On Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series this week, Modestino Rodrigues impressed the UFC brass with a lightning-fast first-round knockout and walked away with a contract to compete with the leading promotion in hand.
Prior to this week, Rodrigues carried a record of 7-1 as a professional and mainly fought in Brazilian MMA leagues, besides competing in kickboxing at Brazil’s 2025 K-1 World Grand Prix. Meanwhile, his American opponent, Brandon Holmes, has secured six wins as a pro and was making his second attempt at earning a contract through the Contender Series.
As soon as the match began, Rodrigues moved toward his opponent with intent, and with his striking prowess on full display. After a quick three-punch combination that ended with a strong left hook, Holmes was clearly staggered, and Rodrigues was just getting started. The Brazilian continued to move toward his opponent quickly, delivering shot after shot, until one final right hand sent Holmes to the canvas, where the referee promptly stopped the action at the 15-second mark of the very first round.
Rodrigues is now tied for the second-fastest finish in DWCS history, behind now-UFC light heavyweight competitor Alonzo Menifield, who secured an eight-second knockout on season two of the contender series in 2018 when he earned a contract of his own.
MODESTINO RODRIGUES KNOCKS OUT BRANDON HOLMES IN 15 SECONDS
WOWWWW #DWCSpic.twitter.com/0XUazqb5VX
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 2, 2026