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. 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 was no longer on the UFC roster. == Mixed martial arts record ==