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

Modestino Rodrigues’ hard work and sacrifices paid off on Dana White’s Contender Series.

Rodrigues (8-1) took on Brandon Holmes (6-2) in a middleweight outing in Week 4 of DWCS 2026. Rodrigues took just 15 seconds to drop Holmes and finish him with follow-up shots. However, the stoppage was not without controversy, as referee Chris Tognoni stepped in while Holmes was still conscious and actively defending.

While Dana White called it one of the most controversial stoppages in DWCS history, he saw enough to give Rodrigues an Ultimate Fighting Championship contract.

Modestino Rodrigues stopped Brandon Holmes in 15 seconds at DWCS Week 4
Rodrigues says he never imagined he would be on the biggest stage in MMA. “The Slanderman” thanks the sport for changing his life and credits sheer hard work for his success. The 22-year-old has been away from his family for nine months to train for his DWCS bout.

“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. “I’m ready to die out there… I live for this. I can’t even say that I had dreams about it because I never imagined I would be in this position. I worked so hard every day for this to happen.”

Rodrigues is known for quick nights inside the cage. The Brazilian has finished all eight of his pro wins so far, six of them within two minutes.

RIGHT FROM THE START ⏰

Modestino Rodrigues earns the knockout in 15 seconds!!!!

[ #DWCS | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/rArESSvLEY— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 2, 2026