UFC Rio Rancho goes down on February 15 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico at the Santa Ana Star Center. The event will be headlined by a possible #1 contender bout in the light heavyweight division between Corey Anderson and Jan Błachowicz. The card hosts thirteen bouts including three UFC debuts among them. One of those debuting fighters is Daniel Rodriguez, who appeared on Dana White’s Contender Series last Summer. He will be stepping in on short notice for Ramazan Emeev against veteran Tim Means.
Daniel “D-Rod” Rodriguez
6’0″
Welterweight
33-years-old
Alhambra, California
Tapout LA
10-1
6 KO/TKOs
3 Submission
How will Rodriguez fare in the UFC:
Rodriguez is a striker at heart who will fight behind a jab and power left hook. He hits hard but for the most part he has trouble finding his range. He has some good qualities like his left overhand, a jab, and some good knees he throws. He just has problems putting it together. Rodriguez throws wild and keeps his hand low which is why he misses the target a lot. Rodriguez also slows as the fight goes on and his takedown defense needs some work, which will be a problem once he fights better competition. “D-Rod” is a dangerous guy but for the most part is underwhelming. Prediction: 0-3 to start UFC career.
How do Rodriguez and Means match up?
You don’t get a tougher match-up than Tim Means especially making your debut on short notice. Means in all forms is a much better and more dangerous striker than Rodriguez. Rodriguez could take him down but Means I have no doubt can get back up or even pose more of a threat grappling. The good thing for Rodriguez is Means has lost a step with all the fighting years on him. Means still just has more going for him in every way possible.
