Sage Northcutt Confident: ‘I Look for a Finish’ Against Iconic Shinya Aoki”

All eyes are fixed on the burgeoning American MMA talent known as ‘Super’ Sage Northcutt in the ONE Championship. The scene is primed for a nerve-wracking faceoff when he gets ready to take on revered Japanese fighter Shinya Aoki this weekend at the ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru event taking place in Tokyo, Japan.

Northcutt exudes confidence and has his eyes set on achieving greatness within the ONE Championship. However, to reach that pinnacle of success, he must first overcome Shinya Aoki, a former multiple-time lightweight MMA champion in ONE. This is no easy task, as Aoki commands respect with his long-standing presence in the world of MMA, especially among Japanese fans who are fiercely loyal to him.

During a recent interview with The MMA Superfan on YouTube, Northcutt shared his confident mindset leading up to the upcoming match. He expressed his ambitious goal of leaving a lasting impact against Aoki and emphasised his determination to secure an indisputable victory no matter what method it takes.

“It’s a difficult question to answer. I don’t want to reveal my tactics, but before each fight, I imagine myself achieving victory and seeking opportunities for KO or submission—be it while standing up, on the ground, or elsewhere,” disclosed ‘Super Sage’.

Northcutt’s ambitions go beyond just winning, as he aims to carve his place in the history of the ONE Championship’s impressive lightweight division. The situation is critical, and Northcutt understands that triumphing over the experienced Aoki is vital for establishing himself in the fiercely competitive arena of this promotion.

After a lengthy break caused by injury, the American fighter made his comeback in May 2023 and demonstrated both resilience and talent. He swiftly took down Pakistani opponent Ahmed ‘The Wolverine’ Mujtaba with an expertly applied heel hook in round one. Nevertheless, going up against Shinya Aoki on the mat presents an entirely new challenge for this rising star.

The question arises as to whether ‘Super Sage’ should test his grappling abilities against Aoki, a renowned submission specialist. Known for his unmatched proficiency in flying submissions, Aoki is widely regarded as the greatest MMA submission artist of all time and might not be an ideal opponent for such a move.

Northcutt’s confrontation with Aoki presents a precarious situation, as the possibility of engaging on the ground carries significant danger. Although his previous win against Mujtaba highlighted Northcutt’s expertise in grappling, taking on an illustrious fighter such as Aoki introduces new challenges and risks that cannot be overlooked.

The Northcutt vs. Aoki matchup presents a captivating contrast between the former’s youthful energy and impressive striking abilities versus the latter’s extensive expertise in ground fighting from years of experience. This clash of styles guarantees an engaging spectacle for enthusiastic supporters watching eagerly.

The excitement swells for ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru, while the world eagerly watches to see if Sage Northcutt can transform his self-assurance into a concrete victory over the iconic Shinya Aoki. The result of this showdown has the power to alter the storyline of Northcutt’s path in the ONE Championship and establish him as an intimidating contender.

To cater to enthusiasts in the USA and Canada who cannot wait for all the excitement, ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru will be accessible through worldwide Pay-Per-View on watch.onefc.com. You can check out more details regarding different locations’ broadcasting options by visiting ONE Championship’s authorised website.

The Ariake Arena in Tokyo is where two titans will clash, creating an unforgettable sight. Will Sage Northcutt’s self-assurance lead to triumph, or can Shinya Aoki’s impressive reputation prove unbeatable? As the world waits with bated breath, only time holds the answer as this captivating episode unfolds in ONE Championship history.