Daniel ‘D-Rod’ Rodriguez delivered a gritty and spirited performance against Kevin ‘Trailblazer’ Holland in a three-round war at UFC 318, earning a unanimous decision victory and showing even at 38 he is still at the top of his game.

Rodriguez set the tone early, pressing forward with relentless pressure and landing heavy combinations to both head and the body of Holland. A strong right hand rocked Holland midway through the opening round but managed to survive the follow up strikes. Holland responded with calculated punches and leg kicks, implementing his reach advantage in the final moments of the opening round.

Heading into round two, D-Rod wasted no time, an explosive left hook dropped Holland, followed by heavy ground and pound but couldn’t find the finishing blow. Moments later, another left hand from Rodriguez sent Holland crashing to the canvas again. Despite the onslaught of strikes, Holland survived. At the end of round two, the output of Rodriguez started to show as he began to look lethargic.

The final round did not disappoint in an already unbelievable matchup. Holland’s sharp combinations started to become more effective after a right uppercut knocked down Rodriguez. He followed up with vicious elbows. Getting back to their feet, Holland didn’t stop, knowing he needed a finish. Relentless pressure ensued, a huge right hand slumped Rodriguez against the cage, forcing D-Rod to clinch desperately to hang on. 

Despite Hollands pursuit for victory with submission attempts and creative combinations, Rodriguez somehow survived. In the final minute, D-Rod gained full mount and unleashed multiple strikes and even attempted a last-ditch guillotine in the dying moments.

All three judges scored the contest 29-28, in favour of Rodriguez, awarding him his 10^th UFC win and extending his current win streak to three. In a fight filled with devastating blows, Rodriguez proved once again why he is one of the deadliest veterans in the organisation.