Career Averages - Bryan Battle
Career Averages - Takashi Sato
Bryan Battle
Takashi Sato
Bryan Battle - Fight History
Angelo has been a big supporter of Ruziboev since his UFC debut and picks him here. He highlights Ruziboev's wrestling and grappling prowess, his size at 6'5, and his power, noting that Battle missed weight and is moving up to middleweight where his power may not carry. He believes Battle is not big enough for the weight class and that Ruziboev's chin and skills will prevail. He bet on Ruziboev at +150.
Big Brady picks Nursulton Ruziboev to win by second-round knockout. He notes Ruziboev has massive size, reach, and power, and that Battle has poor striking defense (44%). He thinks Battle will walk into big shots and could get knocked out. He also mentions Ruziboev's takedown defense is improving and Battle is not a wrestler at middleweight. He acknowledges Ruziboev is low volume but dangerous, and could win by damage-based decision or knockout.
The Guru picks Nursulton Ruziboev to win by TKO in the first two rounds. He believes Ruziboev's height and reach advantage will be problematic for Bryan Battle, who won't be able to use his physicality as he did against Randy Brown. The Guru notes that Ruziboev is a dirty fighter who will cheat to win, extending fingers and grabbing the cage. He also mentions Ruziboev's dynamic movement and ability to dart in and out, which will be difficult for Battle to handle.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 60 of 111 | 54% | 80 of 135 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:46 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 57 of 110 | 51% | 109 of 175 | 0 of 6 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 7:25 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 21 of 45 | 46% | 29 of 56 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 18 of 35 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 15 of 29 | 51% | 21 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:56 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 22 of 41 | 53% | 56 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:37 | |
| 3 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 24 of 37 | 64% | 30 of 44 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Randy Brown | 0 | 21 of 38 | 55% | 35 of 54 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 60 of 111 | 54% | 32 of 79 | 22 of 26 | 6 of 6 | 49 of 96 | 11 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 57 of 110 | 51% | 20 of 64 | 31 of 38 | 6 of 8 | 27 of 76 | 30 of 34 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 21 of 45 | 46% | 11 of 32 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 19 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 14 of 31 | 45% | 4 of 17 | 9 of 11 | 1 of 3 | 11 of 27 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 15 of 29 | 51% | 11 of 25 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 22 of 41 | 53% | 6 of 23 | 13 of 15 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 25 | 15 of 16 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bryan Battle | 24 of 37 | 64% | 10 of 22 | 10 of 11 | 4 of 4 | 17 of 28 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Randy Brown | 21 of 38 | 55% | 10 of 24 | 9 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 24 | 12 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, believing his forward pressure and dirty boxing will frustrate the more technical Randy Brown. He notes Battle's improvements and work ethic, but acknowledges he gets hit a lot. Angelo thinks the clash of styles favors Battle, as he can brawl the boxer. He is monitoring the line movement and may bet if Battle's odds drop to -150.
Cody picks Battle, citing his power and improving skills. He notes Brown's tendency to struggle against pressure fighters and thinks Battle will land big shots. He expects a knockout win for Battle.
Connor is confident in Battle because his new pressure-fighting style is the exact antidote to Randy Brown. He notes that Brown has historically struggled against pressure fighters who are willing to eat shots and counter, as seen in his losses to Jack Della Maddalena and Vicente Luque. Connor believes Battle's aggression, power, and willingness to trade will overwhelm Brown, who tends to hit the fence and fall apart. He also points out that Battle's recent performances show a clear, winning game plan.
Daniel picks Brown as an underdog, citing his experience, reach, and cleaner technique. He believes Battle's competition has been weak and that Brown's length and footwork will be too much. He expects Brown to pick Battle apart.
Battle's aggressiveness in the clinch and grappling will break down Randy Brown and lead to a second or third round finish.
Paul picks Battle, emphasizing his momentum and power. He notes Brown's age and suspect chin, and thinks Battle's pressure will be too much. He expects a finish inside the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, citing his volume, hustle, and cardio. He thinks Battle will out-volume Brown on the feet and that Brown lacks takedown threats to mix in. He notes Brown has lost close decisions before and that lesser fighters have made it close with Brown. He predicts a close 29-28 decision, possibly split.
Zane also confidently picks Battle, agreeing that his pressure style is the key to beating Brown. He notes that Brown has always struggled against fighters who walk him down and put combinations together against the fence. Zane highlights that Battle has evolved from a reactive fighter to an aggressive pressure fighter, and that this new approach makes him a dangerous matchup for Brown. He believes Battle will overwhelm Brown with volume and power.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 58 of 97 | 59% | 63 of 107 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 97 of 170 | 57% | 118 of 194 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 29 of 40 | 72% | 32 of 47 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 26 of 57 | 45% | 36 of 69 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:54 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 29 of 57 | 50% | 31 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Jousset | 0 | 71 of 113 | 62% | 82 of 125 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 58 of 97 | 59% | 31 of 66 | 10 of 12 | 17 of 19 | 46 of 84 | 12 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 97 of 170 | 57% | 79 of 146 | 17 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 80 of 145 | 17 of 25 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 29 of 40 | 72% | 16 of 26 | 6 of 7 | 7 of 7 | 19 of 29 | 10 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 26 of 57 | 45% | 19 of 46 | 6 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 49 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 29 of 57 | 50% | 15 of 40 | 4 of 5 | 10 of 12 | 27 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Jousset | 71 of 113 | 62% | 60 of 100 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 59 of 96 | 12 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle and has a small bet on him. He highlights Battle's constant forward pressure, tenacity, and improving skills. He notes that Battle never quits, as seen in his loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov. He acknowledges Jousset is good and could slow the pace, plus home territory might affect judging, but believes Battle's pressure and range will get the job done.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle by decision, citing his toughness, output, sneaky power, and opportunistic grappling. He notes Battle is improving rapidly and has more ways to win. He thinks the striking could be competitive but Battle has the grappling edge.
Cody picks Bryan Battle to win but expresses hesitation, noting that Kevin Jousset is more technical and could be competitive at home in France. He highlights Battle's effective striking, submission grappling, better competition, and ability to fight through adversity. However, he also mentions Jousset's leg kicks and Judo background as potential threats. Cody ultimately leans Battle but is second-guessing his pick.
Cody picks Jousset as a plus-money underdog, highlighting Battle's poor grappling defense. He notes that Battle has been controlled by grapplers like Rinat Fakhretdinov, while Jousset has a strong takedown game and submission threat. Jousset's forward pressure and ability to mix in wrestling should neutralize Battle's counter-striking.
Connor picks Jousset because he believes Jousset's consistent, technical striking from City Kickboxing will allow him to outwork Battle over three rounds. He notes that Battle's counter-punching is dangerous but Jousset's jab and lead hand will be difficult to counter. Connor also points out that Jousset has never been finished and is physically imposing, while Battle's success has come against fighters who fall into his counter game. He sees Jousset controlling the range and winning a decision.
Daniel Vreeland picks Kevin Jousset as a slight underdog. He thinks Jousset has good durability, cardio, and striking, and that Battle can be hit in the clinch. He expects a close fight and sees value in Jousset at plus money, possibly winning by decision.
JP picks Bryan Battle because he thinks Battle is faster, has a reach advantage, and is better on the ground. He notes Jousset is slow and calculated, and once in a negative position, his confidence fades. He predicts Battle will dominate and submit him.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that if the fight stays standing it's 50/50, but Jousset's wrestling gives him an edge. He believes Battle is overvalued at -175 and that Jousset's grappling advantage makes him a solid underdog pick.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle over Kevin Jousset, citing Battle's reach advantage and momentum. He criticizes Jousset's performances, including going to decision with Song Kenan. He believes Battle will finish Jousset and become a mainstay in the welterweight rankings.
Zane picks Jousset because he trusts Jousset's technical consistency and believes Battle's counter-punching will be less effective against a disciplined striker. He notes that Jousset is stiff but has a solid jab and good fundamentals, while Battle tends to rely on opponents overextending. Zane also points out that Jousset is durable and has never been finished, making it likely he can weather Battle's power and win on points.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 27 of 75 | 36% | 28 of 78 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Ange Loosa | 0 | 23 of 54 | 42% | 26 of 58 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 23 of 63 | 36% | 24 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
| Ange Loosa | 0 | 17 of 44 | 38% | 20 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ange Loosa | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 27 of 75 | 36% | 16 of 56 | 10 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 69 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 |
| Ange Loosa | 23 of 54 | 42% | 6 of 34 | 8 of 9 | 9 of 11 | 22 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 23 of 63 | 36% | 12 of 45 | 10 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 20 of 57 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 |
| Ange Loosa | 17 of 44 | 38% | 4 of 29 | 6 of 6 | 7 of 9 | 16 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 4 of 12 | 33% | 4 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ange Loosa | 6 of 10 | 60% | 2 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is a big fan of Battle, noting his incredible improvement every fight. He worries that Battle needs to be the better wrestler and may not be able to take Loosa down, and he doesn't see Battle winning a striking match. However, he has blind faith in Battle's rapid improvement and thinks the latest version of Battle, with added improvements, will win. He is monitoring the line before betting.
Big Brady picks Ange Loosa to win by decision as an upset. He thinks Loosa's wrestling and takedown defense will be key, as Battle has poor takedown defense. He expects a close, competitive fight but favors Loosa's ability to mix in takedowns.
Cody sides with the underdog Ange Loosa, citing Bryan Battle's suspect takedown defense (45% overall) and Loosa's improved wrestling. He notes Battle is a good counter puncher but lacks physical strength and has been taken down by lesser wrestlers. Loosa has shown volume striking and takedowns in recent fights, which should sway rounds. He sees this as close to 50/50 and likes the plus money.
Lucrative James believes Bryan Battle is the much better fighter overall. He notes that Ange Loosa is durable but lacks technique and grappling strength, and that Battle can scramble if taken down. He sees Battle winning via finish, possibly by submission or head kick, and mentions that Loosa's path to victory is limited to a knockout or three rounds of grappling, which he doubts Loosa has the gas tank for.
The host admits this is the fight he is least confident in picking. He sides with Loosa's explosive power striking and notes that Battle hasn't utilized the style that made him successful at 185 lbs, possibly due to the weight cut to 170. He expects Loosa to be on the front foot, using power punches to keep Battle defensive, and even try grappling where he can hold Battle down. He acknowledges Battle's submission threats but believes Loosa wins on the scorecards.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting Battle's low volume and poor takedown defense. He points out that Loosa has durability and the plus 155 line offers value, as he sees the fight closer to 50/50. He mentions Loosa by decision at +275 as an interesting prop.
The Guru picks Bryan Battle, noting his size, power, and grappling. He criticizes Loosa for getting hurt easily and nearly finished in fights. He believes Battle is a level above and will either TKO or outpoint Loosa. He mentions Battle's recent grappling performances against AJ Fletcher.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 45 of 80 | 56% | 63 of 105 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 3:30 |
| AJ Fletcher | 0 | 25 of 51 | 49% | 29 of 57 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 23 of 50 | 46% | 23 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| AJ Fletcher | 0 | 18 of 38 | 47% | 18 of 38 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 22 of 30 | 73% | 40 of 55 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 3:30 |
| AJ Fletcher | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 11 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 45 of 80 | 56% | 9 of 25 | 34 of 52 | 2 of 3 | 29 of 61 | 16 of 19 | 0 of 0 |
| AJ Fletcher | 25 of 51 | 49% | 6 of 26 | 6 of 9 | 13 of 16 | 20 of 41 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 23 of 50 | 46% | 5 of 19 | 16 of 28 | 2 of 3 | 22 of 48 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| AJ Fletcher | 18 of 38 | 47% | 4 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 12 of 15 | 15 of 32 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 22 of 30 | 73% | 4 of 6 | 18 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 | 15 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
| AJ Fletcher | 7 of 13 | 53% | 2 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo's most confident pick on the card. He notes Battle improves every fight, has great hands, and never stops working. He thinks Fletcher will struggle with Battle's reach and movement, and will make poor decisions like pulling guillotine. He has a 1.5 unit bet on Battle.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle to win by second-round submission, citing Fletcher's poor cardio and striking defense. He notes Battle has a 10-inch reach advantage and is dangerous on the feet and ground. He expects Fletcher to win the first round with wrestling but fade, allowing Battle to capitalize. He mentions this is a good live betting spot.
Cody picks Bryan Battle, citing his reach advantage (10 inches), volume striking, and ability to fight off his back foot. He acknowledges Fletcher's wrestling and athleticism but notes Battle's takedown defense and counter-striking. He sees Fletcher's path to victory as narrow and prefers Battle's proven skills.
Daniel sees value in Fletcher at plus money, believing the line should be closer to pick'em. He notes Battle backs up and relies on counters, while Fletcher pressures and mixes takedowns. He thinks Fletcher's cardio has been addressed by training at elevation in Colorado. He only needs a close decision to cash, and thinks Fletcher can win rounds with pressure and grappling.
Lucrative James picks Battle but is hesitant due to Fletcher's early wrestling and durability. He notes Fletcher gasses out but stays tough, so Battle may come back late. He doesn't want to lay -200 on a fighter with cardio issues, but expects Battle to win via late finish or decision. He also considers a small bet on Fletcher but ultimately passes.
The host picks Battle to win inside the distance, citing his reach advantage and ability to touch Fletcher from distance with leg kicks and body shots. He expects Battle's cardio and pressure to wear on Fletcher, leading to a late finish (round 2 or 3). He notes Fletcher's power but questions his durability and cardio, and that Fletcher's wins rely on early finishes.
Paul also picks Battle, but sees a path for Fletcher via wrestling and pressure. He notes Battle's 38% takedown defense but believes Battle's best characteristic is fighting moving backwards, which counters Fletcher's forward pressure. He mentions the reach advantage and Battle's experience.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, citing his 10-inch reach advantage and better overall skills. He notes Battle lost to Renat Khetagurov via wrestling but believes AJ Fletcher's grappling is not at that level. He criticizes Fletcher's short reach and tendency to get wild, predicting Battle will counter him at range. He expects a TKO in late round two, similar to Battle's last fight where he fired back in the pocket.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Gabe Green | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 1 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Gabe Green | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Gabe Green | 6 of 12 | 50% | 2 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Gabe Green | 6 of 12 | 50% | 2 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, noting his constant pressure and improving skills. He says Battle never quit in his last loss and that grinding loss prepared him. He thinks the striking will be even but Battle will have the more dangerous ground game. He bet 0.2 units on Battle at +110.
Big Brady likes Gabriel Green because he has a clear path to victory: taking down Bryan Battle. He notes Battle has poor takedown defense, citing his debut against Urbin and his last fight against Fakhretdinov where he was controlled for 14 minutes. Green is a brown belt in BJJ and has good cardio. Brady expects Green to grind out a decision, as both guys are tough and durable. He thinks the fight is competitive on the feet but Green's wrestling gives him the edge.
Cody picks Battle as an underdog, citing his lateral movement and ability to fight off his back foot. He notes that Green is a grimy forward pressure fighter but lacks cage cutting skills. He expects Battle to win a competitive decision, but worries about Battle's wrestling liability and short notice. He proposes a second Shoei bet.
Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Battle's style is not honed and that Green's constant pressure and tirelessness will create opportunities. He points out that Battle's path to victory is unclear, while Green's game is straightforward and effective. Connor expects Green to control the fight and win.
Daniel Levi slightly leans towards Gabriel Green, citing his work rate, durability, and never-say-die attitude. He notes that Bryan Battle was badly exposed in his last fight, landing only three strikes and being taken down seven times. However, Battle has physical advantages in height and reach. Levi sees this as a close fight but favors Green's pressure and leg kicks.
Battle can utilize his range and height advantage to pick apart Green from distance, mix in takedowns, and wear on him with cardio. Green is a durable, hard-nosed striker but may struggle with Battle's pace and grappling. Battle should pull away late and win by decision, though a Green knockout is a possible hedge.
Paul picks Green, citing Battle's poor wrestling and Green's durability. He notes that Green can take Battle down and control him, and that Battle has been taken down multiple times in past fights. He expects a close competitive fight but leans toward Green. He accepts the second Shoei bet.
The MMA Guru picks Bryan Battle, noting that he was dealt a bad card in his last fight against a tough opponent. He believes Battle is underrated and can keep up with Green's pace, picking him apart for a 30-27 decision.
Zane picks Gabe Green, citing his constant pressure and output as a style that will overwhelm Bryan Battle, who lacks a clear plan and relies on scrapping. He notes that Battle struggled against wrestlers and that Green's relentless striking will keep him on the back foot. Zane expects Green to win by decision or late stoppage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 3 of 16 | 18% | 25 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 43 of 68 | 63% | 102 of 149 | 7 of 9 | 77% | 0 | 0 | 14:11 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 19 of 30 | 63% | 37 of 52 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:41 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 10 of 15 | 66% | 30 of 42 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:49 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 0 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 14 of 23 | 60% | 35 of 55 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:41 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinat Fakhretdinov | 3 of 16 | 18% | 1 of 11 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 43 of 68 | 63% | 38 of 62 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 33 of 54 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 19 of 30 | 63% | 16 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 25 | |
| 2 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 10 of 15 | 66% | 9 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 | |
| 3 | Rinat Fakhretdinov | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 of 5 | 0 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bryan Battle | 14 of 23 | 60% | 13 of 21 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 17 |
Angelo picks Rinat Fakhretdinov, citing that Bryan Battle is stepping up on short notice and facing the toughest opponent of his career. He believes Fakhretdinov's wrestling will be the difference, as Battle has poor takedown accuracy. He acknowledges Battle is a live underdog and plans to look for prop bets on him.
Big Brady picks Bryan Battle as an underdog, citing Fakhretdinov's padded record against low-level competition. He likes Battle's striking, power, opportunistic submission game, and cardio. However, he notes Battle is hittable and has defensive issues, and Fakhretdinov has power. He expects Fakhretdinov to have early success but Battle to wear on him and get a late submission. He needs to see Battle's weight cut to increase confidence.
Cody picks Battle as an underdog, believing his volume and striking can win rounds. He thinks Fakhretdinov's lay-and-pray style may not impress judges. He notes Battle has good takedown defense and cardio. He is not confident but sees value.
Connor picks Fakhretdinov, expecting him to come out dedicated to an ugly wrestling game. He notes Battle is too takedownable and depends on scrambling after bad stuff. He thinks Fakhretdinov's clingy wrestling will be the answer to Battle's volume-based style.
Battle's style, pace, and pressure will cause Fakhretdinov problems, making him work too much and slow down. Battle either finishes in the third or wins a decision. The line moved against the host to +130, but he still likes the matchup. The main question is whether Battle can maintain his cardio at this weight class.
Paul picks Fakhretdinov, noting his wrestling and control. He thinks Battle's takedown defense is not elite and Fakhretdinov will take him down. He is not sure about betting because of judging concerns but picks him.
The MMA Guru picks Rinat Fakhretdinov over Bryan Battle, disagreeing with the majority picking Battle. He highlights Fakhretdinov's dominant wrestling, citing 14 minutes of control time against Andreas Michailidis and a recent freestyle wrestling match where he made his opponent retire. He notes Battle took the fight on short notice and questions his preparation, suggesting Battle might be looking for a paycheck before Christmas. He believes Fakhretdinov's grappling is a different level and that Battle's takedown defense won't be enough.
Zane agrees, noting Fakhretdinov's persistent wrestling game is the kryptonite to Battle's style of weathering attacks. He thinks Battle has no full dimension while Fakhretdinov has one strong dimension. He expects Fakhretdinov to take Battle down and test his guard.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 1 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 7 of 10 | 70% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Takashi Sato | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 7 of 10 | 70% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Takashi Sato | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, describing him as a very busy striker with solid volume and head kicks. He notes Battle's grinding style and takedown attempts should earn him a decision win over Sato, who is hittable and lacks head movement. He references his own notes from Battle's previous fight, calling him 'very tough not amazing anywhere but very busy striker.'
Cody also picks Battle, highlighting his long-range kickboxing and ability to avoid takedowns. He notes that Sato's losses come against grapplers, and Battle is not an offensive wrestler. Cody believes Battle will stay at range and outpoint Sato, possibly by decision. He agrees that Battle's takedown total is likely under 2.
Daniel Levi leans Battle but calls it a 'dog or pass' situation, noting Battle's cardio and durability should allow him to break Sato down over time. He warns that Sato has power and could catch Battle, and that laying -270 on an unproven fighter like Battle is not advisable. He prefers Sato as a dog if forced to pick.
Paul picks Battle, noting that Battle is a striker with good range and output. He mentions that Sato is a power puncher who has been taken down by grapplers. Paul thinks Battle will use the threat of takedowns to open up his striking and win a decision. He is concerned about Battle's weight cut to 170.
Takashi Sato - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 30 of 47 | 63% | 56 of 76 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 1 | 2:21 |
| Takashi Sato | 1 | 33 of 56 | 58% | 110 of 158 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 0 | 2 | 11:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 15 of 21 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 7 of 16 | 43% | 39 of 57 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 1 | 3:58 | |
| 2 | Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 14 of 17 | 82% | 21 of 25 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Takashi Sato | 1 | 18 of 30 | 60% | 40 of 57 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 3:20 | |
| 3 | Themba Gorimbo | 0 | 13 of 22 | 59% | 20 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:35 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 8 of 10 | 80% | 31 of 44 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:57 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Themba Gorimbo | 30 of 47 | 63% | 21 of 37 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 16 | 15 of 16 | 10 of 15 |
| Takashi Sato | 33 of 56 | 58% | 21 of 41 | 12 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 25 | 9 of 12 | 12 of 19 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Themba Gorimbo | 3 of 8 | 37% | 2 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Takashi Sato | 7 of 16 | 43% | 1 of 9 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 9 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Themba Gorimbo | 14 of 17 | 82% | 9 of 12 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 11 of 11 | 2 of 2 |
| Takashi Sato | 18 of 30 | 60% | 15 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | 2 of 4 | 11 of 18 | |
| 3 | Themba Gorimbo | 13 of 22 | 59% | 10 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 13 |
| Takashi Sato | 8 of 10 | 80% | 5 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sato (-110), Gorimbo (-110)
Round 1
The last UFC card before a much-needed weekend off is upon us, and it will be in the form of a dozen-fight showcase at the UFC Apex. There are two ranked fighters on the entire billing, both coming in the main attraction, but with any luck, those numbers will not matter when the cage doors close and the competitors all get after it. The first match of the evening comes in the welterweight division between two men who would very much like a win. With three losses in his last three appearances, Sato (15-6, 2-4 UFC) may need to get his hand raised to stay on the roster. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Gorimbo (10-4, 0-1 UFC) is hoping to have a second chance to make a first impression. This classic Japan vs. South Africa (or Zimbabwe, if you prefer birth nation) battle will be overseen by referee Chris Tognoni and his sweet mustache, and the combatants do not touch gloves before getting started. Gorimbo leads the dance with a head kick early, and follows it with a few punches while Sato bears down on him. Sato blocks another high kick before it can reach his head, and Gorimbo mashes forward to attempt a takedown. Sato stonewalls him and nearly shoves Gorimbo to his back, but he decides instead to stand back up and Gorimbo follows him to the clinch. Gorimbo looks to muscle his man down, and Sato turns the corner and dumps him to his back for a moment. Gorimbo explodes right back up, and he manages to suck Sato’s legs out beneath him and drag him to his seat. Sato moves to his knees while Gorimbo hooks his foe’s legs between one of his own, and he wall-walks to stand back up as Gorimbo continues to jam him up. Gorimbo looks for a trip that does not succeed, and he lifts up a knee to the chest to get a strike off in this position. This allows Sato to turn him around for a second, but Gorimbo powers him back around. “The Answer” answers a potential ref request for more action with another solid knee, and Sato replies with a half-hearted throw that he abandons when he realizes he will need to use much more energy than he is willing to succeed. Gorimbo drills another knee to the solar plexus, and Sato uses a sweep and a body lock to toss his foe to the floor. Gorimbo scrambles wildly, doing enough to get Sato down and circling around to take the back. The South African fighter hooks up a body triangle and starts fishing for a rear-naked choke, and Sato is wise to the attempt and tries to turn to a side to escape. Gorimbo softens him up with short strikes to the side of the head, and he hands on with back control until the horn blares.
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Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Round 2
Sato initiates the second round aggressively, pressuring forward and hoping to turn the tables on Gorimbo after giving up the last round. Gorimbo cocks back a right hand and releases it, blasting the charging Sato in the face and knocking him down to the floor. Sato hits his back and tries to clear out the cobwebs, and Gorimbo leaps down on top of him and tries to jack him up with hammerfists. Sato gathers his thoughts enough to consider a takedown, perhaps in a desperation effort, and the two end up standing up in the clinch. Sato starts driving several knees to the body, and Gorimbo works for another takedown as he turns the Japanese fighter around. Gorimbo looks to hook up a single-leg takedown, and Sato reverses him brilliantly with a head-and-arm throw that deposits Gorimbo to the floor. “Ten” starts fishing for a scarf hold in the advantageous position, and when there is no submission to be found, he sits up. Gorimbo threatens off his back with a leglock, but it does not come anywhere near close before Sato starts smacking him in the face with ground strikes. Gorimbo tugs his toes on the fence to get enough leverage to work his way to his knees and then upright, where he stays bent over to go for a takedown. Sato defends with a series of elbows to the side of the head, and even when he is pulled down to his knees, he continues doing some work with elbows. Gorimbo keeps grinding on him and defends a throw from Sato to stay in this grueling position. Sato breaks away from the clinch and gains some space, but Gorimbo gives chase and wings punches at him until changing levels. The round ends with Gorimbo trying to take the fight down again.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo
Round 3
With Sato advancing as per usual to start off the round, Gorimbo is prepared and goes after another huge right hand. This time, Sato does not walk face-first into it, and he ducks it to tie the African fighter up. Gorimbo is glad to get back into the close range, where he turns Sato around and drags him down to a knee for a moment. When Sato springs back up, Gorimbo redoubles his effort and hits the takedown he is seeking. Sato falls to his back, with a cut around his right eye starting to bleed. Sato does not remain on his back for long before shifting enough to get to a knee, and Gorimbo again works his way around to take the back. “The Answer” locks his legs around the waist, and Sato grimaces in pain as the position must be causing him no small amount of discomfort. Sato attempts to turn and spin around, but Gorimbo has him locked down. Gorimbo lands occasional punches to both sides of the head to keep Sato guessing, with the strikes more frustrating than damaging. Gorimbo uses one moment to snake his right forearm around the chin, but he cannot sink it under it to lock down the rear-naked choke before Sato defends it. Sato cannot get out of this miserable position, and Gorimbo turns to the side and looks for a side choke. Sato takes advantage of this momentary lapse of judgment and flips Gorimbo to his back, and he starts shelling the African fighter with punches and elbows. Sato unloads a final barrage of blows, with few actually getting through the guard, and time expires before a stoppage is even close. It may have been too little, too late for the Japanese fighter, as the fight is over.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Gorimbo (30-27 Gorimbo)
The Official Result
Themba Gorimbo def. Takashi Sato via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Themba Gorimbo based on his solid grappling and takedown defense shown in the loss to AJ Fletcher. He notes that Gorimbo never looked panicked and can make adjustments on the fly. While Sato is better than his recent record, Angelo believes his best years are behind him.
Big Brady picks Themba Gorimbo to submit Takashi Sato in the second round. He notes that Sato has a massive hole in his takedown defense and ground game, and Gorimbo is the grappler who will exploit that. However, he has concerns about Gorimbo's cardio after his debut against AJ Fletcher, but gives him a pass for short notice. He expects Gorimbo to get takedowns early and submit Sato, though he advises against going all-in on this fight.
Cody gives Sato a slight edge due to his power and experience. He notes Gorimbo's durability issues and thinks Sato's kickboxing could be decisive. He is not confident and calls it a 50-50 fight.
Connor also picks Gorimbo, agreeing that his pace and aggression will be key. He notes that Sato is a solid defensive wrestler but will be tested immediately and repeatedly because he doesn't do anything. Connor expects an ugly fight but sees Gorimbo's pace winning out.
Daniel Levi picks Themba Gorimbo, citing confidence and mental state. He questions Takashi Sato's ability to rebound from a brutal knockout loss (head kick, back of head to canvas) and thinks Sato may be hesitant. He notes Sato has low volume but heavy hands, while Gorimbo is not the most athletic but may be hungrier. He admits Gorimbo could be faded but thinks Sato's demons will be a factor.
The host picks Themba Gorimbo despite feeling slightly sketchy about him. He believes Gorimbo's grappling advantage will be the key, as he should be able to drag the fight to the ground and control Sato for the majority. He notes Gorimbo's striking is wild and erratic, but his kicks can keep Sato at range. He expects a decision win for Gorimbo.
Paul does not make a clear pick, stating he has no strong opinion and that the fight is a toss-up. He does not commit to either fighter.
The MMA Guru expects a striking matchup, noting that neither fighter is strong on the ground. He believes Takashi Sato has become gun-shy on the feet since his KO over Jason Witt, while Themba Gorimbo is a big athlete with a reach advantage and trains at MMA Masters. He predicts Gorimbo will hurt Sato on the feet and then secure a submission, likely a rear-naked choke or armbar, finishing in the first round.
Zane picks Gorimbo, citing his pace and aggressive wrestling as the modern way to win. He notes that Sato is a low-output counter puncher who will be overwhelmed by Gorimbo's constant pressure and awkward tie-ups. Zane acknowledges Gorimbo is not a good fighter but believes his pace will be too much for Sato.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 1 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 1 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 7 of 10 | 70% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Takashi Sato | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 7 of 10 | 70% | 4 of 6 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Takashi Sato | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, describing him as a very busy striker with solid volume and head kicks. He notes Battle's grinding style and takedown attempts should earn him a decision win over Sato, who is hittable and lacks head movement. He references his own notes from Battle's previous fight, calling him 'very tough not amazing anywhere but very busy striker.'
Cody also picks Battle, highlighting his long-range kickboxing and ability to avoid takedowns. He notes that Sato's losses come against grapplers, and Battle is not an offensive wrestler. Cody believes Battle will stay at range and outpoint Sato, possibly by decision. He agrees that Battle's takedown total is likely under 2.
Daniel Levi leans Battle but calls it a 'dog or pass' situation, noting Battle's cardio and durability should allow him to break Sato down over time. He warns that Sato has power and could catch Battle, and that laying -270 on an unproven fighter like Battle is not advisable. He prefers Sato as a dog if forced to pick.
Paul picks Battle, noting that Battle is a striker with good range and output. He mentions that Sato is a power puncher who has been taken down by grapplers. Paul thinks Battle will use the threat of takedowns to open up his striking and win a decision. He is concerned about Battle's weight cut to 170.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunnar Nelson | 0 | 44 of 55 | 80% | 140 of 166 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 8:09 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 9 of 23 | 39% | 16 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gunnar Nelson | 0 | 24 of 29 | 82% | 46 of 52 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Gunnar Nelson | 0 | 12 of 16 | 75% | 25 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:36 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Gunnar Nelson | 0 | 8 of 10 | 80% | 69 of 82 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:28 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 9 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunnar Nelson | 44 of 55 | 80% | 36 of 47 | 7 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 20 | 1 of 2 | 33 of 33 |
| Takashi Sato | 9 of 23 | 39% | 4 of 16 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 9 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gunnar Nelson | 24 of 29 | 82% | 21 of 26 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 20 of 20 |
| Takashi Sato | 4 of 12 | 33% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Gunnar Nelson | 12 of 16 | 75% | 9 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 7 |
| Takashi Sato | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Gunnar Nelson | 8 of 10 | 80% | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 |
| Takashi Sato | 2 of 7 | 28% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Gunnar Nelson, predicting a submission win. He notes that Nelson has been away for two years due to rib injuries but has a short-notice opponent with grappling holes. He worries about Nelson's takedown entries leaving him hittable but thinks the UFC set him up for a win. He says Nelson probably wins by submission but acknowledges the layoff makes it uncertain.
Big Brady picks Gunnar Nelson to win by first-round submission, but expresses concern about Nelson's two-year layoff. He believes if Nelson is anywhere near his best, he should submit Sato early, as Sato has been submitted three times and has poor ground game. Brady notes Nelson has fought elite competition like Gilbert Burns and Leon Edwards, while Sato's level is lower.
Cody picks Nelson by submission, noting Nelson's superior grappling and Sato's submission liability. He thinks Nelson will get the fight to the mat and find a submission. He mentions the prop is minus 110 and he took it.
Daniel Levi picks Gunnar Nelson by submission, noting that Sato has lost 75% of his fights by submission and that Nelson has 12 submission wins. He acknowledges Nelson's low striking volume and questions his motivation, but believes Nelson only needs one takedown to finish. Levi also mentions the hometown advantage for British fighters at the O2, suggesting a decision win is possible if it goes the distance. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation due to the high price on Nelson.
Nelson is a jiu-jitsu wizard who should get the fight to the ground and find a submission. Sato has been finished by submission in three of his last four losses, a huge red flag. However, ring rust and past injuries are concerns for Nelson. Sato has power and a karate style, but Nelson's grappling should be too much. I'd rather play Nelson inside the distance than the -450 line. I'm picking Nelson via second-round submission.
Paul picks Nelson, emphasizing his world-class skills and Sato's tendency to fade. He believes Nelson's cardio and grappling will be too much, and that Sato's power is only a threat early. He thinks Nelson will win handily, possibly by submission.
The Guru picks Gunnar Nelson but expects a first-round scare where Sato drops him. He believes Nelson will recover, get a takedown, and eventually secure a rear-naked choke in round two or three. He notes Nelson's close losses to Leon Edwards and Gilbert Burns, and argues that if Burns couldn't finish him, Sato won't either. He predicts a late submission.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miguel Baeza | 0 | 40 of 73 | 54% | 43 of 82 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:09 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 15 of 58 | 25% | 15 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miguel Baeza | 0 | 18 of 37 | 48% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 8 of 29 | 27% | 8 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Miguel Baeza | 0 | 22 of 36 | 61% | 24 of 44 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:02 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 7 of 29 | 24% | 7 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miguel Baeza | 40 of 73 | 54% | 16 of 40 | 20 of 28 | 4 of 5 | 32 of 65 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 5 |
| Takashi Sato | 15 of 58 | 25% | 10 of 49 | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 56 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miguel Baeza | 18 of 37 | 48% | 5 of 17 | 10 of 16 | 3 of 4 | 15 of 34 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Takashi Sato | 8 of 29 | 27% | 5 of 24 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 27 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Miguel Baeza | 22 of 36 | 61% | 11 of 23 | 10 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 |
| Takashi Sato | 7 of 29 | 24% | 5 of 25 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Takashi Sato | 1 | 18 of 21 | 85% | 18 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Jason Witt | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takashi Sato | 1 | 18 of 21 | 85% | 18 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Jason Witt | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Takashi Sato | 18 of 21 | 85% | 18 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 16 |
| Jason Witt | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takashi Sato | 18 of 21 | 85% | 18 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 16 |
| Jason Witt | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Takashi Sato, despite the narrative that Witt (Brahimaj) has a submission-heavy record. He thinks Sato's takedown defense and cardio will be key, and that Witt will gas after the first round. He predicts Sato will weather the early storm and get a knockout in the second round. He notes that Witt's UFC debut and poor cardio are concerns.
Daniel Levi leans with Takashi Sato, citing his full camp preparation and UFC experience. He notes Sato's karate style, judo base for takedown defense, and counter-striking power. However, he acknowledges Sato's questionable chin and that Witt is taking the fight on short notice but has a wrestling background. Levi thinks Sato's discipline and preparation give him the edge, but warns that short-notice fighters have pulled off upsets before.
The MMA Guru picks Takashi Sato, citing his experience and recent UFC wins, while dismissing Jason Witt's resume as not UFC-level. He predicts Sato will dominate and win by submission in the second or third round, as Witt may come out aggressive but fade. He initially considered a decision but changed to submission, noting Sato is not a finisher but expects the experience gap to show.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belal Muhammad | 0 | 49 of 106 | 46% | 78 of 148 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 1 | 0 | 2:30 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 29 of 89 | 32% | 34 of 95 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belal Muhammad | 0 | 20 of 40 | 50% | 43 of 75 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:41 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 9 of 30 | 30% | 9 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Belal Muhammad | 0 | 20 of 44 | 45% | 25 of 50 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 12 of 40 | 30% | 17 of 46 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:38 | |
| 3 | Belal Muhammad | 0 | 9 of 22 | 40% | 10 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belal Muhammad | 49 of 106 | 46% | 40 of 85 | 7 of 19 | 2 of 2 | 42 of 98 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 |
| Takashi Sato | 29 of 89 | 32% | 23 of 79 | 4 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 29 of 89 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belal Muhammad | 20 of 40 | 50% | 16 of 30 | 3 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 |
| Takashi Sato | 9 of 30 | 30% | 7 of 27 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Belal Muhammad | 20 of 44 | 45% | 17 of 37 | 2 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 18 of 41 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Takashi Sato | 12 of 40 | 30% | 9 of 35 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Belal Muhammad | 9 of 22 | 40% | 7 of 18 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Takashi Sato | 8 of 19 | 42% | 7 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Headlining the early prelims by staying at welterweight, Muhammad (15-3, 6-3 UFC) looks to spoil Sato's (15-2, 1-0 UFC) sophomore Octagon appearance. Drawing the assignment for this one is referee Viacheslav Kiselev. As the fight begins, the two try to find their distance and jab at one another. Muhammad fires a right to the body and a left to the head, and then tries for a looping right hand that is barely blocked. He does this two-punch combination two more times, working the body and head indiscriminately and effectively. A big left hand cracks Sato, who backs away against the fence, and Muhammad charges in to try for a takedown and takes the back of his Japanese opponent. Muhammad lifts up Sato and drops him down, but Sato bounces back up and keeps the jab flowing. "Remember the Name" goes after a right high kick that does not quite find its mark, but a right hand following up does. Sato scores over the top with a right, and Muhammad uses this brief lull in the action to again wrap his hands around his adversary's waist. Sato circles away, and Muhammad shoots for a double leg takedown and emphatically puts Sato down. In the ensuing scramble, Muhammad takes Sato's back and secures the body lock. Cracking Sato with elbows, the horn sounds and this exciting round is over.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Round 2
As the second round begins, Sato scores with a left hand up top and then one more to the body. He ducks away from the combinations of the American, and avoids a high kick as well. Muhammad briefly considers a takedown and Sato defends it well. Muhammad goes back to the combination that served him well in the opening stanza, with a right to the body and left to the head. Muhammad then leans on a few more left hands, scoring on each of them until he shoots at a distance for a takedown and somehow lands it -- albeit briefly. Sato escapes by trying to throw Muhammad, who returns to that right-left combo that scores almost every time he tries it. Sato sticks out a strong left jab, as Muhammad shoots in for another takedown attempt, but Sato is prepared for it. The two separate again, and Muhammad jumps in the air with a knee that is nowhere near his opponent. Sato tags Muhammad with a straight left hand, and Muhammad returns fire with a powerful right hook that backs off Sato. The two clinch, and Sato scores a trip and lands in side control with about 30 seconds left. Sato may not land a great deal while in control, but he does end the round on top.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Muhammad
Round 3
As the third and final round commences, the two men stand in the center of the cage and trade. They appear to clash heads, causing a cut to appear on the side of Sato's right eye, but this could have also come from one of Muhammad's left hands. Sato fires off a head kick and Muhammad blocks it, with the American closing the distance to try to drag the fight down. Muhammad fails on one attempt, but does not relent and eventually gets his man to the canvas.
"Remember the Name" takes Sato's back, and quickly tries for a rear-naked choke. Unable to secure it with one arm, he switches to the other and locks it up, forcing Sato to tap.
With the victory, Muhammad picks up the first submission win of his career.
The Official Result
Belal Muhammad def. Takashi Sato R3 1:55 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Takashi Sato | 0 | 46 of 90 | 51% | 47 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:25 |
| Ben Saunders | 1 | 28 of 69 | 40% | 33 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takashi Sato | 0 | 39 of 74 | 52% | 39 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:25 |
| Ben Saunders | 0 | 12 of 41 | 29% | 16 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Takashi Sato | 0 | 7 of 16 | 43% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ben Saunders | 1 | 16 of 28 | 57% | 17 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Takashi Sato | 46 of 90 | 51% | 9 of 46 | 22 of 28 | 15 of 16 | 29 of 70 | 17 of 20 | 0 of 0 |
| Ben Saunders | 28 of 69 | 40% | 25 of 64 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 13 of 44 | 2 of 6 | 13 of 19 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takashi Sato | 39 of 74 | 52% | 8 of 38 | 21 of 25 | 10 of 11 | 22 of 54 | 17 of 20 | 0 of 0 |
| Ben Saunders | 12 of 41 | 29% | 10 of 37 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 10 of 35 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Takashi Sato | 7 of 16 | 43% | 1 of 8 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ben Saunders | 16 of 28 | 57% | 15 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 19 |
Expert Picks (4)
Angelo picks Bryan Battle, describing him as a very busy striker with solid volume and head kicks. He notes Battle's grinding style and takedown attempts should earn him a decision win over Sato, who is hittable and lacks head movement. He references his own notes from Battle's previous fight, calling him 'very tough not amazing anywhere but very busy striker.'
Cody also picks Battle, highlighting his long-range kickboxing and ability to avoid takedowns. He notes that Sato's losses come against grapplers, and Battle is not an offensive wrestler. Cody believes Battle will stay at range and outpoint Sato, possibly by decision. He agrees that Battle's takedown total is likely under 2.
Daniel Levi leans Battle but calls it a 'dog or pass' situation, noting Battle's cardio and durability should allow him to break Sato down over time. He warns that Sato has power and could catch Battle, and that laying -270 on an unproven fighter like Battle is not advisable. He prefers Sato as a dog if forced to pick.
Paul picks Battle, noting that Battle is a striker with good range and output. He mentions that Sato is a power puncher who has been taken down by grapplers. Paul thinks Battle will use the threat of takedowns to open up his striking and win a decision. He is concerned about Battle's weight cut to 170.
Middleweight debut for Bryan. Bryan has never been knocked out but has always been a bit bigger. Should be an entertaining fight. As they are both aggressive and need to be in the driving seat. I expect some fence grabbing, cheating. Some knockdowns?
Being Bryan Battle must suck on fight day, he has to be punched a few times before he can make it a scrap.
Such a quick turnaround for Ruz, he is still figuring out a jab, style ect. He's raw, cheats, big, head kick, ect Bryan is so basic will continue to spam what works in his limited arsenal. It works but its limited.