Sosa signs with UFC after his father’s death: An example of Resilience

Hecher Sosa Wins UFC Contract After Heartbreaking Family Tragedy

Spanish bantamweight fighter Hecher Sosa secured a contract with the UFC at the “Dana White’s Contender Series” event on Tuesday, in a context marked by pain and resilience. Sosa’s (14-1) victory over Mackson Lee (9-1) by unanimous decision in the main event of the series in Las Vegas, came less than three days after the death of his father. The 30-year-old fighter made the brave decision to compete despite the news, received on Sunday morning.

I can’t speak to my father today, but he is the reason I am here. He is the reason 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 in the process of cutting weight for the fight at 135 pounds. The fighter shared on Instagram the anguish he felt thinking that his father would not see him compete against White, but he finally came to the conclusion that he should move forward, remembering his father’s words: “Son, don’t worry, we started this together and we will finish it together.” The fight against Lee was dominated by Sosa for all three rounds, which led White to immediately offer him a contract 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 known defeat since May 2022. Of his 14 professional victories, nine have been by knockout or submission.