UFC Austin live blog: Sage Northcutt vs. Thibault Gouti

This is the UFC Austin live blog for Sage Northcutt vs. Thibault Gouti, a lightweight bout at Sunday night’s UFC event at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.

The 21-year-old Northcutt looks to remain undefeated at lightweight after winning his first four UFC fights at 155 pounds, while France’s Gouti searches for a second consecutive win after snapping a three-fight skid with a first-round TKO of Andrew Holbrook last September.

Check out the UFC Austin live blog below.

Round 1: Referee Kerry Hatley on hand for the main card opener. Straight jab lands for Northcutt, but Gouti continues to advance. He throws a couple of hard shots that cause Northcutt to jump back. Northcutt successfully executes a takedown and lands in side control. He’s holding position, not throwing any strikes, Gouti blocking the attempt to pass. Short punches by Northcutt, partially blocked. Gouti almost squirms out but Northcutt is staying heavy. Northcutt starts to land some elbows. Gouti tries to kick Northcutt off, but that opens him up to a big punch from top position. Gouti does slip out though as Northcutt attempts to transition to back control. Back on the feet, they trade leg kicks. Northcutt goes up high, Gouti ducks. An exchange of straight rights and Gouti’s lands more cleanly causing Northcutt to drop down for a takedown. Guillotine counter by Gouti, he gives up on it and goes for a double leg against the fence, Northcutt defending. They separate. Team Alpha Male in the corner hollering at Northcutt to keep his chin down. Big spin kick by Northcutt misses. Jab by Northcutt followed by a good kick to the body. Takedown blocked by Northcutt. Gouti stalking Northcutt, who circles around the cage. Gouti evades a late takedown and he just misses on a spinning backfist.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Gouti.

Round 2: Gouti starts off in pusruit, he connects with a punch to the body. Second punch of a 1-2 combination connects for Gouti, he blocks a Northcutt takedown attempt. Small cut at the corner of Northcutt’s right eye. Gouti connects with a left hook. He lands a jab and throws a big right hand, Northcutt again forced to clinch, he drops back with Gouti on top in half guard. Gouti with the body lock as Northcutt tries to get out and he’s staying on Northcutt’s legs. Northcutt up to a knee, Gouti makes him pay with some short punches. Northcutt is back up to his feet. Back to the double leg for Gouti and Northcutt is planted on the mat again against the cage. Not much offense either man, but Gouti is controlling the grappling. Northcutt stands up with Gouti still leaning into his mid-setion. Short elbows from Northcutt. Hatley breaks them up and resets them in the center of the Octagon. Northcutt doubles up on the jab and stays away from Gouti’s power. Body kick from Gouti. Another Northcutt spin kick whiffs.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Gouti. Overall 20-18, Gouti.

Round 3: Opening round starts with a pause in the action by Hatley, who apparently ruled that Northcutt’s toe may have poked Gouti’s eye on a high kick? Bizarre. 1-2-leg kick combo connects for Northcutt. Gouti staying aggressive. He easily dodges a Northcutt takedown attempt. Body kick for Northcutt. Takedown by Gouti. He’s hanging onto that double leg, but Northcutt puts his back to the fence and stands. Gouti drags him back down. Back up again and Gouti brings him back down again. Fans getting restless, but Gouti is keeping Northcutt pinned down. Northcutt stands up and Hatley steps in for the reset. Northcutt jabbing, then he lands a pair of leg kicks. His takedown is stuffed by Gouti. Right elbow in close by Northcutt, then a jumping knee. 30 seconds remaining. He shoots in for another takedown and Gouti stuffs him once more. He keeps Northcutt in a front facelock. Northcutt tries a cartwheel kick, but it doesn’t land.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Northcutt. Overall 29-28, Gouti.

Official result: Sage Northcutt def. Thibault Gouti via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)