Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at newcomer Hector Sandoval as he takes on top ten flyweight Wilson Reis at UFC 201 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hector “Kid Alex” Sandoval Hometown: Sacramento, California Age: 30 Height: 5’2” Reach: Weight Class: Flyweight Camp: Team Alpha Male Career Record: 12-2 Key Wins: None Key Losses: Willie Gates, Ulysses Gomez Background The former Tachi Palace Fight Champion has long been training at Team Alpha Male. His only professional losses are to fighters who have competed in the UFC; Willie Gates and Ulysses Gomez. Sandoval is a former high school wrestler. Strengths
- Power striker with fast hands
- Throws with volume and with fight ending intentions
- Does a good job mixing strikes to the body
- Constantly works in top control
- Solid takedown defense
Weaknesses
- Undersized for the weight class
- Struggles with takedowns because of size disadvantage
- Tends to tire significantly as fight progresses
Match-up against Wilson Reis Hector Sandoval enters the UFC and certainly wasn’t given an easy matchup as he’s set to face flyweight title contender Wilson Reis. Reis has a bit of a size advantage in this one being two inches taller. On the feet, Sandoval has a strength advantage. He certainly hits harder and throws with more volume, but Reis has certainly improved quite a bit in recent fights on the feet and has been competitive in that regard against top 15 talent. The biggest difference in this fight is in the wrestling. Reis is one of the top wrestlers in the division and has secured at least three takedowns in four of his six fights in the UFC. He fights at a real consistent pace and I expect him to be able to turn up the grappling game as the fight hits the second and third rounds. Sandoval will fade after round one and Reis will control the grappling in the final two rounds to win a decision. If Sandoval wins, it would be by an early knockout. He wings punches at times, but if he connects he is very dangerous. UFC Ceiling Hector Sandoval is the latest Team Alpha Male fighter to debut in the UFC. Alpha Male almost always puts together fighters that can compete straight away in the UFC. Sandoval certainly fits the build of an Alpha Male fighter; small in stature, powerful, and solid wrestling. He kind of reminds me a bit of John Lineker in that he’s small for his division, packs a powerful punch, and is also able to target the body. He’s not as good as LIneker; meaning nowhere near as accurate and certainly doesn’t have the chin that Lineker has. Sandoval should have some success in this division as he’s punching power will earn him a couple wins as well as his volume work. I do think his conditioning is an issue in a division with fighters who move so well. In addition, he’s already 30 years of age in a weight class that all the top fighters are that age or younger. If Sandoval is going to challenge in the UFC, he has a couple year window to prove himself before age / speed catches up to him. Fight Film Check out Hector Sandoval in some of his most recent fights: Hector Sandoval vs. Derrick Easterling Hector Sandoval vs. Oscar Ramirez