Feb 3, 2012
In This Corner: Ricardo Sapno III
by: John Hudson Go

Ricardo “El Matador” Sapno III was first introduced to us Manileños in last November’s Black Tie Brawl. Initially set to fight then Featherweight champion Eric Kelly, he ended up battling superfight winner Red Romero for the interim Featherweight championship.

Snatching the victory and becoming the new champion, he is set to cross enemy lines as he faces Baguio Wushu fighter Arnold Agapito in URCC Baguio 4: Battleground at the Baguio Convention Center this February 18, 2012.

We caught up with “Richie” as he prepares with his teammates from Beefit Pythons Pit for his upcoming fight less than a month from now.

How does it feel to be a URCC champion?

Being a champion is very fulfilling! I am grateful to the URCC for giving me the chance to fulfill my dream.

How would you describe yourself as a martial artist?

I am a martial artist who lives by its principles. Based on my own evaluation and the observation of my coach, I am the kind of fighter who looks to dominate my opponents on the ground.

What did you learn in your fight against Red Romero? What improvements have you made since then?

Red is a tough fighter. He is full of confidence, but so am I. My team and I work to make me more competitive, especially for this upcoming fight against Agapito. We are focused on improving my stand-up and ground game.

What is your training regimen leading up to the fight?

There is a huge difference in preparing for this championship fight compared to my previous camps! I jog four times a week from 6:00 to 7:30 in the morning, and then I skip rope in an open place. I spend four times a week at the gym, training on my kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu routines with my teammates.

Tell us your thoughts on your opponent, Arnold Agapito.

The only thing I know about Arnold Agapito is that he is a Wushu fighter from Baguio. I have to do more research about my opponent's strengths and weaknesses.

Your prediction on how this fight will go down?

This fight will be a remarkable one!

You were supposed to meet Eric Kelly after you won the interim title. Thoughts and feelings when you found out that this bout will not happen?

Based on my previous experience, match changes really happen. I was thinking that it might happen again in my fight with Eric Kelly, and it did! Of course, it would be an honor to fight [Eric] in the future.

Shout outs?

A million thanks to everyone for their support, especially to my teammates who are helping me train for this fight!

Will we see a more complete mixed martial artist in Richie Sapno come February 18, or will he choose to display his top game once more? It seems that “El Matador” has his work cut out for him against a raging bull in Arnold Agapito. Will the remaining weeks be enough for Richie and his team to come up with an effective fight plan to take on the challenger and take home the undisputed Featherweight championship? Their cards will show on URCC Baguio 4: Battleground. Bakbakan na!