It only took about ten seconds and one exchange in the first round for things to start poorly for “Super” Sage Northcutt. His return to the Welterweight division at UFC Boise probably could have started better, as his opponent Zak Ottow connected with a right hook that put Sage on his ass real quick. Things definitely weren’t looking good for the purest soul in all of MMA.
BRUTAL right by @TheBarbarianMMA! #UFCBoise pic.twitter.com/Ia7S9axdNg
— UFC (@ufc) July 15, 2018
But Sage eventual caught his wits again and after stiffing Ottow in his guard for most of the first round. Sage eventually got back to his feet with a minute left, putting it on Zak Ottow to close the round.
For a moment in the second round, it seemed like the wrestling game of Zak Ottow was going to dictate the fight, and Sage brief surge was all for not. But then Katy, Texas’s Golden Child showed us a flash of the talent that made Sage Northcutt a prospect.
A nicely timed jab while Ottow was stepping in, and then top position was all Super Sage needed to end the fight. And some small part of my cold bitter heart is rejuvenated with the finish. MMA suddenly seems a bit less harsh and a little bit more polite.
With Sage looking svelte and limber at 170, we can only hope the UFC keeps feeding MMA’s Man Child with winnable fights. Right now there is a clear limit to his talent, but there is also the undeniable likability that Sage brings with him. Even my jaded outlook softens when Sage steps into the cage. I think we all want to see Sage succeed.
May the MMA Gods bless you and keep you “Super” Sage Northcutt.
