Sage Northcutt talks about MMA return, first KO loss & ONE Championship’s historic US card

Sage Northcutt addressed his MMA return after a four-year layoff.

After four years of inactivity, Sage Northcutt will return to action on May 5 against Ahmed Mujtaba. The lightweight bout is set to take place at ONE Fight Night 10 in Denver, CO, marking ONE Championship’s first event in the United States.

“He’s had two spectacular fights,” Northcutt told FanSided. “He had a solid knockout in his last fight. He had a very unique submission against a decorated black belt. I’m training all around different parts of my game to be sharp for this fight.”

Northcutt’s last bout in May 2019 ended in a loss during his promotional debut with ONE Championship. 29 seconds into the first round, Northcutt met Cosmo Alexandre’s right hand, resulting in his first knockout loss and eight facial fractures that needed surgical treatment.

“Bad things happen to everybody,” said Northcutt. “For me, I believe Jesus Christ has a plan for my future. What’s seen as a setback with the injury opens up so many other doors.”

After recovering from his injuries, Northcutt was scheduled to fight Shinya Aoki in 2021. But two weeks before the bout, Northcutt had to pull out after testing positive for COVID-19, further prolonging his absence from the sport.

“I’m a professional athlete so I keep trying to push through stuff,” Northcutt stated. “Having that time to recover was the hardest part for me– sitting back, not getting to do much. Now I’m all good, healed up, and excited to fight. Super excited for ONE Championship’s first event in the United States.”

Sage Northcutt plans to have at least three fights in 2023

Northcutt had a 6-2 record in the UFC before parting ways with the organization in 2018. Currently 11-3 in his career, he was one of the most exciting prospects not only in the UFC but in all of MMA. While four years away from the sport could be detrimental for a lot of fighters, the 26-year-old Northcutt is excited to make his return and what comes after.

“Unfortunately it’s been so long,” said Northcutt. “Now that I’m coming back, I’ve obviously been focused on this fight, but I would love to have a couple of fights this year. If I could have two or three fights after this, that would be great.”

Northcutt said that although nervousness is unavoidable, he is confident in his training, and ring rust will not be an issue on fight night. Aside from consistently training with Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, CA, Northcutt said he has been active in other ways, including snowboarding, wake surfing, and hiking. On May 5, Northcutt’s long-awaited return will take place just northwest of his home state of Texas.

“I’m excited now to be back, strong and recovered,” Northcutt stated. “Hopefully get out there and show all the hard work that I have been putting in and making ONE Championship proud of who they signed.”