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How did Saul Soliz die? Tito Ortiz's MMA coach, 55, 'really loved training his fighters'

'He really loved training his fighters- they all have great respect for him and they loved him also'

MMA coach Saul Soliz died at 55 on Tuesday, August 17, his friends revealed. Soliz has coached fighters like Tito Ortiz and Cris Cyborg and has also appeared on The Ultimate Fighter.

Recently, Soliz was the head coach of Metro Fight Club in Houston. He coached a number of former UFC and PRIDE world champions throughout a nearly two-decade-long career. After news of his passing broke, the MMA community took to social media to mourn the legendary coach. On Tuesday, August 17, it was announced that Soliz passed away.

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How did Saul Soliz die?

Soliz's friend, John Gomez said that he died after "a long hard fight" with Covid-19 in a social media post. Gomez wrote a long Facebook post where he said, “He fought a long hard fight, anyone that knew JR knows he was a UFC trainer, he loved training his fighters and showing them how to become winners, not only in fighting but also how to live life -- he mentor so many , I’ll never know how many , I know it’s a long list,” Gomez wrote. “He really loved training his fighters- they all have great respect for him and they loved him also.” He also said, "I will always cherish the time I spent with him and all the memories- now is the time to celebrate his life , he left his footprint on this earth, his path has touched many lives - he was loved by so many . I know JR is in heaven maybe training the Angels and watching down on us." Retired UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping tweeted, "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."

Cris Cyborg tweeted, " 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." Iridium Sports Agency tweeted, "We're very saddened by the tragic news of Saul Soliz's passing. Saul will be remembered fondly as a world-class coach, leader and, more importantly, a world-class man. Sending our sincere condolences to those who had the privilege of knowing Saul."

One person posted a picture with Soliz and wrote, "Can’t believe I’m saying this, but Rest In Peace to Saul Soliz. One of THE best coaches I’ve had in my life. You fought till your last breath like a true warrior. We’ll continue to train and pass on the same lessons you passed down to us." Josh Gross said, "There are reports and social media posts circulating that Houston-based trainer Saul Soliz, 55, passed away from Covid-19. Terrible news. Saul meant a lot to many people in the fight community. I knew him as an upstanding person with a big smile, open heart and passion for MMA."