Modestino Rodrigues earns UFC contract following controversial knockout of Brandon Holmes

Modestino Rodrigues secured a UFC contract on September 2, 2026, following his 15-second victory over Brandon Holmes at Dana White’s Contender Series. The middleweight bout ended after Rodrigues landed a punch that dropped his opponent, followed by unanswered follow-up strikes. Referee Chris Tognoni stopped the contest while Holmes remained conscious and attempted to defend himself. Dana White categorized the stoppage as one of the most controversial in the history of the series, yet awarded the 22-year-old fighter a contract. Rodrigues, a Brazilian fighter with a professional record of 8-1, has achieved finishes in all of his career victories. The fighter spent nine months training away from his family to prepare for this opportunity.

• 3:29 AMSherdog — Dana White hands UFC deal to 22-year-old following controversial 15-second KO
• 3:29 AMYahoo Sports — Dana White hands UFC deal to 22-year-old following controversial 15-second KO