UFC welterweight Daniel Rodriguez has shared details following his release from an eight-month prison sentence in Tijuana, Mexico. The fighter was incarcerated for possession of marijuana, having been arrested last week.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Rodriguez explained the circumstances of his arrest. He stated that while celebrating a previous victory over Kevin Holland and heading to Rosarito, Mexico, for a weekend getaway, he unintentionally forgot about a small amount of marijuana he had with him. This led to him being pulled over at the border.
“I was celebrating my last win vs. Kevin Holland. I was headed over to Rosarito, Mexico, to hang out for the weekend. I totally forgot that I had weed with me. It was less than an ounce, and I got pulled over at the border. I thought I was going to do probably like a weekend in jail, and it ended up turning into eight months,” Rodriguez recounted.
Rodriguez further elaborated that Mexican officials initially attempted to charge him with smuggling, a felony offense. He credits his legal team with helping him avoid more severe penalties, ultimately resulting in an eight-month sentence.
“It was the Mexican officials [that stopped me]. Really, they charged me with smuggling. They were trying to throw the book at me. They really tried to hit me with a smuggling charge, and that was a felony. Luckily, I had a great legal team [to assist me]. I essentially ended up doing 8 months. I wish it hadn’t been so long, but I’m here now,” he said.
Daniel Rodriguez’s Next Fight Announced
Adding to the positive news, Daniel Rodriguez, who is currently on a three-fight win streak, also confirmed that he has received and accepted an offer to fight former champion Leon Edwards at UFC 329. The fight is slated to take place during International Fight Week.
“I got an offer, an amazing offer, so you guys will probably see me in there with Leon Edwards at International Fight Week,” Rodriguez revealed.
Leon Edwards is currently looking to rebound from a three-fight losing streak, most recently suffering his first career knockout loss against Carlos Prates.
