Christian Natividad turns 8 days’ notice into a UFC contract in 70 seconds

Christian Natividad made the most of a short-notice opportunity on Dana White's Contender Series, earning a UFC contract with a stunning 70-second knockout at Week 5 of DWCS 2026. The undefeated flyweight stepped in on just eight days' notice after Colton Loud's original opponent, Frank da Silva Castro, withdrew due to visa complications.

Natividad absorbed a massive body kick early in the contest but immediately countered with a liver shot that dropped Loud. The referee needed only minimal follow-up strikes before waving off the bout, marking one of the fastest finishes in recent Contender Series history.

The victory makes Natividad the second member of his family to secure a UFC contract, following his brother Kevin, who signed with the promotion in 2020. Kevin's path through the UFC proved more challenging—he lost all three of his Octagon appearances before being released in 2022 and returning to regional competition. Kevin returned to the win column this past May after a stint on the independent circuit.

In his post-fight interview, Christian credited his older brother's support, calling Kevin his best friend, training partner, and coach rolled into one. "I'm pretty sure my brother loves just me being here as well," Natividad said. "For him being able to pave the path for me, I'm super blessed. He's always by my side and I've always got his back, 24x7, all the time."

The 29-year-old's perfect record now stands at 10-0 heading into his UFC career.