Daniil Donchenko earned a unanimous decision over Puna Soriano at UFC Fight Night 287 in Paris and immediately called out welterweight veteran Daniel Rodriguez. Speaking backstage at Accor Arena, Donchenko specifically requested the bout, suggesting a year-end card or a five-round fight at the APEX as preferred scenarios. Rodriguez most recently suffered a loss to Uros Medic.
Daniil Donchenko wasted no time after his UFC Fight Night 287 victory in Paris, publicly calling out welterweight veteran Daniel Rodriguez from backstage at Accor Arena on September 6.
Donchenko defeated Puna Soriano by unanimous decision at the event and used his post-fight moment to request a specific matchup, naming Rodriguez by name. Speaking backstage, Donchenko floated two preferred scenarios for the bout: a year-end card or a five-round fight at the UFC APEX.
At just 25 years old, Donchenko carries a 15-2-0 record and is building momentum in the welterweight division. The orthodox fighter stands five-foot-eleven with a 71-inch reach and brings a high-volume attack, landing 7.15 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate. He also adds a consistent takedown threat, averaging 0.77 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Rodriguez, nicknamed "D-Rod," is a seasoned 39-year-old welterweight sitting at number 14 in the divisional rankings with a 20-6-0 record. The southpaw out of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu stands six-foot-one with a 74-inch reach and is one of the division's more prolific volume strikers, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute. His most recent outing ended in a loss to Uros Medic, leaving him looking to bounce back.
Why it matters
- Donchenko's callout targets a ranked welterweight, meaning a win could push him into the top 15 and beyond.
- Rodriguez, ranked 14th, needs a statement performance after his defeat to Medic and a bout with an ascending contender fits that need.
- Both fighters bring high striking output, setting up a potentially fast-paced, stand-and-bang contest if the matchup materializes.
- A five-round format, one of Donchenko's preferred options, would test both men's championship-level durability.
