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Sage Northcutt Enters the GFL Draft
In an exciting development for both Sage Northcutt and MMA fans, the 27-year-old fighter has officially entered the inaugural Global Fight League (GFL) Draft. Following his signing with the PFL and a time spent in ONE Championship after his UFC tenure, Northcutt has now taken his talents to a brand-new league that is quickly gaining traction in the MMA world. As the second overall pick of the draft, Northcutt's entry into the GFL is stirring up curiosity, leaving fans eager to know what comes next. Will he rise to the occasion, and who will be his first opponent?
The GFL Draft: What We Know So Far
On January 24, 2025, Sage Northcutt made history by being selected as the second overall pick in the Global Fight League draft. This selection came right after former UFC champion Tyron Woodley, who was picked first by Team Dubai. Northcutt’s choice by Team Los Angeles signifies a fresh start for the Texas native as he embarks on a new phase of his MMA career. His journey in the UFC and ONE Championship has been a mix of successes and setbacks, but this move to the GFL signals an opportunity to redefine his legacy.
Team Los Angeles: A Star-Studded Roster
One of the key features of the Global Fight League is its team-based competition, and Team Los Angeles boasts an impressive roster that is already generating excitement. Managed by Wanderlei Silva and coached by the renowned Rafael Cordeiro, Team LA is shaping up to be a powerhouse in the GFL. Northcutt joins a group of talented fighters, including Tony Ferguson, Chad Mendes, and Ray Borg—all of whom bring unique skills to the team.
The lightweight division, where Northcutt will compete, is particularly intriguing given the strength of the fighters around him. With Tony Ferguson and Chad Mendes also in the mix, Sage will have no shortage of training partners who will push him to new heights, both in terms of technique and physical conditioning.
The Big Question: Who Will Sage Northcutt Face?
With Sage now part of Team Los Angeles, fans are eager to know who will be his first opponent in the GFL. Given his place in the lightweight division, there are several exciting matchups on the horizon that could provide Northcutt with the perfect opportunity to showcase his growth as a fighter.
1. Tony Ferguson: The Ultimate Test
One potential matchup that fans are buzzing about is a fight between Sage Northcutt and Tony Ferguson, one of the most dynamic and unpredictable fighters in MMA history. Known for his unorthodox style and relentless pace, Ferguson would be a tough challenge for Northcutt.
Ferguson’s ability to mix submissions with striking makes him a dangerous opponent, but it would also give Northcutt the perfect test of his overall skill set and mental toughness. This fight would be a highly anticipated one, potentially showcasing the next generation of lightweight talent.
2. Chad Mendes: Power and Precision
Chad Mendes, another seasoned fighter in the lightweight division, is renowned for his wrestling and striking ability. With his strong wrestling base and knockout power, Mendes would bring a well-rounded game to the table. Northcutt would need to showcase his defensive wrestling and speed to avoid getting taken down or outmuscled. A fight against Mendes could be a thrilling clash of speed vs. power, making for an exciting addition to the GFL’s lightweight division.
3. Tyler Diamond: The Rising Star
Another potential opponent is Tyler Diamond, an up-and-coming fighter who has shown promise with his grappling skills. Diamond would likely look to take the fight to the ground, where he could neutralize Northcutt’s striking game. For Northcutt, this could be a chance to prove his versatility in all areas of MMA, including his ability to defend against high-level grappling. The stakes would be high for both fighters, making this an intriguing bout in the lightweight division.
What Can We Expect from Northcutt in GFL?
Sage Northcutt’s entry into the Global Fight League is a fresh start in many ways. Having struggled to find consistency in the UFC and ONE Championship, Northcutt is now looking to show that he belongs among the best in the world. His karate-based striking, quickness, and athleticism have always been his standout features, but the big question will be how well he has developed his overall game, particularly his grappling and defensive wrestling.
Joining Team Los Angeles under the guidance of a skilled coaching staff gives Northcutt the best opportunity to evolve as a fighter. With the added motivation of being a high-profile pick in the GFL draft, he will undoubtedly be looking to prove his doubters wrong and make a serious run for the title.
When Will We See Sage Back in Action?
As exciting as it is to discuss the potential matchups, there is one big question still hanging over Sage Northcutt’s GFL career—when will we see him fight? While the team rosters have been announced, fight schedules have yet to be officially released, and fans are eagerly awaiting news on his debut. Given the GFL’s unique tournament-based structure, it could be just a matter of time before we see Northcutt in action, but the uncertainty around when his first bout will take place adds to the anticipation.
A New Chapter for Sage Northcutt
Sage Northcutt’s journey through the world of MMA has been filled with twists and turns, but his decision to enter the Global Fight League represents a promising new chapter. With a talented team backing him, a fresh environment, and a new challenge in front of him, Northcutt has the chance to prove that he belongs at the top of the sport. As the GFL continues to grow and attract top-tier fighters, Sage’s participation is sure to make waves—now, all that’s left to do is wait for the fight schedule to drop.
Until then, fans can only speculate who Northcutt will face in his GFL debut. Regardless of who it is, one thing is for sure: it’s going to be a fight worth watching.
Stay tuned for updates on Sage Northcutt’s upcoming GFL matchups and debut!