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UFC fighter Daniel Rodriguez is set to make his octagon return after spending a significant period incarcerated in Mexico.
According to an Instagram post, Rodriguez (20-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) was detained in Tijuana, Mexico, for the past eight months. Now free, he is eager to resume his mixed martial arts career. A video shared by Rodriguez shows the No. 14-ranked UFC welterweight training in a cell and hitting pads in a hallway with a partner.
At the time of this article's publication, full details regarding Rodriguez's arrest are unavailable. However, his management team has informed www.mmajunkie.com that a comprehensive statement on the matter will be released next week.
In his post, Rodriguez wrote:
"Eight months in a Tijuana, Mexico cell never broke my spirit. I did everything I could to stay in shape and ready for my return to the UFC octagon. Expect a hungrier, more focused version of me. They tried to take everything from me, and now it's time to come back and show you the monster that prison created. Thanks to my legal and management team, my family, and true friends who helped me become a free man today."
The athlete, nicknamed "D-Rod," last competed at UFC 318 in July 2025, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Kevin Holland.
That result extended his current winning streak to three consecutive victories, which also includes a decision win against Alex Morono and a third-round knockout of Santiago Ponzinibbio.
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