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.
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]
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.[2]
Morales made his promotional debut as a short notice replacement against Wilson Reis on July 30, 2016, at UFC 201.[3] He lost the fight via submission in the first round.[4]
Sandoval faced Fredy Serrano on December 17, 2016, at UFC on Fox 22.[5] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[6]
Sandoval faced Matt Schnell on April 22, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 108.[7] He won via knockout in the first round.[8]
Sandoval faced Dustin Ortiz on August 5, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 114.[9] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[10]
Sandoval was scheduled to face Jarred Brooks on June 1, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 131.[11] However, Sandoval was removed from the bout on May 22 for undisclosed reasons and replaced by promotional newcomer Jose Torres.[12]
It was reported in November 2018 that Sandoval was released from UFC.[13]
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.[14]
Sandoval was expected to face John Moraga at ARES 2 on April 3, 2020.[15] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was postponed until October 30, 2020.[16]
| 19 matches | 15 wins | 4 losses |
| By knockout | 4 | 2 |
| By submission | 2 | 2 |
| By decision | 9 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 15–4 | Jorge Calvo Martin | Decision (unanimous) | Combate 36: Sanchez vs. Velasco | May 10, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Stockton, California, United States | |
| Loss | 14–4 | Dustin Ortiz | KO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Pettis vs. Moreno | August 5, 2017 | 1 | 0:15 | Mexico City, Mexico | |
| Win | 14–3 | Matt Schnell | KO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Lobov | April 22, 2017 | 1 | 4:24 | Nashville, Tennessee, United States | |
| Win | 13–3 | Fredy Serrano | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson | December 17, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Sacramento, California, United States | |
| Loss | 12–3 | Wilson Reis | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 201 | July 30, 2016 | 1 | 1:49 | Atlanta, Georgia, United States | |
| Win | 12–2 | Eloy Garza | TKO (punches) | Global Knockout 6 | March 26, 2016 | 1 | 3:19 | Jackson, California, United States | Won the Global Knockout Flyweight Championship. |
| Win | 11–2 | Martin Sandoval | Decision (unanimous) | TPF 26: Brawl in the Hall | February 18, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Lemoore, California, United States | |
| Win | 10–2 | Derrick Easterling | Decision (unanimous) | Conquer Fighting Championships | November 21, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Richmond, California, United States | |
| Win | 9–2 | Oscar Ramirez | TKO (punches) | West Coast FC 13 | February 28, 2015 | 2 | 0:41 | Sacramento, California, United States | Won the West Coast FC Flyweight Championship. |
| Loss | 8–2 | Willie Gates | TKO (punches) | TPF 21: All or Nothing | November 6, 2014 | 1 | 1:23 | Lemoore, California, United States | Lost the TPF Bantamweight Championship. |
| Win | 8–1 | Ryan Hollis | Decision (unanimous) | TPF 20: Night of Champions | August 7, 2014 | 5 | 5:00 | Lemoore, California, United States | Won the vacant TPF Flyweight Championship. |
| Win | 7–1 | Benjamin Vinson | Decision (unanimous) | TPF 18: Martinez vs. Culley | February 6, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Lemoore, California, United States | |
| Win | 6–1 | Robert Schepps | Decision (unanimous) | Rogue Fights 22 | April 13, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Redding, California, United States | |
| Win | 5–1 | Andrew Vallarerez | Submission (guillotine choke) | Dragon House 13 | February 2, 2013 | 1 | 0:50 | Oakland, California, United States | |
| Win | 4–1 | Taylor McCorriston | Decision (unanimous) | Impact MMA - Recognition | December 10, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Pleasanton, California, United States | |
| Win | 3–1 | Bobby Escalante | TKO (punches) | UPC Unlimited 6 | September 10, 2011 | 1 | 2:53 | Turlock, California, United States | |
| Win | 2–1 | Jordan Felix | Submission (armbar) | Gladiator Challenge - Warpath | May 21, 2011 | 2 | 1:04 | Placerville, California, United States | |
| Win | 1–1 | Ronald Carillo | Decision (unanimous) | CCFC - El Reventon | April 24, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Santa Rosa, California, United States | |
| Loss | 0–1 | Ulysses Gomez | Submission (armbar) | PFC 9: The Return | July 18, 2008 | 1 | 0:51 | Lemoore, California, United States |
