The UFC welterweight division likely has a new tallest fighter.
Meet Luis Francischinelli. A 6-foot-6 welterweight with an 80-inch reach. He's a unique challenge, which is what Will Rentz found out the hard way Tuesday at Dana White's Contender Series 96.
After being taken down early, Francischinelli (7-1) fended off Rentz's grapple-heavy attack. A big left hand connected right behind the right ear of Rentz (8-3) and put him down. Francischinelli pounded away until the referee intervened at 2:18 of Round 1.
CAUGHT HIM COMING IN 💥
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) October 14, 2026
Luis Francischinelli gets the first round knockout!
[ #DWCS | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/opiwcbI614
All seven of Francischinelli's pro wins have come by TKO or knockout.
Up-to-the-minute DWCS 96 results include
- Luis Francischinelli def. Will Rentz via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:18
- Douglas da Lapa def. Davi Cabral via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 0:19
- Greg Foster def. Jason Asher via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: DWCS video: Hulking 6-foot-6 welterweight Luis Francischinelli pounds out Will Rentz