Daniel Rodriguez, a welterweight contender in the UFC, has not competed in the promotion since his first ever TKO loss at UFC on ABC 4 to Ian “The Future” Machado-Garry. Rodriguez is an alum of the Dana White Contender Series.
Rodriguez was scheduled to face Santiago Ponzinibbio at Noche UFC. However, a failed drug test resulted in his removal from the fight. It seems there has been recent developments regarding the future of “D-Rod” with the UFC.
Investigating Daniel Rodriguez suspension
Daniel Rodriguez was pulled out from his scheduled bout against Santiago Ponzinibbio at Noche UFC by USADA after he tested positive for Ostarine. It was the first time that Rodriguez tested positive for a banned substance by the USADA. ESPN’s Marc Raimondi provided an update on his ban by the USADA.
Raimondi tweeted on X, “UFC fighter Daniel Rodriguez was suspended for six months Tuesday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for a positive drug test. He’ll be eligible to return in late January.”
Rodriguez is eligible to fight again on January 28, 2024. Interestingly, the USADA would not be the UFC’s anti-doping partner from the beginning of 2024. Drug-Free Sports International will commence its anti-doping program with the UFC starting January 1, 2024. The program would be spearheaded by George Piro.
Daniel Rodriguez currently has a 7-3 win-loss record with the UFC. Sans his 180lbs catchweight bout at UFC 279, Rodriguez has competed at welterweight. “D-Rod” came to the notice of fans on his UFC debut with a guillotine choke victory over Tim Means that won the Performance of the Night Bonus.
Rodriguez issued statement after Noche UFC withdrawal in August
Daniel Rodriguez had confirmed his withdrawal from Noche UFC on his Instagram in August. Rodriguez posted a picture with a lengthy caption elaborating why he would be absent from Noche UFC against Santiago Ponzinibbio.
Rodriguez posted on Instagram the communications he had with USADA after his testing for Ostarine and provided his side of the story. He posted, “First and foremost, I want to clarify I did not intentionally use Ostarine, nor have I ever knowingly used any prohibited substance in my career. I rarely take any form of supplements and have always strived to care for my body in the most natural ways. From my first fight until today I have had a negative test every single time not one slip up not one positive test until today.”
“D-Rod” further posted about his disappointment in pulling out of the fight, “While I am extremely disappointed in this development and am now unable to fight on September 16th, I am looking forward to finding a definitive explanation for my low-level positive test and am ready to fully cooperate with the USADA. I look forward to getting back to work in the Octagon soon.”
The welterweight contender also provided an update on his future plans, “Unfortunately, some things are just out of our control. Moving forward, I will be more selective with the supplements I put in my body and will be sure to confirm they are all third-party-approved.” With the UFC-USADA split, it remains to be seen whether Rodriguez will return to the Octagon, faster than expected.
With a potential return in January, who would be the best matchup for Daniel Rodriguez? Comment below!
