UFC on ESPN 12 video: Takashi Sato demolishes late replacement Jason Witt in just 48 seconds

Takashi Sato was not getting paid by the hour on Saturday night.

The Japanese welterweight needed just 48 seconds to land a right jab followed by a devastating left straight down the middle that spelled the beginning of the end for late notice replacement Jason Witt at UFC on ESPN 12.

After dropping Witt to the ground, Sato followed with a few more punches until the referee saw enough to stop the contest before any further damage was inflicted.

“I feel good,” Sato said after his second UFC win. “I had great training with the best coach and the best team at Sanford MMA. I’m happy to win and prove it.”

Earlier this week, Sato was scheduled to face another UFC newcomer in Ramiz Brahimaj but he was pulled from the fight just two days ago after one of his cornermen tested positive for COVID-19. Witt accepted the short notice opportunity with his medical clearance not coming through until earlier tonight.

Unfortunately, Witt’s first UFC experience did not offer him much to remember after Sato cracked him with the left hand that sent him crashing to the canvas early in the opening round. The ground and pound that followed was just more of the same until the fight was stopped with Sato celebrating a job well done.

After suffering a loss in his last outing, Sato bounced back in a big way with his TKO win on Saturday night while adding another highlight to his resume.