2012 World MMA Flyweight Scouting Report: #6 - Hector Sandoval

It wouldn't be a flyweight countdown without the presence of one of the MMA's most successful training camps in the lighter weight classes being represented. Team Alpha Male has produced a steady stream of high-quality talent, fighters such as Urijah Faber, Joseph Benavidez, and Chad Mendes, and the camp has hot prospects on deck in Lance Palmer and T.J. Dillashaw at both 135 and 145 lbs.

At flyweight, Team Alpha Male isn't without reserves. Ukiah, California's Hector Sandoval (4-1) is one of their most promising representatives, recording four wins in the last two years in the California mixed martial arts scene. His most notable win to date came in December against Taylor McCorriston (6-2) at Impact MMA: Recognition, who had only previously lost to Hector's teammate T.J. Dillashaw.

Hector's style is what you would typically associate with any Team Alpha Male fighter, a power wrestler with explosive takedowns, competent grappling chops, and a furious stand-up game. He doesn't possess overly technical striking prowess, and his size is problematic in pushing his effectiveness to the next level in that arena. He more than makes for that with the threat of a powerful slam or blanketing top control.

Defensively, he needs to protect his chin better. He already has a tough time getting inside on his opponents due to his short reach in comparison to longer opponents, and that may all change when he's fighting flyweight competition consistently. But there is some concern that his scrambling style of striking could be exploited due to the holes it opens up to his chin.

At only 25 years old, Sandoval has a bright future, and he'll undoubtedly find his way into the UFC on the sails of his teammates' success. He has all the tools to find continued success at the regional level right now, and in time - he'll likely improve to a point in which success will find him in the depths of the UFC's new flyweight division. Look for him to make his debut inside the Octagon in late 2012.

Since the birth of the UFC's flyweight division creates a question of who we should consider as prospects, we've tweaked the criteria specifically for this weight class. Most notably, we drew a line, excluding the following well-known, established flyweights: Jussier ‘Formiga' da Silva, Ulysses Gomez, Ian McCall, Yasuhiro Urushitani, BJ Kojima, Rambaa Somdet, Mamoru Yamaguchi, Dustin Ortiz, Darrell Montague, Danny Martinez, and any flyweights outside of our original criteria.

Footage of Hector Sandoval after the fold...

Hector Sandoval VS Bobby Escalante

Hector Sandoval vs. Jordan Felix

Why I am a Fighter - Hector 'Kid Alex' Sandoval

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