Mickey Gall got into the UFC because he called out former WWE superstar CM Punk, but he's definitely earning his stay after picking up a third straight win on Saturday night.
Gall made short work of Punk back in September at UFC 203 and wasted no time calling out highly touted prospect Sage Northcutt immediately after the victory.
His wish was granted and Gall once again showed that he belongs amongst the elite fighters in the world's top mixed martial arts promotion after a second-round submission to put Northcutt away while moving his professional record to 4-0 overall.
While Gall touted his striking leading into the fight, he knew that his grappling was superior. So as soon as the opening came in the first round, the New Jersey native planted Northcutt on the ground.
Gall remained in control throughout the five minute session while constantly advancing his position and looking for the finish.
Northcutt stayed patient before finally slipping out of Gall's grip and once he got back on the feet he actually started talking to his opponent while trying to goad him into a stand up fight.
As the second round got underway it seemed like Northcutt's plan was working after he cracked Gall with a hard shot that opened up a large cut over his eyebrow. Just when it looked like Northcutt was gaining momentum, Gall returned fire with a monstrous right hand that dropped the 20-year old Texas native to the canvas.
Gall quickly followed him to the mat where he transitioned to take the back before locking on the rear-naked choke. With the pressure mounting and no escape in sight, Northcutt tapped the leg to signal surrender as Gall wrapped up another victory inside the Octagon.
https://twitter.com/UFCONFOX/status/810315025835388928
Afterwards, Gall quickly turned his attention to what comes next and that includes a drop in weight class and hopefully a fight against a former UFC title contender.
"I think I'm going to drop down to 155. I'm a little young in the tooth for 170. I think I go down there, I'm the champion in a couple years.
"I'd like to welcome back Dan Hardy. He says he wants to come back for a marquee fight — I think I'm a marquee fight right now. I'd be honored to fight him, he's a legend, I'm a big fan. I'd love to fight Dan Hardy."
Hardy has been out of action since 2012 dealing with a heart condition that nearly ended his career although he has mentioned numerous times that he hopes to make a comeback as a lightweight in the UFC. Hardy wasted no time responding to the call out on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/danhardymma/status/810316727842197504
There's no clear indication that Hardy is returning but Gall definitely made the most of his spotlight with another impressive win as he moves to 3-0 in the UFC.
