The topography in front of UFC Belgrade welterweight Daniel Rodriguez has shifted a near 180 in recent months, as this weekend’s main event fighter went from a Mexican prison to headlining the first ever UFC event in Belgrade, Serbia.
And while he hasn’t had a chance to explore the city much or even go outside, he noted during Wednesday’s media day, “Serbia’s been amazing,” Rodriguez (20-5) told members of the media.
No doubt anything is good in comparison to prison cell walls. Rodriguez was taken into custody by Mexican authorities last summer after crossing the border between the U.S. and Mexico with marijuana in his possession. While pot may be legal in some states these days, Mexico is another matter.
After all but vanishing from the radar, Rodriguez resurfaced a few months back, revealing he’s spent eight months behind bars, with the UFC working to facilitate his release.
It’s been noted this week that Rodriguez has appeared calm, perhaps on account of the adversity he recently endured. Yet as he pointed out, “even in my fights prior to this, people say even in the fight, I seem very calm. I’m very calm in chaotic situations and I’m definitely, I’m not that calm. I’m just conserving my energy for the fight.”
“I definitely have respect for my opponent, but I’m definitely not nervous or scared in any way whatsoever.”
Rodriguez boiled it down to being “just my mindset,” though he’d later admit that his recent struggles may have helped a little. “I know that the stakes are very high for this fight, but I’ve been through worse things in my life as of recently. That’s what makes me calm in this situation,” he stated. “It’s a big fight of course, but I definitely feel comfortable in my preparation, and I’m very confident.”
Watch the full UFC Belgrade media day appearance by Daniel Rodriguez above.
