Daniel Rodriguez, known as “D-Rod” in the UFC, is a rising star in the welterweight division.
With his impressive striking skills and gritty determination, Rodriguez has quickly made a name for himself in the world of mixed martial arts.
In this article, you will learn about Daniel Rodriguez’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Daniel Rodriguez’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Rodriguez |
| Nickname | D-Rod |
| Born | December 31, 1986 |
| Age | 37 |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| College | N/A |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-3 million |
| Salary | Varies per fight |
| Relationship Status | – |
| Instagram Profile | @d_rod_ufc |
Early Career
Daniel Rodriguez’s journey to the UFC was far from conventional. Growing up in Los Angeles, he was exposed to gang culture and spent time in and out of the correctional system.
He began training in boxing and eventually transitioned to MMA, competing as an amateur from 2013 to 2015.
During this period, he amassed an impressive 7-0 record, showcasing his natural talent and dedication to the sport.
Professional Career
Rodriguez turned professional in 2015, quickly making a name for himself in regional promotions.
He competed in organizations such as Combate Americas, Bellator, and King of the Cage, building up an impressive record.
His big break came when he appeared on Dana White‘s Contender Series in 2019, where he won a unanimous decision but didn’t initially secure a UFC contract.
However, his persistence paid off, and Rodriguez made his UFC debut in February 2020 as a late replacement against Tim Means.
Daniel Rodriguez’s Net Worth Details
Daniel Rodriguez’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-3 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Guaranteed Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC on ABC 6 (June 22, 2024) | Kelvin Gastelum | $85,000 – $90,000 |
Endorsements
- Venum: As part of the UFC’s official outfitting partner, Rodriguez wears Venum gear during fights and official appearances.
- CBD companies: Rodriguez has promoted CBD products on his social media, indicating potential sponsorship deals in this sector.
- Local businesses: He has been known to promote local gyms and businesses in the Los Angeles area.
Career Stats
| Opponent | Event | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelvin Gastelum | UFC on ABC 6 | June 22, 2024 | Loss (Unanimous Decision) |
| Ian Garry | UFC on ABC 4 | May 13, 2023 | Loss (TKO) |
| Neil Magny | UFC Fight Night 214 | November 5, 2022 | Loss (Submission) |
| Li Jingliang | UFC 279 | September 10, 2022 | Win (Split Decision) |
| Kevin Lee | UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Chikadze | August 28, 2021 | Win (Unanimous Decision) |
| Mike Perry | UFC on ABC 2 | April 10, 2021 | Win (Unanimous Decision) |
| Nicolas Dalby | UFC 255 | November 21, 2020 | Loss (Unanimous Decision) |
| Dwight Grant | UFC on ESPN 15 | August 22, 2020 | Win (KO) |
| Tim Means | UFC Fight Night 167 | February 15, 2020 | Win (Submission) |
FAQs
1. What is Daniel Rodriguez’s professional MMA record?
Daniel Rodriguez holds a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 5 losses as of October 2024. His victories include 8 knockouts, 4 submissions, and 6 decisions. Notable wins include fights against Li Jingliang, Kevin Lee, and Mike Perry.
2. What gym does Daniel Rodriguez train with?
Rodriguez trains primarily at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, Nevada, under head coach John Wood. The gym is known for producing UFC veterans like Frank Mir and Khalil Rountree Jr. He occasionally cross-trains at Xtreme Couture.
3. Why is Daniel Rodriguez nicknamed “D-Rod”?
The nickname “D-Rod” is a shortened version of his first name and surname. It became widely recognized during his UFC career, where his aggressive fighting style and resilience in the octagon solidified the moniker.
4. What is Daniel Rodriguez’s background outside of MMA?
Before pursuing MMA, Rodriguez spent time in jail due to gang-related activities in Los Angeles. He turned to combat sports at age 25 to redirect his life and has since spoken openly about using his past struggles as motivation.
5. Why was Daniel Rodriguez suspended by USADA in 2023?
Rodriguez received a three-month suspension after testing positive for ostarine, a banned substance, ahead of a scheduled fight against Santiago Ponzinibbio. He attributed the violation to a tainted supplement.
6. What is Daniel Rodriguez’s fighting style?
Known for his boxing-heavy approach, Rodriguez combines precise striking with a high output of significant strikes. He also incorporates Brazilian jiu-jitsu, earning four submission victories in his career.
7. Has Daniel Rodriguez competed in professional boxing?
Yes. Rodriguez holds a 1-1 professional boxing record, with a unanimous decision win in 2015 and a first-round knockout loss later that year. His boxing background heavily influences his MMA striking.
8. When did Daniel Rodriguez make his UFC debut?
He debuted on February 15, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 167 as a late replacement, submitting Tim Means via guillotine choke in the second round. This earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
9. How many children does Daniel Rodriguez have?
Rodriguez has five children. He often shares his dedication to family on social media, emphasizing their role in motivating his career.
10. What are Daniel Rodriguez’s career highlights in the UFC?
Key highlights include a split-decision win over Li Jingliang at UFC 279, a unanimous decision victory against Kevin Lee, and a Performance of the Night award in his UFC debut. He has also headlined multiple Fight Night events.
