Takashi Sato

Takashi Satō (佐藤天) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division. A professional since 2013, he is most notable for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Early life
Born to a Japanese father and Taiwanese mother, Sato grew up in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with his parents and older brother. He was a big fan of reading comics just like many other Japanese children. However one day, his older brother accidentally threw them all out. Sato says he cried the whole day until the following day his father felt very bad and came home from work with a new comic based on a kid becoming a judo champion. This then inspired Sato to pursue Judo and he used to train at the local police station.

Japan
Sato started his MMA career fighting in various promotions in Japan. Sato then fought for Pancrase and Deep promotions in Japan. He earned a Pancrase title shot but lost to Glaico França. Sato earned the opportunity to fight in the UFC after beating former UFC fighter Matt Vaile.

Ultimate Fighter Championship
Sato signed with the UFC on April 2, 2019, and made his UFC debut on April 27, 2019, against Ben Saunders at UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson. After being tagged by Saunders early, Sato won the fight by knockout.

Sato's next Fight was against Belal Muhammad on September 7, 2019, in the United Emirates at UFC 242. Sato lost by rear-naked choke in the third round.

Sato was scheduled to face Maki Pitolo at UFC Fight Night 168 on February 23, 2020. However, Pitolo was unable to make weight and the bout was scrapped from the card.

Sato was scheduled to face Ramiz Brahimaj on June 27, 2020 at UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker  but the fight was scratched due to one of Brahimaj's cornermen testing positive for COVID-19. Two days before the fight, Sato's opponent was switched to UFC newcomer Jason Witt. Sato won the fight via knock out in 48 seconds in round one.

Sato was scheduled to face Daniel Rodriguez on August 22, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 15. However, despite making the required weight, Sato was not cleared to fight by Nevada State Athletic Commission medical personnel and was removed from the card. Later, Sato revealed that a skin infection in his torso was the reason for the removal.

As the last fight of his contract, Sato faced Miguel Baeza on November 28, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Clark. He lost the fight via second round arm-triangle choke.

Sato returned after more than a one-year hiatus and faced Gunnar Nelson, replacing injured Cláudio Silva, on 19 March 2022 at UFC Fight Night 204. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Sato faced Bryan Battle on August 6, 2022, at UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Hill. He lost the fight via knockout in round one.

Sato faced Themba Gorimbo on May 20, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 223. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

On June 8, it was announced that Sato was not extended a new contract and no longer on the UFC roster.