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Sage Northcutt fulfills UFC contract, could become free agent

One of the UFC's most popular fighters is on the verge of becoming a free agent.

Sage Northcutt fought out his contract last week and is currently without a new deal, Northcutt's coach, Urijah Faber, confirmed with ESPN.

"[Last week's Zak Ottow fight] was his last fight," Faber said, "and I really hope they re-sign him. He is the perfect ambassador for the sport."

UFC contracts have an exclusive negotiation period once they expire, which is typically 90 days, so Northcutt won't be able to sign with any promotion just yet.

Northcutt defeated Ottow via second-round knockout last week in Boise, Idaho, to win his first fight as a UFC welterweight. The victory improved his professional record to 11-2 and 6-2 inside the Octagon.

Northcutt, 22, has won his last three fights. He was originally signed to the UFC after being discovered on UFC president Dana White's "Lookin' For a Fight" reality show in 2015.