{{short description|Mexican mixed martial arts fighter}} {{Infobox martial artist | name = Hector Sandoval | other_names = Kid Alex | image = | image_size = | alt = | caption = | birth_name = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|07|19}} | birth_place = Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico | death_date = | death_place = | death_cause = | nationality = Mexican and American | height = {{height|ft=5|in=2}} | weight = {{convert|125|lb|kg st|abbr=on}} | weight_class = Flyweight | reach_in = 64 | reach_footnote = <ref name=UFCprofile>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/hector-sandoval|title=Hector Sandoval - Official UFC Profile|publisher=UFC|access-date=June 1, 2017}}</ref> | style = | stance = | fighting_out_of = Sacramento, California | team = Team Alpha Male | rank = | years_active = 2008–present | mma_kowin = 4 | mma_subwin = 2 | mma_decwin = 9 | mma_koloss = 2 | mma_subloss = 2 | mma_decloss = | mma_draw = | mma_nc = | url = | university = | sherdog = 35409 | footnotes = | updated = }} '''Hector Sandoval''' (born July 19, 1986) is a Mexican mixed martial artist, who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He currently competes in the flyweight division. At 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m), he is the shortest male fighter in the history of the UFC.
== Background == Born in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico, Sandoval moved to San Jose, California, as a child. He began training in mixed martial arts in 2006 at the age of 19.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}
== Mixed martial arts career == Sandoval made his professional debut in July 2008. He compiled a record of 12–2 on the regional scene in California, including stints for Palace Fighting Championship and Tachi Palace Fights, before signing with the UFC on the heels of a four fight winning streak in June 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/7/19/12215804/ufc-fox-20-signs-jc-cottrell-vs-michel-prazeres-salt-lake-joseph-gigliotti-vs-trevor-smith-mma-news|title=Welcome to the UFC Hector Sandoval|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Zane Simon|date=2016-07-19|accessdate=2016-07-19|archive-date=2017-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222162502/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/7/19/12215804/ufc-fox-20-signs-jc-cottrell-vs-michel-prazeres-salt-lake-joseph-gigliotti-vs-trevor-smith-mma-news|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Ultimate Fighting Championship === Morales made his promotional debut as a short notice replacement against Wilson Reis on July 30, 2016, at UFC 201.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mmanews.com/team-alpha-males-hector-sandoval-takes-on-wilson-reis-at-ufc-201/|title=Team Alpha Male's Hector Sandoval Takes On Wilson Reis At UFC 201|publisher=mmanews.com|author=Dana Becker|date=2016-07-18|accessdate=2016-07-18}}</ref> He lost the fight via submission in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/ufc-201-results-no-title-fight-so-wilson-reis-makes-quick-statement-by-tapping-hector-sandoval|title=UFC 201 results: No title fight, so Wilson Reis makes quick statement by tapping Hector Sandoval|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|accessdate=2016-07-30|date=2016-07-30}}</ref>
Sandoval faced Fredy Serrano on December 17, 2016, at UFC on Fox 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/10/27/13440386/fredy-serrano-vs-hector-sandoval-added-to-ufc-on-fox-22|title=Fredy Serrano vs. Hector Sandoval added to UFC on Fox 22|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Danny Segura|accessdate=2016-10-27|date=2016-10-27}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/12/ufc-on-fox-22-results-hector-sandoval-outpoints-fredy-serrano-for-first-ufc-win|title=UFC on FOX 22 results: Hector Sandoval outpoints Fredy Serrano for first UFC win|author=Ben Fowlkes|website=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-12-17|accessdate=2016-12-17}}</ref>
Sandoval faced Matt Schnell on April 22, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 108.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmamad.com/2017/03/14/official-fight-card-lineup-set-for-ufc-fight-night-108-in-in-nashville-tennessee/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321215845/http://www.mmamad.com/2017/03/14/official-fight-card-lineup-set-for-ufc-fight-night-108-in-in-nashville-tennessee|url-status=usurped|archive-date=March 21, 2017|title=Official fight card lineup set for UFC Fight Night 108 in Nashville, Tennessee|author=Dale Jordan|website=mmamad.com|date=2017-03-08|accessdate=2017-03-08}}</ref> He won via knockout in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/04/ufc-fight-night-108-results-hector-sandoval-vs-matt-schnell|title=UFC Fight Night 108 results: Risky Hector Sandoval finishes Matt Schnell with hammerfists|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2017-04-22|accessdate=2017-04-22}}</ref>
Sandoval faced Dustin Ortiz on August 5, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 114.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/05/dustin-ortiz-hector-sandoval-set-for-ufc-fight-night-114-mexico-city|title=Dustin Ortiz vs. Hector Sandoval set for UFC Fight Night 114 in Mexico City|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2017-05-31|accessdate=2017-05-31}}</ref> He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/08/ufc-fight-night-114-results-dustin-ortiz-knockout-hector-sandoval-fastest-flyweight-win|title=UFC Fight Night 114 results: Dustin Ortiz KOs Hector Sandoval in 15 seconds for fastest flyweight win|date=2017-08-06|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2017-08-06}}</ref>
Sandoval was scheduled to face Jarred Brooks on June 1, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 131.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/02/sijara-eubanks-lauren-murphy-ufc-debut-utica-n-y-walt-harris-daniel-spitz-jarred-brooks-hector-sandoval-mma|title=Sijara Eubanks vs. Lauren Murphy among three fights added to UFC's debut in Utica, N.Y.|date=2018-02-24|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-02-24}}</ref> However, Sandoval was removed from the bout on May 22 for undisclosed reasons and replaced by promotional newcomer Jose Torres.<ref name="Brooks/Torres">{{cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/5/22/17381396/titan-fc-double-champ-jose-torres-signs-with-ufc-will-debut-in-utica|title=Titan FC double champ Jose Torres signs with UFC, will debut in Utica|website=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2018-05-22|accessdate=2018-05-22}}</ref>
It was reported in November 2018 that Sandoval was released from UFC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocombat.com/articles/6273600-ufc-fight-announcements-injury-shakeups-late-replacements-more|title=UFC Fight Announcements: Injury Shakeups, Late Replacements, More|website=www.flocombat.com|date=19 November 2018 |access-date=2018-12-05}}</ref>
=== Post-UFC career === After being released from the UFC, Sandoval next faced Jorge Calvo Martin at Combate 37 on May 10, 2019. Sandoval won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Treese |first1=Tyler |title=Erick Sanchez, Hector Sandoval Impress at Combate Americas 'Stockton' |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Erick-Sanchez-Hector-Sandoval-Impress-at-Combate-Americas-Stockton-154399 |website=sherdog.com |access-date=12 April 2022 |date=10 May 2019}}</ref>
Sandoval was expected to face John Moraga at ARES 2 on April 3, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/1/28/21111377/nordine-taleb-john-moraga-set-for-debuts-at-ares-2-in-brussels-on-april-3|title=Nordine Taleb, John Moraga set for debuts at ARES 2 in Brussels on April 3|last=Carroll|first=Peter|date=2020-01-28|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=2020-01-29}}</ref> However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was postponed until October 30, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thebodylockmma.com/mma/upstart-ares-fc-promotion-postpones-second-event-due-to-coronavirus/|title= Upstart ARES FC promotion postpones second event due to coronavirus|date=March 6, 2020|publisher=thebodylockmma.com|author=Michael Fiedel}}</ref>
== Championships and accomplishments == *'''Tachi Palace Fights''' **TPF Flyweight Championship (One time)
== Mixed martial arts record == {{MMArecordbox |draws= |ko-wins=4 |ko-losses=2 |sub-wins=2 |sub-losses=2 |dec-wins=9 |dec-losses= }} {{MMA record start}} |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center|15–4 |Jorge Calvo Martin |Decision (unanimous) |Combate 36: Sanchez vs. Velasco |{{dts|2019|May|10}} |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Stockton, California, United States | |- |{{no2}}Loss |align=center|14–4 |Dustin Ortiz |KO (punches) |UFC Fight Night: Pettis vs. Moreno |{{dts|2017|August|5}} |align=center|1 |align=center|0:15 |Mexico City, Mexico | |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center|14–3 |Matt Schnell |KO (punches) |UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Lobov |{{dts|2017|April|22}} |align=center|1 |align=center|4:24 |Nashville, Tennessee, United States | |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center|13–3 |Fredy Serrano |Decision (unanimous) |UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson |{{dts|2016|December|17}} |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Sacramento, California, United States | |- |{{no2}}Loss |align=center|12–3 |Wilson Reis |Submission (rear-naked choke) |UFC 201 |{{dts|2016|July|30}} |align=center|1 |align=center|1:49 |Atlanta, Georgia, United States | |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 12–2 |Eloy Garza |TKO (punches) |Global Knockout 6 |{{dts|2016|March|26}} |align=center| 1 |align=center| 3:19 |Jackson, California, United States |{{small|Won the Global Knockout Flyweight Championship.}} |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 11–2 |Martin Sandoval |Decision (unanimous) |TPF 26: Brawl in the Hall |{{dts|2016|February|18}} |align=center| 3 |align=center| 5:00 |Lemoore, California, United States | |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 10–2 |Derrick Easterling |Decision (unanimous) |Conquer Fighting Championships |{{dts|2015|November|21}} |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Richmond, California, United States | |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 9–2 |Oscar Ramirez |TKO (punches) |West Coast FC 13 |{{dts|2015|February|28}} |align=center|2 |align=center|0:41 |Sacramento, California, United States |{{small|Won the West Coast FC Flyweight Championship.}} |- |{{no2}}Loss |align=center| 8–2 |Willie Gates |TKO (punches) |TPF 21: All or Nothing |{{dts|2014|November|6}} |align=center|1 |align=center|1:23 |Lemoore, California, United States |{{small|Lost the TPF Bantamweight Championship.}} |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 8–1 |Ryan Hollis |Decision (unanimous) |TPF 20: Night of Champions |{{dts|2014|August|7}} |align=center|5 |align=center|5:00 |Lemoore, California, United States |{{small|Won the vacant TPF Flyweight Championship.}} |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 7–1 |Benjamin Vinson |Decision (unanimous) |TPF 18: Martinez vs. Culley |{{dts|2014|February|6}} |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Lemoore, California, United States | |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 6–1 |Robert Schepps |Decision (unanimous) |Rogue Fights 22 |{{dts|2013|April|13}} |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Redding, California, United States | |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 5–1 |Andrew Vallarerez |Submission (guillotine choke) |Dragon House 13 |{{dts|2013|February|2}} |align=center|1 |align=center|0:50 |Oakland, California, United States | |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 4–1 |Taylor McCorriston |Decision (unanimous) |Impact MMA - Recognition |{{dts|2011|December|10}} |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Pleasanton, California, United States | |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 3–1 |Bobby Escalante |TKO (punches) |UPC Unlimited 6 |{{dts|2011|September|10}} |align=center|1 |align=center|2:53 |Turlock, California, United States | |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 2–1 |Jordan Felix |Submission (armbar) |Gladiator Challenge - Warpath |{{dts|2011|May|21}} |align=center|2 |align=center|1:04 |Placerville, California, United States | |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 1–1 |Ronald Carillo |Decision (unanimous) |CCFC - El Reventon |{{dts|2010|April|24}} |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |Santa Rosa, California, United States | |- |{{no2}}Loss |align=center| 0–1 |Ulysses Gomez |Submission (armbar) |PFC 9: The Return |{{dts|2008|July|18}} |align=center|1 |align=center|0:51 |Lemoore, California, United States | |- {{end}}
== See also == * List of current UFC fighters * List of male mixed martial artists
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * {{UFC|hector-sandoval}} * {{Sherdog}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sandoval, Hector}} Category:1986 births Category:Mexican male mixed martial artists Category:Flyweight mixed martial artists Category:Living people Category:Sportspeople from Uruapan Category:Mexican emigrants to the United States Category:People from Ukiah, California Category:Sportspeople from Mendocino County, California Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters Category:21st-century Mexican sportsmen