Report: Sage Northcutt Unable To Fight Mickey Gall At UFC 205
24-year-old Mickey Gall picked up the third victory of his professional mixed martial arts career at last weekend’s (September 10, 2016) UFC 203 by destroying former professional wrestler CM Punk in the very first round of their main card bout. During his post-fight interview with color commentator Joe Rogan, Gall said that he was interested in fighting ‘killers’ from now on, specifically calling out fellow young gun “Super” Sage Northcutt for a clash at November 12’s UFC 205 from Madison Square Garden in New York.
UFC President Dana White was quick to comment on the idea, saying that Northcutt’s team was also interested in the fight and that the UFC would make it happen, although that doesn’t seem to be the case as of now.
According to Jonathan Shrager, who recently spoke with Northcutt’s father, Mark, “Super Sage” was never approached regarding the potential scrap and he’s also currently dealing with a staph infection and will be unable to compete at UFC 205:
1/3
I’ve been in contact with Sage Northcutt’s dad, Mark, who informed me that
“No one from UFC has called us yet about Mickey Gall fight”— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) September 13, 2016
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Re Sage fighting at #UFC205
“Sage would never be able to be ready for that 1 because he hasn’t been able to train due to several things”— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) September 13, 2016
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Re Sage’s health
“Sage has a staph infection; the UFC’s trying to find an appropriate infectious disease doctor to look at it this week”— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) September 13, 2016
Mark Northcutt’s (Sage’s dad) reply to my question on whether he’d be willing to go up to 170 to fight Mickey Gall pic.twitter.com/Rvn7IfQHWY
— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) September 13, 2016
Sage Northcutt had a Staph infection before his fight with Barberena
Re Sage’s latest Staph, his father Mark told me pic.twitter.com/PUb2Uubhws— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) September 13, 2016
Mark Northcutt tells me he’s hoping son Sage can return to the Octagon before end of 2016, after 2nd Staph Infection pic.twitter.com/7oXArIMl9v
— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) September 13, 2016
Northcutt is coming off of a decision victory over Enrique Martin at July 9’s UFC 200, a win that extended his UFC record to 3-1. Prior to that, he had suffered a disappointing loss to Bryan Barberena last January. “Super Sage” has competed both at lightweight and welterweight, but as his father said, he’d be willing to meet Gall at 170-pounds when the time is right.
The bout certainly makes sense given the stage each fighter is at, but obviously Northcutt will need to return to full health before the two could sign on the dotted line.