Cristian Perez explains game-plan change that earned UFC contract
Cristian Perez changed his game plan going into his second appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Cristian Perez altered his strategy for his second appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series after falling short against Manoel Sousa in his first DWCS appearance last year. The undefeated Perez rebounded with a first-round knockout win on the regional circuit, securing another opportunity to earn an Ultimate Fighting Championship contract.
In a lightweight bout at Week 2 of DWCS 2026, Perez put on a striking display, dropping Logan Paxton twice and finishing him in the second round. Perez had demonstrated impressive grappling skills in his first DWCS bout but recognized that UFC CEO Dana White was seeking highlight-reel finishes. The 27-year-old contemplated his game plan and decided to change it to provide a show for the audience, emphasizing that Dana White wants more than just a victory; he wants an impressive performance.
Perez earned both a UFC contract and an invitation to compete at Noche UFC 4 on September 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
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