Northcutt vs. Makdessi

This is the official discussion thread for Northcutt vs. Makdessi. Let's see what you've got.

Northcutt going from a relative gimme fight to a talented veteran striker. Should be an interesting match. Let's see where Sage's striking is really at.

I think Sage will look to work kicks from the outside, try to make the most of his reach advantage and might also work some takedowns in.

If Mehdi Baghdad, who despite being a seasoned striker is very, very one dimensional, came close to finishing Makdessi, I think Northcutt could seal the deal.

I think Sage's superior athleticism and huge reach advantage will get him the win. His striking technique is also underappreciated, in my opinion. He was lighting Barberena up on the feet before he got submitted, and none of his opponents have beaten him on the feet. Historically, his biggest weakness has been his poor takedown and submission defense, but I don't think that's going to be as much of an issue against Makdessi as it would have been against Puelles.

* Edited at 06.20.2017, 6:55 PM ET *

Not sure what to think here. Northcutt has a significant height and reach advantage but Makdessi has more experience and seems tougher. Makdessi never takes people down though and that's how Northcutt always gets into trouble or loses.

Maldessi is a battle worn gladiator
when he swings his rusted blades somones
going to leave with a 
damaged ego and 
sore landing spots (watch the nose and leg and more)

but Sage clearly has the superior looks, charm and swag
everyones wants Sage to dominate bcos yeah mmm ( you hear that ?? ) its a weird, rising hissing applauding sound 

its time for Sages Dad ( steroids ruin lives especially those with no ideas yet) to bring a body bag

someones gon need it - DC Cormier

- Hunter

Easy fight for Sage ... perfectly tailored opponent who'll stand and trade with him from the outside, won't try and take him down and is way undersized.

I see what you did there UFC

Height, reach advantage hardly matter imo. In a striking battle, gotta pick Makdessi. 

Height, reach, size, athleticism, speed, age ... I'd say Makdessi's got a tall order in this fight.

Of course he can win, he's got the skillset, but this is a fight tailored into Sage's powerhouse. A good opponent with a lot of disadvantages.

Sage can win as long as this is not on the ground.

Why? It's not like Makdessi is a good grappler, lol.

Makdessi is not is the best moment of his career, I'll give this one to Sage.

Either way this is a much harder fight for Sage than the Puelles fight imo.I could see Makdessi beating Sage on the feet but that doesn't mean I think he will,but I might go with him after footage and I lean toward him atm (kinda back and forth).If John can beat Sage on the feet then he doesn't really need much of a ground game,the guys been taken down 4 times in his 13 UFC fights, all he needs is to keep it standing if he can win there and I think he can keep it standing minus a possible early explosive td or two from Sage and even then I think he can get up pretty quick.

John is obviously a good striker too,he has a chin and there's still some questions about Sage's stand up vs a good striker which we have never seen,not even close.I also wonder about Sage possibly kinda falling apart a bit if things aren't going his way in the striking,his fight IQ,durability,ability to go 3 strong like Makdessi.Does Makdessi have one of his do absolutely nothing but throw some jabs fight?Sage will likely force him into a fight and think that's good for both guys as Sage can win pushing the pace and John is better when he's more active even if it's forced.Lot's of questions here.

Kuma, I agree ... Sage's breaking point is questionable at the very least ... he's one of those guys that looks amazing when stuff's going his way, but the second something starts going wrong he starts fading.

It's a good fight, but I still think it's been tailored by the UFC to maybe try and build some of the hype he's lost. And if he doesn't beat Makdessi (again, not an easy task but doable since he has all the physical tools to do so), then the UFC can officially say they've got no future wonderboy on their hands (though I doubt they will).

Makdessi's a fun fighter, but he's undersized for 155 and will always be mid-division. If Sage has any real potential (which I doubt he has because skill can be taught but that "it factor" which I think he's lacking you either have or you don't) he needs to win this fight.