White Hands UFC Deal To Rodrigues After 15-Second KO

Middleweight Modestino Rodrigues has secured a UFC contract after stopping Brandon Holmes in 15 seconds at Week 4 of Dana White's Contender Series, though the finish sparked immediate debate over the referee's decision to wave it off.

Rodrigues dropped Holmes early and landed follow-up shots before referee Chris Tognoni intervened while Holmes was still conscious and defending. White acknowledged the controversy at the post-fight press conference, per Sherdog, describing it as one of the most disputed stoppages in DWCS history. He awarded the 22-year-old Brazilian a contract anyway.

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Rodrigues Credits Camp Sacrifice For DWCS Breakthrough

The finish extended Rodrigues' perfect stoppage rate to eight wins in eight pro victories, six of them inside two minutes. He spent nine months away from his family preparing for the opportunity. "This team, we train so hard. Coaches are always pushing us, 'That 1-2 is gonna get it, make sure that you're quick.' MMA changed my life," Rodrigues said after the bout, according to Sherdog. "I'm ready to die out there… I live for this."

Rodrigues said he never imagined reaching the UFC stage and credited relentless work for the outcome. Holmes fell to 6-3 with the loss. Rodrigues' UFC debut date has not been announced.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Dana White hands UFC deal to 22-year-old following controversial 15-second KO