The future set to clash now: Mickey Gall vs. Sage Northcutt set for UFC on FOX 22

Mickey Gall asked for a challenge after defeating CM Punk at UFC 203. He called out one of the fastest rising stars in MMA today, “Super” Sage Northcutt. As the old saying goes, “Ask and ye shall receive.” The UFC announced yesterday that Gall (3-0) would face Northcutt (8-1) in Sacramento at UFC on FOX 22.

httpss://twitter.com/ufc/status/784095257038159872

It is unknown if Gall’s request of a hair vs. hair match was accepted by UFC President Dana White. The fight will take place at 170 pounds. Both fighters are well known for being on the “Lookin for a Fight” program on UFC Fight Pass. White saw a lot of potential from both fighters and immediately gave them a shot.

Northcutt is coming off of an impressive win over Enrique Marin at UFC 200. Gall called “Super” Sage “corny” in an attempt to get him interested. While Sage’s camp accepted the challenge, the 20-year-old Northcutt didn’t seemed fazed by the 24-year-old Gall. Speaking to Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Northcutt wasn’t that impressed with Gall’s first few fights. He stated:

 “I think just him going in and fighting two guys that had no fights — I think they were both close to 40 years old, too — it’s almost like fighting someone’s dad that only trained very little for a fight. It was definitely interesting if you think of it that way.”

Now THAT’S a way to trash talk an opponent. It’s almost guaranteed that Gall will say something to irk Northcutt over the next few weeks, just to turn the hostility up a notch. I am interested in seeing how these young guns handle the spotlight in what could be a huge test for both men.

Will this be the main event of UFC on FOX 22? As of now, this is the only fight scheduled for the event. It would be pretty cool if they main evented a UFC card, but nothing is guaranteed. We will have to wait and see what Dana White decides to do. These two seem to be his pet projects, and I’m sure he has money in his eyes whenever they enter the octagon.

When Gall beat Punk, I mentioned that this bout could be something special between two young studs. I truly believe these two could be the future of MMA (more Northcutt at this moment in time). I stand by my statement that this could be a fight to remember. It is up to them to make that possibility a reality.