Daniel Rodriguez believes that Saturday’s pay per view event will be given a boost by his matchup with Kevin Holland on short notice.
Rodriguez is back in action after his decision win over Kevin Lee August 2021. He will face Holland in a 180-pound catchweight fight at UFC 279,, which will take place in September 10 in Las Vegas.
The card’s headliner will be a welterweight fight between Khamzat Chimiev and Nate Diaz. However, the event lacked depth from top to bottom that UFC PPV events provide. “D-Rod” believes this is a can’t miss addition.
“Since being injured, that name has been thrown at me so much,” Rodriguez told MMA Fighting. “This fight is for the fans if you ask me. We are the main event in terms of matchups. The f ****** battle has made me very excited. I can’t wait to go back to the T-Mobile Arena. I believe we have helped make the card a bit more enjoyable. Actually, I believe we made that card f ****** good.
“I’m excited to see how much the fans are excited to see a f****** war.”
Rodriguez told MMA Fighting during International Fight Week that he was eyeing Holland as a possible opponent, but the main goal after being cleared to compete following multiple surgeries to repair a hand injury was to get the call for a short notice fight.
Being able to tick off many boxes while still maintaining a healthy weight makes it a lot easier for him to return.
” They could have asked me to fight ****** anyone and I would have said yes. But luck of the draw was right there.” Rodriguez stated. He said, “Me and him can squash some beef. I was scheduled to fight him in my second [UFC] fight, he got injured, he’s been talking s***, and I get to do it’s time for me to speak with my hands.
“There have been very few men trying to challenge me and trying to beat me. I appreciate being called out. Although I accepted the challenge, I didn’t enjoy how he called me out after I had been injured. Now I am 100 per cent and accept the challenge .”
Rodriguez made his debut in this promotion in February 2020. He won a quick submission victory against Tim Means at UFC Rio Rancho. This win helped him become one of UFC’s most active fighters. Lee was then injured in the defeat. The 35-year-old has won three straight, and six of seven octagon appearances, which includes a dominant decision win against Mike Perry at UFC Vegas 21 in April 2021.
Holland, who is also no stranger to being an active UFC competitor, is 2-0 with two submission wins over Means and Alex Oliveira since moving down to 170 for the first time in his promotional run.
After a year away from competition, Rodriguez is ready to remind fans he’s one of the best welterweights in the UFC.
“[The headline will read] D-Rod’s comeback, he went out there and dominated,” Rodriguez said. “I can’t tell you how I’m going to win the fight, I just know I’m going to win the fight.”
