Walter Cogliandro Promises an Explosive Statement at LFA 218 in Tenerife

Q&A with Walter Cogliandro

You’ve fought all over Europe and even on the big stage with ONE Championship. How does preparing for LFA 218 in Tenerife compare to those experiences?
“My preparation was perfect in a camp shared between SBG Ireland and Aurora Team Italy. I worked hard on every phase of the fight and on the mental aspect of entering the cage in such an important promotion.”

How Walter Cogliandro Became Known as “The Snatch”

Your nickname “The Snatch” always grabs attention. Can you share the story behind how you got it, and what it means to you today?
“My nickname comes from the movie about a gypsy who fought clandestinely for money. Nothing has changed since then, except that I do it legally now. It’s no longer just a nickname, it’s my life.”

You hold a judo black belt and a BJJ brown belt — how do those grappling foundations shape your overall fight style at featherweight?
“My ground game is very aggressive in all phases. It’s always been one of my qualities in judo too: aggressive, mean, and tough.”

Walter Cogliandro Building Off of Anaconda Choke Submission

In June you picked up a submission win with an anaconda choke. Do you feel submissions are becoming a bigger part of your arsenal again, or do you still see yourself more as a striker?
“I’m a finisher so whether it’s a submission or a knockout it doesn’t matter, I want and I have to win before the limit.”

You’ve trained at SBG Ireland, a gym with some of the sport’s biggest names. What’s one lesson from that environment that’s had the biggest impact on your career?
“They taught me to make a living from this sport, they taught me that without dedication, nothing is achieved. There’s no such thing as luck, only obsession and hard work. Dreaming is essential, but dreams don’t come true without blood and sacrifice.”

Walter Cogliandro on ONE 171 Defeat to Salem

Looking back, how did the loss to Hussein Salem at ONE 171 influence your mindset going forward?
“The defeat was pure luck on my opponent’s part. Unfortunately, I was coming off a difficult year with injuries and the loss of my grandfather. I felt lost and unmotivated, and disaster struck in the cage. I came home and realized that this is my life. I want my name to be among the elite of world MMA, and I’m back to prove it.”

You’ve competed against a wide range of opponents — from regional talent to international veterans. How do you tailor your strategy when facing someone like Kevin Cordero, who has over 20 fights of experience?
“I’ve never had easy fights, never a weak opponent. I’ve always been UFC and Bellator veterans, and every time I enter the cage confident in my potential. It will be the same this time. I respect Cordero and thank him for this opportunity.”

Italy isn’t always thought of as a traditional MMA hotbed. What does it mean to you to represent Italian MMA on international cards?
“My nation has never done much for us athletes, I fight for myself and for my representative gyms because they, every day, give 100% for me and I will do the same for them.”

At 33 years old, with nearly two dozen pro fights, how do you balance pushing for new opportunities with keeping your body healthy and extending your career?
“Quality training, healthy eating, and excellent physiotherapy are the keys to your body and success. Nothing is left to chance, everything is perfectly planned.”

Walter Cogliandro Forecasts LFA 218 Fight Sept. 27

Finally, what can fans expect from you on Sept. 27 at LFA 218 — and what kind of statement are you hoping to make with this fight?
“LFA is giving me a major opportunity, and I’ll give them a real fight, just like I always do. I’m thinking about this fight, one step at a time toward the top. I’ll just say I love the belts.”

Closing Thoughts on Walter Cogliandro

From his beginnings in Italy to the international spotlight of ONE Championship, Walter Cogliandro has built a career on toughness, resilience, and an aggressive ground game. Now, as he prepares for LFA 218 in Tenerife, he’s determined to prove that the best chapter of his career is still ahead.

Whether by knockout or submission, “The Snatch” promises fans one thing on September 27: a fight to remember.