SINGAPORE—Richard Corminal doesn’t think a two-year layoff has made Arnaud Lepont any less dangerous.
The Filipino fighter still isn’t taking his French-born foe, who is stepping in the cage for the first time since September 2015, lightly in their upcoming battle in ONE: Immortal Pursuit at Singapore Indoor Stadium here.
“I can’t say (I have the advantage) since they said there’s a ‘new version’ of Arnaud Lepont,” said Corminal, who is now based in Malaysia, in Filipino Tuesday after the press conference at Marina Bay Sands. “But I’m ready for whatever happens.”
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Aside from spoiling Lepont’s return, Corminal also has something to prove after he fell short in his ONE debut last March against top lightweight contender Shannon Wiratchai.
“He is a more experienced fighter than I am. I know what he is capable of doing inside the cage,” Corminal said. “I will do my best. I’ve worked hard just to make it here in ONE Championship. I won’t waste this opportunity.”
France’s Arnaud Lepont (L) and Philippines’ Richard Corminal face off during the ONE Championship press conference at Marina Bay in Singapore. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon
This is Corminal’s second fight in the promotion and he has so far been matched up with big names with gaudy resumes in mixed martial arts.
It may seem like a daunting task for someone who has only fought professionally six times, but Corminal knows it’s the only way to go up in the sport.
“I’m excited. If I managed to sneak a victory, maybe I can improve my name,” said Corminal with a smile.