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MMA·ANALYSIS·July 29, 2026 10:10 PM ET

Rodriguez brings prison lessons into UFC Belgrade main event

He spent eight months jailed before rebuilding for his return

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 301 min read
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Daniel Rodriguez reflects on learning lessons from spending 8 months in Mexican prison ahead of #UFCBelgrade main event Via @MMAFighting on X

What happened: Daniel Rodriguez said substandard training conditions during his confinement left him rebuilding physically after his release. The 39-year-old also described Mexico's judicial process as moving far more slowly than he expected.

Why it matters: The bout ends a layoff dating to Rodriguez's unanimous-decision win over Kevin Holland in July 2025. He will make his first UFC main-event appearance against Uros Medic.

By the numbers: Rodriguez is 20-5 and enters on a three-fight UFC winning streak. UFC Belgrade carries a 14-fight card.

What to watch: Rodriguez and Medic headline the Aug. 1 event at Belgrade Arena.

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