Cosmo Alexandre Ready To Surprise Sage Northcutt In Singapore
Cosmo “Good Boy” Alexandre wants to welcome “Super” Sage Northcutt to ONE Championship by showing him what it feels like to be hit by a true, elite-level striker at ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON.
The Brazilian is a multi-time Muay Thai and kickboxing World Champion, but on Friday, 17 May, he will make his first appearance in the promotion’s mixed martial arts ranks when he takes on the debuting American star.
Karate World Champion Northcutt says he wants to entertain the crowd with a stand-up battle inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and Alexandre believes that could play right into his hands.
“He’s never fought anybody like me before,” Alexandre asserts ahead of the contest.
“He can say that he will keep the fight standing, but I’m not worried about that. He has to worry about that, not me.”
“Good Boy” has won four Muay Thai World Titles and three kickboxing World Titles in his career, and he showcased his skill on the global stage for martial arts when he stopped Elliot “The Dragon” Compton with a crushing knee to the body at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR.
Still, the Brazilian is not naive enough to think that his striking skills alone can earn him victory in mixed martial arts. He has already put together an impressive 7-1 slate in the sport – with seven straight victories following a defeat in his debut – and he has returned to multi-discipline training with enthusiasm.
Despite his success in 4-ounce gloves, Alexandre returned to stand-up-only combat because of the bigger opportunities he was presented with. However, when ONE offered him the chance to jump back into the mixed martial arts arena, he did not hesitate, and he has relished his grappling sessions in the gym.
“I am feeling great for this fight, the camp is very good with great wrestling, Muay Thai, and boxing training with Pedro Diaz,” he reveals.
“I like to fight in mixed martial arts, and to train in it too, because every day is something different.
“I’ve done Muay Thai for 16 years already, so training can get a bit boring. Fighting in Muay Thai is fun, but to train for mixed martial arts is much more fun.”
In his first mixed martial arts contest since 2016, he will face a surging young athlete who has 11 professional victories and is riding a three-bout winning streak. “Good Boy” is not too well acquainted with the California native, but his teammates have told him that he faces a formidable test.
“I’ve never watched his fights, but I know who he is, I just don’t know anybody from mixed martial arts,” he says.
“I heard Sage is a strong fighter and very explosive, so I need to be careful.”
Alexandre is in a good place physically and mentally ahead of the battle in Singapore. He has moved up to the welterweight division, which means he can spend more time on strength, conditioning, and technique rather than keeping his weight down.
He also believes the pressure is on his opponent, following his high-profile switch from North America to Asia.
“I feel much more comfortable in this weight class,” says the 37-year-old.
“There’s no pressure on me at all – I am a Muay Thai fighter, and I did everything [in that sport] already.”
However, it would be a mistake to assume that the Brazilian’s laid-back attitude means he is not fully focused and determined to get his hand raised at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
If “Super” Sage stays true to his words and tries to trade, his rival will be ready to pull the trigger and unload with his world-class striking.
“He says he will keep the fight standing, maybe because it is not Muay Thai, but mixed martial arts in small gloves,” Alexandre says.
“Maybe he feels like he will have an advantage with that, but I bet after he feels the first kick or the first knee, he will try to take me down.
“My camp has been good, and I am ready for this fight!”
