UFC’s Daniel Rodriguez Details Life Behind Bars in Mexico

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

UFC’s Daniel Rodriguez Details Life Behind Bars in Mexico

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Apr 14, 2026 9:36 AM ET

UFC’s Daniel Rodriguez opened up about the struggles of spending 8-months in a Mexican jail.

The arrest followed after Rodriguez was arrested while crossing into Mexico for possession of marijuana. The holiday, meant to celebrate his win over Kevin Holland at UFC 318, resulted in jail time. Rodriguez described the environment as a stark contrast to the U.S. penal system. Rodriguez was frequently identified by both inmates and guards for his exploits in the Octagon.

However, his “friends in high places” allowed him to avoid troubles in the prison. And yet, there were other struggles. The welterweight admitted he could not train as he would usually do, while also noting that the food struggles impacted him, having entered the prison feeling in peak condition.

Rodriguez Reacts

“This is my first time in Mexican jail and I can tell you one thing for sure, it’s the worst possible situation. Fortunately, I was able to make the best of it. I was able to pull a couple of strings and get a little bit of workout equipment there and I was able to work out and try and stay in shape, but it’s not the same. We only went to yard twice a week and those days were the only days I would get to run. I spent the whole time running, I probably looked like a crazy ass dude out there just running laps and laps and laps and laps, but it was only twice a week,” Rodriguez said

Opponent	Result	Event	Status
Alex Morono	Win (UD)	UFC Fight Night	Streak Starter
Santiago Ponzinibbio	Win (SD)	UFC 289	Ranked Victory
Kevin Holland	Win (UD)	UFC 318 (July 2025)	Last Active Bout
Legal Issues	8 Months	Mexican Incarceration	Released April 2026

The Future

Now that he is a free man, Rodriguez is looking to pick up exactly where he left off. He remains on a three-fight winning streak and is eager to return to the welterweight mix, where his hard-hitting style of boxing has made him a fan favorite.

“I really want to shoot for the stars, man. I want to take this to the highest level possible, and I’m looking at a possible matchup with Leon Edwards. I think ideally in a solid three months I’ll be ready,” Rodriguez said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: