Donchenko Batters Soriano at UFC Paris, Calls Out Rodriguez

Daniil Donchenko battered Punahele Soriano over three rounds at UFC Paris on Saturday, sweeping the scorecards to snap Soriano's four-fight UFC win streak and push his own unbeaten run to nine straight.

Judges scored it 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 for Donchenko, and the numbers undersold how one-sided the fight looked for long stretches. The Ukrainian welterweight walked Soriano down from the opening bell, and in the first round he dropped him with a clean shot and followed up with a barrage that nearly finished the fight on the spot. Soriano survived by grabbing hold of Donchenko's leg and riding out the storm, then spent the rest of the round eating body shots, leg kicks and elbows while too gassed to fire back.

How Soriano Survived Early Trouble

Soriano's response to getting rocked was to grab a leg and stall, and it worked just long enough to get him out of round one. He found his rhythm in round two, trading with Donchenko after a brief stoppage for a low blow, and had his best moments of the fight going toe to toe rather than backing up. It didn't last. Round three swung back in Donchenko's favor as he strung together vicious combinations and kept doing damage even when Soriano changed levels for a takedown and worked from top position with ground shots and clinch elbows. Soriano did manage a highlight-reel moment late, hoisting Donchenko onto his shoulders and slamming him to the canvas before following up with strikes, but it came too late to change the math on the cards.

What the Win Means for Donchenko

Donchenko is now unbeaten in nine straight and has built a real case as one of welterweight's most dangerous rising names, and he wasted no time naming his next target. After the decision was read, he called out Daniel Rodriguez for a matchup at a UFC Apex card later this year. Rodriguez gives Donchenko a proven veteran opponent with real name value, exactly the kind of fight a streaking prospect needs to keep climbing. For Soriano, the loss halts momentum that had carried him to four straight wins in the UFC, and it raises questions about how he handles pressure fighters who close distance and don't let up, since his best output at UFC Paris came only when Donchenko allowed him to work at range.

Betting Angle

Donchenko's forward pressure and finishing instincts make him a live favorite in almost any matchup sportsbooks put in front of him going forward, and a proposed fight with Daniel Rodriguez would likely open with Donchenko favored given his activity and the way he's dismantled recent opposition. Soriano's stock takes a hit here too. Bettors who have backed him as a durable action fighter now have to weigh how badly he fades against opponents who keep the pace high for a full round, a pattern that showed up clearly in the first stanza against Donchenko.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the fight between Daniil Donchenko and Punahele Soriano at UFC Paris?

Daniil Donchenko defeated Punahele Soriano by unanimous decision at UFC Paris, with scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.

What is Daniil Donchenko's win streak after UFC Paris?

Daniil Donchenko extended his winning streak to nine straight fights with the decision win over Punahele Soriano at UFC Paris.

Who did Daniil Donchenko call out after beating Punahele Soriano?

Daniil Donchenko called out Daniel Rodriguez for a fight at a UFC Apex event later this year after his win over Punahele Soriano.