Sale Sproat's professional mixed martial arts debut isn't going to be the only first on Saturday night at the Blaisdell Center.
The 2003 graduate of Molokai High School will fight on newly formed Galaxy MMA's debut card, against R.J. Richter of Las Vegas in a 185-pound bout.
''This is a fight I would have taken for free, just for the exposure,'' said Sproat, who in August won an amateur title in the Destiny series.
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Sale Sproat was an amateur champion in the Destiny series.
''I've fought some amateur shows, and this is supposed to a big show at the Blaisdell.''
Sproat, who has also competed in the Makawao Rodeo, said the bulk of his training has for now been in his garage, with occasional trips to Maui, including some work at I&I Training Center, operated by Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight Kendall Grove and former UFC competitor Troy Mandaloniz.
Sproat said he considers himself a balanced fighter.
''I prefer to stand up and bang, but I'm pretty well-rounded,'' he said. ''I think I'm equally good on the ground as standing up.''
Richter has one professional fight --- a win over Rodrigo Contreras in November on Jeremy Horn's Elite Fight Night card in Utah. He, too, considers himself versatile.
''I'm a freestyle fighter. Wherever the fight goes, I'm comfortable,'' he said.
Richter said the trip to Hawaii won't be a distraction.
''I'm from Las Vegas, so everybody else goes out to the Strip --- I don't go near it,'' he said. ''I've lived out in Vegas. I'm here to take care of business, and I can enjoy myself afterward.''
Richter is one of two fighters not from Hawaii taking part in the top part of the card.
In the main event, Fabiano Scherner of Brazil will face Scott Junk of Oahu, a former competitor in ''The Ultimate Fighter'' television show.
''I don't mind playing the spoiler, but that's not really the point for me,'' Richter said. ''Whether it's in my hometown or if I'm trying to upset the local guy, I'm just there to fight.''
Brad Sherman is at sports@mauinews.com
