August 04, 2022 11:40 PM
Ewan Lavender

MMA Preview – Takashi Sato vs Bryan Battle at UFC Vegas 59

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

TAKASHI SATO VS BRYAN BATTLE FACTS

When is UFC Vegas 59? Sunday 7th August, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)

Where is UFC Vegas 59? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)

Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 59? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events

What channel is UFC Vegas 59 on? BT Sport 1

Where can I stream UFC Vegas 59? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website

For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!

TAKASHI SATO VS BRYAN BATTLE LOWDOWN

Takashi Sato (16-5) desperately needs a win after losing his last two. He is 2-3 in the UFC now but has had some tough match ups. His two wins were vintage knockouts over Ben Saunders (2019) and Jason Witt (2020) but he has suffered against tougher competition getting submitted by Belal Muhammad (2019) and Miguel Baeza (2020) and then got outpointed by Gunnar Nelson back in March at UFC London.

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 29 winner Bryan Battle (7-1) continues to prove many wrong and keep his winning run going. He went into the TUF house riding a four-fight win streak and made it to the finale as Alexander Volkanovski’s last pick. Gilbert Urbina filled in for an injured Tresean Gore and Battle claimed the crown with a second-round submission. He returned in February this year to welcome Gore onto the big stage for the unofficial final and caused the upset with a unanimous decision.

TAKASHI SATO VS BRYAN BATTLE PREDICTION

Battle drops down to welterweight and it will be very interesting to see how he looks. He will boast a four-inch reach and three-inch height advantage which he can utilize on the feet and on the ground.

Battle has good jiu-jitsu and is fluid on the feet. However, he does tend to eat a lot of shots which is a big worry against someone with the power of Sato. He can turn the lights off in an instant and although he only has a 60% takedown defence, he is a high-level judoka.

So, considering the odds, Sato is a good shout. That said we are backing Battle’s movement and output to win the striking exchanges and he has the cardio to keep up a pace until the final bell and convince the judges.

Prediction: Battle via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)

Value Bet: Sato to win

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