LAS VEGAS -- Two fights in the Octagon, two finishes for 19-year-old lightweight Sage Northcutt.
Northcutt (7-0), out of Katy, Texas, submitted Cody Pfister (12-5-1) via guillotine choke 41 seconds into the second round. The 155-pound bout took place at UFC Fight Night on Thursday at The Cosmopolitan.
After giving up a quick takedown in the opening round, Northcutt adjusted in the second and caught Pfister rushing in with a guillotine. He fell backward and closed his guard, immediately producing a tap.
"I heard he was a wrestler and was expecting it," Northcutt said. "I got backed up to the cage, but when he shot the next takedown I got the guillotine tight and finished."
Currently the youngest fighter in the UFC, Northcutt made his promotional debut at UFC 192 in October, where he recorded a sub-minute knockout over Francisco Trevino. A lifetime karate practitioner, the MMA prospect has recorded finishes in each of his seven professional wins. He trains in Texas but added Tristar MMA head coach Firas Zahabi to his corner for this fight.
Pfister, who came into the fight a massive betting underdog, landed several short punches from top position after the initial takedown, but apparently wasn't busy enough, as referee Mark Smith ordered a standup late in the round. Once back on the feet, Northcutt responded with a takedown of his own and finished the round on top.
The loss drops Pfister's record to 1-2 in the UFC.
"As soon as possible," said Northcutt, when asked when he wanted to fight next. "Next month, next two months. Whenever the next one is. I'm ready."
