Daniel Rodriguez goes from Mexican jail to top ten opponent at UFC 329
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 19: Daniel Rodriguez of the United States strikes Kevin Holland of the United States on the mat during their welterweight bout during UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3 at the Smoothie King Center on July 19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) | Getty Images It’s been a tough time for UFC welterweight Daniel Rodriguez, who went from an impressive three fight win streak over 2024-2025 to … an eight month stint in a Mexican jail?! “D-Rod” dropped off the face of the earth after beating Kevin Holland at UFC 318 in July 2025.
Rumors and even jokes were made that he’d been arrested and was cooling his heels in a Mexican jail. Then months went by and the jokes stopped being funny. Something serious was going on with Rodriguez, who finally managed to secure his release and cross back over into the United States last week.
According to Rodriguez, he accidentally crossed the border into Mexico with an ounce of weed in his car. He and a passenger were both arrested and charged with serious crimes. 🚨💣 Daniel Rodriguez confirms he’s fighting Leon Edwards at International Fight Week "I got an offer.
You guys will probably see me in there with Leon Edwards at International Fight Week. I'm accepting the offer for Leon Edwards. " (via @TMZ_Sports ) pic.
twitter. com/0SofUlWPG2 — Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 15, 2026 “They tried to throw the book at me,” Rodriguez told TMZ Sports in a new interview. “They were trying to get me with a smuggling charge.