Pete Spratt: "I Think 2012 May Be the Last Year You See Pete Spratt Fighting"

After more than 40 professional matches in most of the sport’s biggest promotions, it appears as if Pete “The Secret Weapon” Spratt’s run in professional mixed martial arts competition may soon be coming to an end.

“Honestly, I think 2012 may be the last year you see Pete Spratt fighting,” Spratt, who fought in the UFC six times from 2002 to 2007, recently said.

Before Spratt walks away from the sport, however, he, perhaps unsurprisingly, plans on making one final push to make it back to the pinnacle of the sport—a goal he believes is within his reach.

“I have set a goal to get one more shot in the UFC,” Spratt said. “I know one of the UFC matchmakers watched my fight and he said he thought I won, so I know they still follow my progress.”

In what will be Spratt’s first step back into the UFC’s Octagon, the Texas product has signed a one-bout deal with Canada’s Instinct MMA.

Spratt is hoping that his short stint with the promotion will help him get back into the UFC.

“I don’t have any long-term ambitions with Instinct MMA,” Spratt, who is scheduled to fight Martin Grandmont in Quebec City in early December, admitted. “I have one-fight deal, and that’s what it is.”

Despite his aspirations in the sport, Spratt is nevertheless realistic when assessing his chances in the Octagon.

“I can’t really answer [how I would do in the UFC],” Spratt said. “I mean I could easily say I could get a title shot, but doesn’t everyone? I know there are several welterweights in the UFC that I match up well with, can provide exciting fights with and beat.”

While Spratt is pragmatic in his approach, he is, however, more than confident in his abilities as a mixed martial artist.

“I still feel great,” Spratt said. “I am still competing at a high level and believe that I can go even higher with the right opportunity. I have never smoked or drank and I have lead a healthy lifestyle. People are always amazed when they find out I am 40. I will have to decide when the time is right and as I stated earlier, 2012 may be my final year fighting. I’m not saying it is, but it could be!”

Regardless of what happens in the coming year, Spratt, who trains current UFC light-heavyweight contender Aaron Rosa, insists that, even though his own days in the ring may end soon, he isn’t done with the sport just yet.

“I will continue to be in the fight business. I will continue to build my gym business, train and manage fighters like I am already doing. With me being the face of HDNet Fights, maybe I can even do something with the network as far as color commentary or something related to fighting.”

“I really can’t complain,” Spratt said. “I could, but what difference would it make? Life is as good as you make it every day. With that being said, life is good for Pete Spratt.”