The biggest name to come from Dana White’s Lookin’ for a Fight must now figure out the next step to take on his career path. “Super” Sage Northcutt’s release from the UFC is official.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the news on the company’s UFC Unfiltered podcast. However, the move was made so that Northcutt, who entered the UFC at age 19 in 2015, could further develop.
“We let Sage go,” White said on the program. “Sage is young, and Sage needs some work. Let him get some work in some other organizations, and we will see where this kid ends up in a couple of years. Maybe we will pick him back up again. His contract was up, so we let him go.”
By 2017, the UFC had created Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, which has seen up-and-coming names like NFL veteran Greg Hardy earn developmental contracts, described by fellow prospect Chase Hooper as follows:
“So, from my understanding, I kind of keep fighting locally,” Hooper told MMA Junkie. “They kind of help to build me up, make me a bigger name everywhere, and get me more recognized. And when they feel I’m ready, they’ll take me to the UFC.”
Now 22 years old, Northcutt first debuted at UFC 192 with a 57-second knockout of Francisco Trevino. Despite the fact that he suffered two submission losses in 2016, Northcutt leaves the promotion on a three-fight winning streak that includes a knockout of Zak Ottow.
Prior to his UFC stint, the Texas native fought in Legacy FC, which has since given way to the developmental powerhouse Legacy Fight Alliance. The LFA has an established relationship with the UFC and other major organizations.
Northcutt is currently in Italy and has not yet addressed the situation or his future publicly.