“Super” Sage Northcutt has had a change in opponent, and he’s in for a tough test at next month’s UFC 214. Northcutt had originally been slated to face Claudio Puelles (7-2) at the event. However, an injury has forced Puelles off the card. Stepping up to take his place will be Canada’s John Makdessi.
The tough-as-nails Makdessi (14–6) was last seen falling victim to Lando Vannata’s highlight reel wheel kick at UFC 206 in Toronto. Prior to that, however, the Montreal lightweight ran up a 7-5 record in the promotion, and has faced some of the best competition the UFC has to offer, including Cowboy Cerrone, Sam Stout, and Daron Cruickshank. Prior to the Vannata fight, he had taken a split decision against Mehdi Baghdad in July of last year.
Sage Northcutt (8-2), who shot to popularity thanks to his youth and good looks coming into the UFC, has hit hard times of late, going 1-2 in his past three fights. Northcutt was submitted in December by fellow young star Mickey Gall at UFC on Fox 22. He sandwiched a unanimous decision win against Enrique Marín at UFC 200 between the Gall loss and a submission loss to Bryan Barberena at UFC on Fox 18.
Still just twenty-one years old, he remains above .500 in the promotion with a 3-2 record overall. Northcutt’s fight will come just a month after sister Colbey Northcutt makes her pro debut at LFA 14.
UFC 214 takes place July 29 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. In the main event, light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier defends his title against the returning Jon Jones in their second meeting.
