last year.
A first round TKO was followed up with a second round guillotine and the future was beginning to look even brighter for the lightweight discovered by the UFC president on his show Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.
But the hype train derailed in January when Northcutt was submitted by Bryan Barberena as the below modified arm triangle from half-guard drew the tap under seemingly little pressure.
Wow! "@sagenorthcutt taps!" @bryan_barberena goes for an arm triangle – and he has it! 💪 #UFCNewJersey https://t.co/BzcZuQsgQ8
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) January 31, 2016
The ridicule came in waves as critics suggested that the youngster had been found out and looked for an escape once the going got tough.
But, on Saturday night, Northcutt proved that he’s not one to give up easily as he battled through an armbar attempt from Enrique Marin that had his elbow hyper-extended.
Great escape by @SageNorthcutt! #UFC200 https://t.co/lFTuafGAh6
— #UFC200 (@ufc) July 10, 2016
‘Super’ Sage gutted it out in the second and went on to claim a 29-28 decision on all three judges’ scorecards at UFC 200.
At just 20 years old, one would anticipate that we’ll hear plenty more of this mercurial talent.
