Getty MMA coach Saul Soliz is dead.
Longtime MMA coach Saul Soliz is dead at age 55. Soliz coached a slew of notable MMA fighters in his career including Tito Ortiz, Cris Cyborg, Quinton Jackson and many more. Soliz enjoyed a long and successful history in the sport, and he was working when he died as the head coach of Metro Fight Club in Houston, Texas.
The news of his passing broke on Tuesday via social media, and outlets such as MMA Junkie and MMA Fighting later confirmed his passing.
According to a social media post made by one of his friends, Soliz passed away following “a long hard fight” with COVID-19. That friend, John Gomez, revealed the time of death to be at 8:15 am CT on August 17, 2021.
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Death of Soliz Rocks UFC Community on Social Media
The news was sudden, and it rocked the UFC world. Heavy compiled reactions from some of the most notable people in the community below.
Retired UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping learned the news of his passing via social media, and he received more information about the death in the same manner.
Bisping posted, “Just learned of the incredibly sad news that coach Saul Soliz has passed away. A great man and truly one of the best coaches I’ve worked with. Anyone know what happened? Literally just saw a post but no information. RIP Saul, you made a huge impression on me when you coached me on TUF.”
Just learned of the incredibly sad news that coach Saul Soliz has passed away. A great man and truly one of the best coaches I’ve worked with. Anyone know what happened? Literally just saw a post but no info. RIP Saul, you made a huge impression on me when you coached me on TUF.
After learning the cause of death, Bisping posted, “Truly devastating. Anyone denying the dangers of COVID need to wisen up. This isn’t a game. RIP Saul Soliz.”
Former UFC featherweight champion and current Bellator champ Cris Cyborg posted, “RIP Saul Soliz. The legacy you left will live on through the lives of all the students, family, and friends you touched along the way.”
💔 RIP Saul Soliz. The legacy you left will live on through the lives of all the students, family, and friends you touched along the way.
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More Reactions From Social Media
Houston-based UFC fighter Adrian Yanez, who was one of Soliz’s last crop of MMA fighters in Houston to make it to the big stage under the famed coach’s tutelage, posted, “Thank you for everything…Gonna miss you, Coach”.
Retired UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz posted, “This morning around 2 am we lost a father, a brother, a coach and one great amazing human being! I’m lost words…I love you SAUL SOLIZ…Shame on those doctors!”
Houston-based UFC star and journalist Mike Jackson posted, “What would Coach Saul say if someone was talking shit…’Nothing. Cause I wouldn’t know. I’d be at home on the couch, watching TV.’ One of the greatest men I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling a friend & coach, was called home today. I love you, coach. Rest easy.”
What would Coach Saul say if someone was talking shit…
“Nothing. Cause I wouldn’t know. I’d be at home on the couch, watching TV.”
One of the greatest men I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling a friend & coach, was called home today. I love you, coach. Rest easy.
Soliz was a mainstay on the Texas fight scene.
His reach is likely to go far beyond just the notable names on this list. In fact, it seems from the emotional outpouring seen so far among those that knew him best in the MMA community that Soliz made a lasting impact on the sport and its fighters.
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UFC World Reacts to Death of MMA Coach: ‘Truly Devastating’