Issue 175

January 2019

Touted as a future star, the UFC welterweight can do it all – except keep his shirt on.

The UFC seems to have invested a lot of time and money in a big push for you during your time with them. What are your thoughts on the fact that they have tabbed you as one of the next big stars?

I think it’s a very awesome thing. The UFC is awesome at marketing. I think it’s a great opportunity for me because the more that the fans who watch the UFC get to interact with the fighters, get to see them from different perspectives, the better it is for the sport. So, I think it’s awesome. It’s a huge honor, for sure. I am so excited.

You are a young, good-looking kid with everything going for you. You are always portraying yourself in a positive mindset. You say and do the right things. There seems to be a backlash of haters, which you will have in this day and age. What are your thoughts on the people who don’t like you because they aren’t you?

I think with any sport there are always going to be people that might not like someone or what someone is achieving or working for. That’s how it can be in any sport. But why would I focus on that when I can focus on the great things that so many nice people are saying about me?

What fight has been the fight of your career to this point?

My very first fight with the UFC was a huge moment for me. To be 19 years old and fight in the UFC was a huge honor. Performing like I did was amazing, too. 

You are a huge inspiration to the next generation of marital artists. Who do you look to for inspiration?

My family for sure. As far as fighters go, Georges St. Pierre was someone I always looked up to. He’s such a great athlete and a great champion. He was always great to watch. I looked up to him growing up.

What does a fight camp look like for you on a fight-by-fight basis?

I don’t go in with a game plan, as I don’t really have a fight camp. My training is to make myself better and improve my technique. I’m ready to go out there and have a blast every time I step inside the Octagon.

Anyone that follows you on social media sees that you probably have your shirt o more often than on. What are the percentages for shirt off /shirt on for Sage Northcutt?

That’s really funny. I’m not sure. I will have to go back and check. I run around my neighbourhood and outside without a shirt all the time. It’s hot here in Texas. It’s very humid. You sweat as soon as you walk outside. I’m always running around shirtless.