Career Timeline of Daniel Rodriguez (fighter): Major Achievements and Milestones

How Daniel Rodriguez (fighter) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Daniel Rodriguez is an American mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Welterweight division. He turned professional in 2015 and has fought in Bellator, King of the Cage, and Combate Americas. He is currently ranked #14 in the UFC welterweight division (as of March 31, 2026).

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: Amateur MMA Record

From late 2013, Daniel Rodriguez compiled a 7–0 amateur record as a Welterweight.

2015: Professional MMA Debut

In 2015, Daniel Rodriguez began his professional mixed martial arts career.

2015: Professional Career and Combate Americas

In 2015, Daniel Rodriguez started his professional MMA career, mainly competing in Combate Americas and one fight at Bellator 170.

February 15, 2020: UFC Promotional Debut and Win

On February 15, 2020, Daniel Rodriguez made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 167, replacing Ramazan Emeev against Tim Means. Rodriguez won via submission in the second round, earning a Performance of the Night award.

May 30, 2020: Rodriguez vs. Green

On May 30, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Burns, Daniel Rodriguez was originally scheduled to face Kevin Holland, but Holland withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Gabriel Green. Rodriguez won the fight by unanimous decision.

August 22, 2020: Rodriguez vs. Grant

On August 22, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 15, Daniel Rodriguez was scheduled to fight Takashi Sato, but Sato was not cleared to fight. Dwight Grant replaced Sato. Rodriguez defeated Grant by first-round knockout.

November 14, 2020: Fight Cancellation vs. Barberena

On November 14, 2020, Daniel Rodriguez's scheduled fight against Bryan Barberena at UFC Fight Night 183 was cancelled because Barberena underwent an emergency laparotomy.

November 21, 2020: Rodriguez vs. Dalby

On November 21, 2020, at UFC 255, Daniel Rodriguez faced Nicolas Dalby, replacing Orion Cosce. He lost the fight via unanimous decision, despite many media outlets scoring the fight in his favor.

April 10, 2021: Rodriguez vs. Perry

On April 10, 2021, Daniel Rodriguez fought Mike Perry at UFC on ABC 2, winning by unanimous decision.

July 17, 2021: Rodriguez vs. Parsons

On July 17, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 26, Daniel Rodriguez was scheduled to face Abubakar Nurmagomedov, but he was replaced by Preston Parsons due to injury. Rodriguez won by TKO in the first round.

August 28, 2021: Rodriguez vs. Lee

On August 28, 2021, Daniel Rodriguez faced Kevin Lee at UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Chikadze. Rodriguez won by unanimous decision.

September 10, 2022: Rodriguez vs. Jingliang

On September 10, 2022, at UFC 279, Daniel Rodriguez was scheduled to face Kevin Holland but instead fought Li Jingliang in a 180-pound catchweight bout due to changes resulting from Khamzat Chimaev missing weight. Rodriguez won by split decision.

October 15, 2022: Rodriguez Withdraws From Fight

On October 15, 2022, Daniel Rodriguez was scheduled to face Neil Magny at UFC Fight Night 212, but he withdrew due to an elbow infection.

March 18, 2023: Rodriguez Withdraws From UFC 286

On March 18, 2023, Daniel Rodriguez was scheduled to face Gunnar Nelson at UFC 286 but withdrew for undisclosed reasons.

May 13, 2023: Rodriguez vs. Garry

On May 13, 2023, Daniel Rodriguez faced Ian Garry at UFC on ABC 4 and lost by technical knockout in the first round.

September 16, 2023: Rodriguez Pulled From Fight

On September 16, 2023, Daniel Rodriguez was pulled from his scheduled bout against Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC Fight Night 227 by USADA after testing positive for ostarine.

January 28, 2024: Rodriguez Eligible to Fight Again

On January 28, 2024, Daniel Rodriguez became eligible to fight again after serving a 6-month suspension for testing positive for ostarine.

June 22, 2024: Rodriguez vs. Gastelum

On June 22, 2024, Daniel Rodriguez faced Kelvin Gastelum at UFC on ABC 6 in a middleweight bout due to Gastelum's weight cutting issues. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.