BREAKING: Daniel Rodriguez vs. Gunnar Nelson reportedly finalized for UFC 286 in London

A welterweight showdown between Daniel Rodriguez and Gunnar Nelson is reportedly in the works for UFC 286 in London. The event will take place on March 18, 2023, at The O2 Arena in London, England.

'D-Rod' took to his Instagram stories to announce the bout agreement, which he claims has been signed from his end. Rodriguez wrote:

"@Iridium Sports Agency Bout agreement signed. March 18 vs. Gunnar Nelson, UFC London."

Since making his promotional debut on February 15, 2020, Daniel Rodriguez has compiled a solid record with the UFC. The Californian's UFC record includes seven victories and two losses (17-3 overall). Rodriguez holds victories over significant names like Kevin Lee, Mike Perry, and Li Jingliang.

'D-Rod' was last seen inside the octagon against Neil Magny at UFC Vegas 64. He lost the fight via submission (D'Arce choke) in the third round. Rodriguez had previously hinted at potential fight news in an Instagram post, stating, "Fight news coming soon."

Gunnar Nelson, on the other hand, was last seen at the momentous UFC London event on March 19, 2022, which prompted the UFC to return to English soil for one more event the same year. Nelson faced Takashi Sato on the main card, scoring a dominant unanimous decision victory (30–26, 30–26, 30–26).

The submission specialist snapped his two-fight losing skid with a victory against Sato. Once tipped to be a rising prospect in the sport, Nelson will be keen to deliver a statement-making performance against Daniel Rodriguez.

While there is no official confirmation for the main event of UFC 286, it is expected that UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards will defend his title against Kamaru Usman in a rematch of their UFC 278 encounter.