'Super' Sage Northcutt Returns to ONE Championship After Overcoming Adversity

ParallelDesk 12:56:46 PM, 27 April 2023

Nearly four years removed from his ONE Championship debut, Sage Northcutt is set to make his sophomore appearance in the Circle. Heading to the 1stBank Center on May 5 for ONE Fight Night 10, the former MMA prodigy will meet Pakistani mixed martial artist Ahmed Mujtaba. Despite being out of action for quite some time, Northcutt remains confident that he can make a successful return. Days before his fight, 'Super' spoke to ESPN MMA about his setbacks, his time away from competition, and what the future holds. Looking back at his previous fights, Northcutt admitted that his ONE Championship debut in 2019 was not good. The American fighter faced Brazilian striker Cosmo Alexandre and was knocked out in just 29 seconds. The humiliating defeat was not the only challenge Northcutt encountered that day as he also suffered a truly horrifying injury. The Brazilian fighter's blow caused eight fractures in Northcutt's face, hence the need for a 9-hour surgery. Despite the challenges he encountered, Northcutt did not lose faith. He believes that what he went through was all part of a grand plan that sets him up for future success. "Yeah, you’re down definitely for just a little bit,” Northcutt said. “You’re just bummed out. But you know, I believe God has plans for my future and there are things that may seem like it’s a setback, but it’s actually like looking back now, it’s setting something up that’s great." Northcutt is now ready to start afresh, and he is set to face a tough opponent in Mujtaba. The Pakistani fighter is on a roll, riding the momentum of back-to-back first-round finishes. He has become a force to reckon with, and with a victory over Northcutt, he will be one step closer to the top of the division. Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America can catch ONE Fight Night 10 live and for free in U.S. primetime. Fans worldwide can also catch the event on the ONE Super App. With all eyes on the much-anticipated fight between Northcutt and Mujtaba, MMA enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a night of thrilling fights.