Drako Rodriguez got the UFC call in 2019 but was unable to take it.
Now, Rodriguez (6-1 MMA) has the chance to make up for missed opportunities. At Dana White’s Contender Series on Aug. 4, Rodriguez is expected to take on Fury FC bantamweight champion Mana Martinez – pending bout finalization.
Multiple people with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of the targeted booking Thursday but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
The Aug. 4 installment of DWCS, Season 4 will be the season premiere.
Martinez (6-1 MMA) is highly regarded as one of the Southwest’s best pound-for-pound fighters. Flying largely under the radar, Martinez made a bigtime statement in November 2018 when he knocked out then-Fury FC champ Ricky Turcios in under three minutes.
An exciting striker, Martinez is known for his devastating power and unusual arsenal. In six career victories, he’s finished all of his opponents with strikes.
Rodriguez was caught in the middle of contractual drama when his regional promotion KOTC would not allow him to terminate his contract and go to the UFC for a short-notice opportunity. The promotion cited Rodriguez’s skill level as part of the reason for mandating he stay with the promotion. KOTC also pointed out the loss of money that would follow a Rodriguez withdrawal.
As for in-cage happenings, Rodriguez has won back-to-back fights. In six career victories, he’s finished five opponents. His only career loss came to now-UFC bantamweight Tony Gravely in September 2018.
To stay up to date with all of the DWCS happenings, check out MMA Junkie’s “Dana White’s Contender Series: Your complete guide to Season 4” which will be frequently updated as news comes to light.
Mana Martinez vs. Drako Rodriguez in the works for Dana White's Contender Series on Aug. 4