Sosa signs with UFC after his father’s death: an example of resilience

Hecher Sosa Signs with UFC After Emotional Victory

The Spanish bantamweight fighter, Hecher Sosa, secured a contract with the UFC on the “Dana White’s Contender Series” last Tuesday, in a moment marked by pain and determination. Sosa (14-1) defeated Mackson Lee (9-1) by unanimous decision in the main event of the “Contender Series” held in Las Vegas. The 30-year-old fighter decided to compete despite having received the news of his father’s death on Sunday morning. His father was battling cancer, a disease that also took his sister a year ago.

“I can’t speak [with my father] today, but he is the reason why I am here,” Sosa stated through an interpreter. “He is the reason why I am the man I am, and I will continue to represent him.”

Hecher Sosa

Sosa, originally from Arrecife, Spain, revealed that he learned of his father’s death while cutting weight for the fight at 135 pounds.

Instagram post by Hecher Sosa

Sosa dominated the three-round fight against Lee, which led White to offer him a UFC contract immediately.

“I respect your determination, your resilience, everything you’ve been through in your life,” White stated. “I will give you the opportunity to fulfill your promises to your family.”

Dana White

Sosa hasn’t suffered a defeat since May 2022. Nine of his fourteen professional victories have been by knockout or submission.