Phil Rowe used his reach advantage to best Leon Shahbazyan Tuesday night on Dana White’s Contender Series.
With the finish, Rowe impressed White and officials enough to secure the lone contract handed out inside the UFC Apex live on ESPN+ from Las Vegas.
The 29-year-old Rowe kept Shahbazyan from joining his brother, current UFC fighter Edmen Shahbazyan, in the promotion.
Jamal Pogues topped Marcos Brigagao via decision, Steve Garcia finished Desmond Torres in the first round, Mallory Martin defeated Micol di Segni via decision and Ricky Steele got by Phil Caracappa.
Garcia likely would have earned a contract but he missed weight for the bout.