Sosa Conquers UFC Contract After Tragic Loss: Example of Resilience

Hecher Sosa Signs with the UFC After Facing a Personal Tragedy

The Spanish bantamweight fighter, Hecher Sosa, secured a contract with the UFC on Tuesday at the “Dana White’s Contender Series”, an even more significant achievement given the context of a recent family loss. Sosa (14-1) defeated Mackson Lee (9-1) by unanimous decision in the main event of the “Contender Series” in Las Vegas. The fight took place less than 72 hours after the death of his father, who was battling cancer. The 30-year-old boxer made the decision to compete despite the painful news received on Sunday morning. This loss adds to that of his sister, who also died of cancer a year ago.

“Today I can’t speak with my father, but he is the reason why I am here. 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 passing while in the process of cutting weight for the fight in the 135-pound category. The fighter shared on Instagram that he struggled with the idea of his father not seeing him compete against White, but finally “came to the conclusion that my father told me before I left, ‘son, don’t worry, we started this together and we will finish it together'”.

Sosa dominated the three-round fight against Lee, which led White to immediately sign him with the UFC.

“I respect your determination, your resilience, everything you’ve been through in your life. I’m going to give you the opportunity to keep your promises to your family.”

Dana White

Sosa has not been defeated since May 2022. Of his 14 career victories, nine have been by knockout or submission.