Kevin “Quicksand” Natividad (9-1) is betting with house money, debuting on short notice with the chance to take down a big name on the main card at UFC Vegas 9. Born in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, but now he fights with Arizona Combat Sports out of Tempe. The Bantamweight of Hawaiian and Filipino descent is stepping up ten pounds to Featherweight for the first time in his career. However, the third time this year for opponent Brian Kelleher (21-11) and second fighting at the UFC Apex Center.
All of these factors favoring his opponent hardly faze Kevin Natividad, who has more experience than you would think for a 27-year-old at 9-1. He racked up twelve wins in the amateur Hawaiian MMA scene, facing tough competition too and only suffering a sole decision loss. Kevin submitted recent debutant and fellow Hawaiian Kai Kamaka (8-2), who won a Fight of the Night bonus for a devastating decision win over Tony Kelley.
Natividad had more of the same success professionally after stepping up in 2016. Six of his nine wins have been stopped, five by KO/TKO. He is also the owner of a well-aged victory over Irwin “The Beast” Rivera (10-5), who you might have seen fight twice in the octagon this year.
Kevin isn’t the only Natividad out of Ewa Beach to compete in professional MMA. Brother Christian just knocked out his first pro opponent in July and including amateur bouts, he’s now 6-0. Kevin also fought on that card, LFA 85, and earned a UFC contract with a second-round KO. He’s on a five-fight win streak heading into UFC Vegas 9, on the main card starting at 8 PM ET.
Kevin “Quicksand” Natividad | 9-1 | 5’6 135 lbs. | Age 27 | Reach 70.5” | Orthodox Stance | Fighting Out of Tempe, Arizona
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Fighter profile courtesy of Tapology.com > Kevin “Quicksand” Natividad
