The season of giving is right here, and it’s time to acknowledge a number of the most spectacular performers in ONE Championship in 2023.
Whereas we’ve seen loads of breathtaking chokes and limb-breaking submissions on the planet’s largest martial arts group this 12 months, Sage Northcutt delivered maybe essentially the most memorable of all.
After an nearly four-year hiatus because of accidents and sickness, ‘Tremendous’ made his long-awaited return to motion at ONE Battle Night time 10. The fan favourite’s comeback combat was made even sweeter because it happened within the promotion’s first-ever United States on-location debut contained in the sold-out 1stBank Heart in Denver, Colorado.
Northcutt, after all, is named an explosive athlete and striker at coronary heart, which made his nifty submission victory over the gritty Ahmed Mujtaba much more shocking.
With that mentioned, right here’s why Sage Northcutt is Sportskeeda MMA’s recipient of ONE Championship’s greatest MMA submission of 2023.
Breaking down Sage Northcutt’s 39-second heel hook over Ahmed Mujtaba
Issues regarded bleak early on for Northcutt as he bought shocked by a slick jab from Mujtaba simply 10 seconds into the bout. The 27-year-old bought rocked momentarily as ‘Wolverine’ pounced and instantly secured high place on the bottom.
Northcutt, although, confirmed superb composure and displayed the huge enhancements he made in his grappling throughout his time away from the Circle. The Evolve MMA and Group Alpha Male standout went for an underhook to shake Mujtaba’s base and drive him to face up.
It was virtually sport over as soon as Northcutt latched on to Mujtaba’s left leg and cranked it like no tomorrow.
The American utilized immense strain on the Pakistani fighter’s ankle and knee joints, forcing him to faucet or threat additional injury.
Northcutt even deservingly took dwelling a $50,000 efficiency bonus for his unimaginable efficiency and profitable return.
Luckily, we gained’t have to attend lengthy to see Sage Northcutt again in motion, as he takes on Shinya Aoki at ONE 165: Rodtang vs. Takeru at Ariake Enviornment in Tokyo, Japan on January 28, 2024.
Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh