Free Agent Sage Northcutt May Have Fought His Last Fight Inside the Octagon

It appears Sage Northcutt’s run in the Ultimate Fighting Championship could already be over, with the 22-year-old revealing that he is currently a free agent and could be tempted to sign for another promotion.

Northcutt was picked up by the UFC in 2015 after appearing on Dana White's “Looking for a Fight” television series at the age of 18 and with a professional record of 5-0 at the time.

“Super Sage” kicked off his UFC career in style with finishes over Francisco Trevino and Cody Pfister. After dropping back-to-back fights to Bryan Barberena and Mickey Gall, he’s bounced back with three straight victories, most recently an impressive knockout win over Zak Ottow in July.

Despite his 6-2 record in the Octagon, Northcutt told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani on Monday that he could be tempted to sign for a rival promotion considering what they’re paying. ”I am a free agent, yes sir,” Northcutt said. “I’m not sure how it works, what my contract says or anything, but yes, I am a free agent now, and I know that going to other leagues like Bellator or ONE FC or whatever it may be, that guys or friends of mine, for example Rory MacDonald, people that fought for the UFC like Machida, they’re making double if not triple what they were making fighting for the UFC.

“I’m forever grateful to Dana White and the Fertittas who brought me into the UFC,” Northcutt added. “So I count my blessings, so thankful to them.”

While Northcutt didn’t confirm he was officially leaving the UFC, his comments suggest he’ll be looking for a much more lucrative deal if he were to re-sign, and is willing to test his market value with competitor promotions.