The MMA Daily

We have a scrap in the Welterweight division, as Takashi Sato takes on Bryan Battle. A loser of two straight and three of the last four, Sato is in urgent need of a victory. Known for his power coming into the UFC, the Japan native has largely found himself neutralized by grapplers during his tenure with the promotion. Yet with another opportunity to prove himself, Sato will have get by a young lion in Battle. An ultimate fighter winner in season 29, Battle has made good on his first two appearances inside the octagon. Moving down to the Welterweight division for the first time in his career, after fighting as high as a Heavyweight as an amateur, it will be interesting to see Battle’s size in this new weight class.

If there is anything certain, Sato has been used as fodder in three of his last four fights. With the exception of Jason Witt, Sato has faced Belal Muhammad, Miguel Baeza and Gunnar Nelson. Now tasked with facing a young talent in Battle, who is moving down to 170 pounds, I don’t see this fight going well for Sato. Being as powerful as he is on the feet, the lack of activity and accuracy are concerning. Against Battle, who has exceptional cardio and is landing 7.10 significant strikes at a 56% accuracy, I can’t see how Sato can keep pace. With a two inch height and four inch reach advantage to boot, Battle should have no issues getting off his offense. If for whatever reason Battle finds himself in danger on the feet, he has the wrestling to mix in a takedown or two. So with all that said, I predict that Battle wins via submission.