New UFC Giant: 6'6" Luis Francischinelli is selected at Dana White's Contender Series

Welterweight powerhouse earns a spot in the UFC octagon after dismantling Will Rentz in Las Vegas.

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, October 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Standing at 6-foot-6 and boasting a 7-1 professional record with all seven victories coming by way of knockout, Brazilian welterweight Luis Francischinelli has officially secured a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) following a first-round TKO victory over Will Rentz at Dana White’s Contender Series (Season 10, Week 10) at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.

The Itu, São Paulo, native overcame early pressure from Rentz to secure the stoppage via strikes at 2:18 of the opening round. Referee Mike Beltran halted the contest after Francischinelli capitalized on his range and power to dismantle defensive surges from his opponent.
Following the performance, UFC President Dana White praised Francischinelli’s physical presence and finishing ability in the 170-pound division before officially extending a promotional contract.

"Luis, you're 7-1 now," White said during the contract announcement. "You're 170 pounds... Another fun guy that I'm excited to watch fight in the UFC. Congratulations!"

The victory marks the realization of a 16-year combat sports journey for Francischinelli, who persevered through family challenges, injuries, and personal hardship prior to achieving the UFC opportunity. Speaking in his post-fight interview, Francischinelli expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the importance of his faith and family.

"I never gave up on my dreams and today I'm here living my dream," Francischinelli stated. "That's the dream."
With his contract signed, Francischinelli aims to make his official UFC octagon debut in early 2027.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗟𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶
Luis Francischinelli is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the welterweight division. Born in Itu, São Paulo, Brazil, the 30-year-old fighter holds a professional record of 7-1. Prior to joining the UFC roster, Francischinelli competed in Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).

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Thais Eliasen
t. PR