After a four-year absence, American MMA star “Super” Sage Northcutt made an unforgettable return this May with a moment that will live on in highlight reels.
The 27-year-old, known for his striking skills, surprised fans with a lightning heel hook against Pakistani Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Ahmed “Wolverine” Mujtaba in the first round of their lightweight showdown at ONE Fight Night 10.
Northcutt’s stunning finish was the highlight of his professional career and possibly the top MMA submission of 2023.
Renowned for his karate championships, Northcutt’s ONE Championship debut in May 2019 was met with great anticipation. However, a devastating knockout by Brazilian veteran Cosmo Alexandre led to a long break for the prodigy to recover.
Following several fight cancellations, Northcutt finally faced Mujtaba at ONE Fight Night 10, making his historic debut on American soil. This highly anticipated bout garnered significant interest from fans worldwide eager to see the superstar’s return to form.
Despite his previous talk about grappling with Team Alpha Male, Northcutt surprised everyone with his performance against Mujtaba at Colorado’s FirstBank Center. Seizing an opportunity after being put on the canvas, he swiftly secured a heel hook, forcing “The Wolverine” to tap out just 39 seconds into the match.
This remarkable victory earned Northcutt a $50,000 performance bonus, solidified his position among the lightweight MMA elite, and distinguished his comeback as one of the most spectacular of the year.
The heel hook against a skilled opponent showcased Northcutt’s prowess, while his lightning finish in front of the American crowd made for a truly memorable moment, especially given his extended absence from the sport.
