I’m surprised this fight ended up on the main card considering both fighters have been out of the game for 2 years or longer. Gunnar Nelson is a superb grappler, and hopefully shows up much improved since last appearing in 2019. This is a grappler vs striker matchup; Nelson submits everybody, and Takashi Sato knocks everybody out. How does it play out?
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Gunnar Nelson vs Takashi Sato Prediction
Both men seem equally skilled on the feet, even if Sato’s knockout ratio is much higher than Nelson. Sato is a southpaw, and Nelson fights orthodox, which means entry on a single leg should be slightly easier.
In his fight with Belal Muhammad, Sato struggled with the constant chain wrestling and submission attempts. Unfortunately this is something we’ve come to expect from Nelson, who not only dominates on the ground, but has wicked guillotine and rear naked chokes.
If Nelson manages to weather the early storm from Sato, and secure a takedown, It’s almost fair to say he’ll win by submission.
My pick – Gunnar Nelson by SUB
Gunnar Nelson vs Takashi Sato Betting Suggestion
I’d say choose Gunnar Nelson to win out right at 2/11 odds, which is minimal return but extremely safe. Nelson by KO/TKO/SUB/DQ is 8/13. But you could pick the fight going the distance for 2/1 odds, and with the finishing rates between these guys, it’s unlikely, but still good risk. Per Bet365
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Read my other predictions for UFC London
Nathaniel Wood vs Vince Morales
Muhammad Mokaev vs Cody Durden
Cory McKenna vs Elise Reed
Jack Shore vs Timur Valiev
Nikita Krylov vs Paul Craig
Shamil Abdurakhimov vs Sergei Pavlovich
Mike Grundy vs Makwan Amirkhani
Jai Herbert vs Ilia Topuria
Molly McCann vs Luana Carolina
Gunnar Nelson vs Takashi Sato
Paddy Pimblett vs Rodrigo Vargas
Arnold Allen vs Dan Hooker
Alexander Volkov vs Tom Aspinall
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