From nine to five, Roberto Sanchez is a mild-mannered actuarial analyst for American National Insurance, but in the evening, he becomes ‘Little Fury’ a name given to him for his stature and dominance in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Roberto Sanchez studied mathematics at San Jacinto College. He now works as an actuarial analyst as well as a professional fighter for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Photo Credit: UFC

Sanchez, a Houston native, graduated from San Jacinto College South Campus with an associate degree in mathematics in 2009, after changing his major several times.

“After I graduated high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life,” Sanchez said. “I tried architecture, engineer and teaching until I settled on math.”

While searching for his major one thing always remained constant, his love for mixed martial arts (MMA) particularly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

“One day I was walking around San Jac and I saw that there was a martial arts club,” Sanchez said. “The person teaching the class taught us basic moves. I had been training with my brother at that time and knew the moves already. It wasn’t long before I became president of the club and led the class instruction.”

After his graduation from San Jacinto College, Sanchez transferred to University of Houston-Clear Lake and earned a bachelor degree in mathematics in 2012. In that same year, he became a high school teacher, got married and won his first amateur MMA match.

“I really developed a love for fighting, but I was still working 80-hour weeks as a teacher and I knew one of my passions was going to have to give,” Sanchez said. “After speaking with my wife Natalie, I knew what my decision was. I was going to pursue a career in MMA.”

In 2015, Sanchez won TXMMA Rookie of the Year for going 3-0 as a pro in the Legacy promotion. He also began studying to become an actuarial analyst to have a career that would support his family without working over 40 hours a week.

“There are a lot of fighters that do MMA full time,” Sanchez said. “You either have to fight more often or work part time. I take my time and lean back on whatever income I have coming in. That allows me to be strategic in what fights I take.”

In 2017, Sanchez went pro with the UFC. He holds a 8-1-0 record with seven wins coming by submission.

“I like wining without injuring someone,” Sanchez said. “I like to win by submission. If I can take them down quickly and no one gets injured that’s a huge win in my eyes.”