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Visa issues force unbeaten Castro out of second Dana White's Contender Series shot

Frank da Silva Castro (8-0-1) has been withdrawn from his Week 5 DWCS 2026 bout against Colton Loud on September 8 in Las Vegas due to visa problems, marking the second time the 22-year-old Brazilian has missed a shot at a UFC contract.

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Visa issues force unbeaten Castro out of second Dana White's Contender Series shot
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Frank da Silva Castro has been forced out of Dana White’s Contender Series for the second time, with visa issues ending his latest bid for a UFC contract before it could begin. The unbeaten Brazilian bantamweight (8-0-1) was due to face Colton Loud (7-1) in Week 5 of DWCS 2026 on September 8 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

It is the second consecutive time Castro has been unable to compete on the series. He was originally booked to fight An Tuan Ho on DWCS last year but withdrew for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Eduardo Henrique. Castro responded by returning to the regional circuit and picking up another win to keep his record intact and earn a second invitation — only to now be denied again.

Christian Natvidad (9-0), himself an undefeated prospect, has been confirmed as Castro’s replacement. His gym announced the change on Instagram.

At just 22 years old, Castro retains his unbeaten record and has time on his side, but will likely need to accumulate further regional wins while his visa situation is resolved before another DWCS opportunity presents itself.

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