Sosa Signs with UFC After Tragic Loss: A Story of Resilience

Hecher Sosa Earns UFC Contract After Tough Personal Test

The Spanish bantamweight fighter, Hecher Sosa, secured a contract with the UFC on Tuesday at “Dana White’s Contender Series”, in a moment marked by pain and resilience. The news came less than 72 hours after the death of his father. Sosa (14-1) defeated Mackson Lee (9-1) by unanimous decision in the main event of “Contender Series” in Las Vegas. Despite the devastating news of his father’s passing on Sunday morning, who was battling cancer, Sosa decided to go ahead with the fight. The 30-year-old fighter also lost his sister to cancer a year ago.

I can’t speak with my father today, 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 death while in the process of cutting weight for the 135-pound fight. The fighter shared on Instagram the anguish he felt thinking his father wouldn’t see him compete against White. However, he came to the conclusion that his father had told him: “Son, don’t worry, we started this together and we’ll finish it together.”

Hecher Sosa’s post on Instagram

Sosa dominated the three-round fight against Lee, 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 hasn’t lost since May 2022. Nine of his 14 career victories have been by knockout or submission.