Pete Spratt Looks to Make Waves at Shark Fights 13

By Matt Little

One more day of training left before Pete Spratt packs to head to Amarillo for Shark Fights 13 which takes place Saturday, September 11^th.  This promotion has made a considerable effort to bring in quality fighters that have been featured numerous times in the UFC.  This card will feature the likes of Trevor Prangley, Keith Jardine, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Houston Alexander, Paul Daley, among others. 

Pete Spratt is an MMA veteran that has amassed 38 fights since his pro debut in 1999.  Spratt, a native of Sherman, Texas relocated to San Antonio in the last few years.  While in North Texas, he trained with the likes of Guy Mezger (at the time Lion’s Den) and Saekson Janjira.  When asked about his motivations for the move to San Antonio Pete said “I felt like I needed a fresh start.  My fiancée (now wife) was living there and it just made sense to move down there.”  Not long after making the move Pete met Rodrigo Pinheiro (Gracie Humaita Black Belt) and they formed a partnership.  Together they are the cogs that make Rodrigo Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (RPBJJ) run.  Pinheiro handles all of the ground work and Pete is the stand-up/Muay Thai coach.

As it relates to his training camp “I’ve been so busy helping Ryan Larson, Aaron Rosa (also featured on this card), and Rodrigo prepare for their fights that I’ve been in training mode since April.  I feel really good coming into this fight.”  Pete continues to improve his stand up game with the likes of former WBC Champion “Jesse“ James Leija.  The first couple of years into the new gym Pete focused more on his ground game.  Unfortunately, micro-fracture knee surgery one year ago has affected his ability to focus on his ground game.  “The knee feels pretty good but it has yet to feel 100% prior to surgery.”   

Since Spratt’s stint on The Ultimate Fighter Season 4 “The Comebacks,” he has a record of 8-8.  “I feel that prior to the KO win over Luigi Fioravanti, a lot of people had written me off as a competitive welterweight fighter.  I still keep up with other fighters I train at our gym and that helps keep me motivated to stay active as a fighter in MMA.  I think that I have the tools and drive to be a top fighter and would like one more shot on a big promotion.” 

Pete is set to fight Eric Davila who is also no new face to MMA.  Eric has a record of 17-10, 12 of which have come by submission.  On paper this fight is your stereotypical striker versus submission grappler.  Eric has notable wins over Liam McCarty and TUF Season 1 veteran Lodune Sincaid.  “I don’t think it’s a big secret come Saturday night…I want to get in there and bang.  I plan to let the fight unfold and see where it goes.” 

Realizing that he cannot fight forever, Spratt would like to continue to grow Rodrigo Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (RPBJJ) to be the best gym in San Antonio and possibly to expand the gym.  Additionally, a venture into managing fighters is something he will consider a viable option after his fighting career. 

“I’d like to extend thanks to Team Spratt, RPBJJ, of course Rodrigo Pinheiro, Bobby Southworth, all of my training partners, MMA Overload, and most of all my wife and daughter.  Without my family none of this is possible.” 

-Matt Little is currently a blue belt under JD Shelley at North Dallas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (NDBJJ) and an MMA writer.