Takashi Sato recovers to secure TKO over Matt Vaile at Pancrase 300

Headlining the historic Pancrase 300 card last night in Japan, Kiwi fighter Matt Vaile was stopped in the second round by Takashi Sato.

The fight was looking very promising for Vaile who dropped Sato with a huge left hand as he followed him down to the ground throwing heavy ground-and-pound. Sato held on to a single leg and worked back to his feet where he was ultimately able to recover.

What a war in the main event of #Pancrase300, as Takashi Sato (14-2) overcomes Matt Vaile in the second round! Sato dropped the Kiwi in the first, then Vaile 𝗯𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 him in the second! Yet, Sato came back en route to a ground n' pound finish. Congrats, @satotenten! pic.twitter.com/Qz3tCeT9rS

— Kyle Johnson (@Maldobabo) October 21, 2018

Then midway through the second round, Vaile was coming forward with hands low and was caught by a short left that dropped the 27-year-old. It was Vaile’s turn to try and recover as held on to the single leg before escaping back to his feet. Sato didn’t give him an inch though and pressured for a takedown which he eventually secured. A former King of Pancrase title challenger, Sato transitioned to mount where he rained down elbows to force the referee stoppage.

With the win, Sato confirmed his status as one of the top welterweights in Japan. The 28-year-old moves to 13-3. Vaile, who was making his debut in the promotion, drops to 10-2.

Pancrase 300 took place at Studio Coast in Tokyo, Japan.

Quickfire Q&A with Matt Vaile ahead of Pancrase 300

Matt Vaile to face former title challenger Takashi Sato at Pancrase 300