Sage Northcutt, a name that has resonated within mixed martial arts (MMA) circles since he first burst onto the scene, has recently made headlines following his departure from ONE Championship. Initially signing with the organization in 2019, Northcutt’s journey with ONE has been marked by significant ups and downs that have left fans and analysts alike questioning the potential of this talented fighter. With a professional record of 12 wins and 3 losses, Northcutt has only competed twice in ONE Championship, a reality that reflects both his struggles and the impact of a devastating setback.
Northcutt’s first encounter within the ONE cage proved disastrous. A mere 29 seconds into the fight against Brazilian striking sensation Cosmo Alexandre, he suffered a stunning knockout, resulting in multiple facial fractures that required extensive surgical intervention. This incident not only sidelined him for nearly four years but also cast a long shadow over his career, leading to doubts about his durability and readiness to compete at a high level. Following this extensive layoff, Northcutt returned to the ring, securing a victory in May 2023 with a swift 39-second heel hook finish—an impressive feat that suggested he still possesses competitive fire and technical prowess.
However, Northcutt’s tenure with ONE Championship was not without further challenges. He was slated to face veteran fighter Shinya Aoki at the ONE 165 event, a matchup that many fans anticipated. Unfortunately, the fight was unceremoniously called off, creating yet another bout of frustration for the athlete. Northcutt’s subsequent commentary on the cancellation revealed his dissatisfaction with the promotion and the way the situation was handled, claiming that the portrayal of events leading to the fight’s cancellation was “completely inaccurate.” This public display of frustration signaled growing tensions between the fighter and the organization that had once embraced him.
After months of silence following this brief tumult, ONE Championship finally revealed the details of Northcutt’s release from his contract, announcing that it was a “mutually agreed” decision. Such an exit speaks volumes about the misalignment between Northcutt’s aspirations and the promotion’s offerings. In the wake of the announcement, Northcutt took to social media, expressing his enthusiasm for the future and hinting at exciting opportunities ahead. “Excited for 2025 and looking forward to having some big fights!” he proclaimed, suggesting optimism and readiness to explore new avenues in his career.
As Northcutt embarks on this new chapter, the landscape of MMA offers a plethora of possibilities. With organizations like the UFC constantly evolving and the Bellator MMA brand gaining traction, numerous options await the 28-year-old fighter. His resilience following injury and subsequent release hints at a determination to pursue greatness. Leveraging his youthful energy and technical skills, Northcutt’s journey is poised for reinvention, and fans will be keenly watching where his path leads next. The narrative of Sage Northcutt is far from over; it appears to merely be transitioning into an exciting new arc.