Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images

UFC welterweight who was imprisoned responds to Sean Strickland’s remarks on his cell

Originally posted on HITC | By Filipe Guedes | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 11:14 AM ET

Daniel Rodriguez has returned to the spotlight following a difficult period away. The UFC welterweight revealed last Thursday on Instagram that he had been released from prison after eight months.

Details around his arrest remain unclear. He had been held in Tijuana, Mexico, with limited public information explaining the circumstances behind his detention.

His release has quickly drawn attention across the MMA community. Rodriguez has now begun sharing insights into that period, offering a rare glimpse into his experience behind bars.

Daniel Rodriguez responds after Sean Strickland reacts to prison training video

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Rodriguez, known as D-Rod, posted a video showing himself training while in prison. The footage revealed surprisingly well-equipped surroundings inside the facility.

The clip showed a cell that included a Smart TV, adding to the unusual nature of the environment.

Sean Strickland reacted to the video with a blunt remark.

“Bro, your cell is nicer than my first apartment,” the former UFC champion wrote on Instagram.

Rodriguez did not hesitate to reply, explaining: “My cellmate ran the whole prison. I was in the VIP section.”

Daniel Rodriguez building momentum again in the UFC

Attention now shifts back to Rodriguez’s fighting career. The 39-year-old welterweight is currently riding a three-fight winning streak in the UFC.

He holds a 10-4 record within the promotion, underlining his consistency inside the octagon. His most recent outing saw him defeat Kevin Holland in July 2025.

In that context, Holland has recently told Full Send MMA that he had bailed Rodriguez out, fuelling talk of a potential rematch between the two fighters.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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