Daniil Donchenko calls for Daniel Rodriguez fight after UFC Paris win
The Ukrainian welterweight called out the longtime UFC veteran after extending his winning streak with a unanimous decision over Punahele Soriano.
Daniil Donchenko already has his next opponent in mind. On Saturday, the Ukrainian welterweight defeated Punahele Soriano by unanimous decision at UFC Paris and immediately called for a fight against Daniel Rodriguez while still inside the Octagon. Later, Donchenko reiterated his desire to face the American fighter and said he would prefer to fight toward the end of the year.
Daniil Donchenko Calls for Daniel Rodriguez Fight
Donchenko started the fight by taking the initiative, coming out aggressively and setting the tone early. In the first two rounds, the Ukrainian welterweight was able to control the fight and dictate the pace, landing clean strikes and neutralizing Soriano's grappling. The Hawaiian found more success with his wrestling in the final round, securing some takedowns and controlling his opponent on the ground. But it was not enough. After three rounds, the judges awarded Donchenko a unanimous decision victory, extending his winning streak to eight fights.
Donchenko called for a matchup with Rodriguez while still inside the Octagon. He later explained that he would like the fight to take place toward the end of the year, preferably as a five-round bout.
"Please, let me fight just with him," Donchenko told UFC News. "But to be honest, it would be cool end of the year, like the last event of the end of the year. If not, any date in the APEX as a five-round fight. I want to test my stamina better. But people will think (Soriano) took me on the ground and I was tired. No, just knew that I won all the rounds, so I didn't rush, to be honest. I don't know why. But I will not do it next time. I will adjust and adapt and fight until the end."
Daniel Rodriguez Would Give Daniil Donchenko Another Veteran Test
Rodriguez has considerably more UFC experience than Donchenko. While the Ukrainian fighter was making his fourth promotional appearance, Rodriguez joined the organization more than six years ago and has faced several notable welterweights since then. The 39-year-old veteran is coming off a TKO loss to Uros Medic in August.
For Donchenko, the matchup would represent another opportunity to test himself against an established UFC fighter as he continues to climb the welterweight rankings.
"I'm living the American dream, to be honest," Donchenko said. "My life is a dream. All the fighters who train, they dream about my life. I'm just so thankful to the UFC and thankful to God and all you UFC staff here. You're amazing."
