Daniel Rodriguez was fighting for the first time in over a year and while his UFC Belgrade headlining bout didn’t go his way, he’s not allowing himself to get too down.
Saturday’s main event saw Rodriguez make his first in-cage appearance since July 2025, when he defeated Kevin Holland at UFC 318 to put together a three-fight win streak. Unfortunately for Rodriguez, his 2025 campaign was cut short by an eight-month stint in a Mexican prison, and his return fight against Uros Medic went poorly. The
hard-hitting Medic needed just 30 seconds to catch Rodriguez and score a first-round knockout.
Shortly after the conclusion of UFC Belgrade, Rodriguez released a statement to social media via his Instagram Stories.
“F*ck, I loaded up on the jab and he beat me to the punch,” Rodriguez wrote. “Shit happens, I guess. Regardless of what just happened, I still can say I’m proud of myself for overcoming all that I have this past year.
“I was way out of shape when I got out of prison. We knew the risk coming out here and fighting this dude in his hometown and still took it. I’m gonna be in way better shape next time. F*cking hurts my heart losing. I’ll be better next time.”
Rodriguez, 39, lost by knockout for just the second time in his 26-fight career. His UFC record fell to 10-5 as he suffered his first defeat since June 2024.
