Sage Northcutt vs. Thibault Gouti announced for UFC Austin

Sage Northcutt is coming home.

A native of Katy, Texas, Northcutt returns to compete in The Lone Star State for the first time in over two years when he takes on Thibault Gouti in a lightweight bout at UFC Austin. Officials announced the bout Thursday following an initial report by ESPN.

The 21-year-old Northcutt has alternated wins and losses since joining the UFC back in October 2015, with a 3-0 record at lightweight and an 0-2 record at welterweight. He defeated Michael Quinones by unanimous decision at UFC Norfolk in November to improve to 9-2 as a professional.

Gouti (12-3) saved himself from the chopping block this past September, beating Andrew Holbrook by first-round TKO at UFC Rotterdam. Prior to that win, Gouti was finished in his first three Octagon appearances.

UFC Fight Night 126 takes place at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas on Feb. 18.