Jim Miller believes he has something to prove at UFC on Fox 15.
The UFC’s lightweight division is arguably the deepest pool of talent under the promotional banner, and for the past five years, the New Jersey native has consistently stepped in against the best fighters the 155-pound collective has to offer. Over that stretch, the blue-collar grinder has established himself as a guaranteed lock for action on fight night and has become mainstay in the elite tier of the divisional hierarchy in the process.
While the 31-year-old veteran has experienced setbacks along the way, he’s never ceased to be a proud representative of the unique brand of toughness New Jersey is known for.
That said, the Sparta-based fighter is determined to make another push toward the top of the lightweight fold, and his opportunity to spark that run will come at UFC on Fox 15. The Miller Brothers MMA leader will step into the Octagon in front of his home state to face the surging Beneil Dariush when the UFC returns Saturday night to Newark, New Jersey.
The 25-year-old prospect represents the next wave of rising talent in the lightweight ranks, and Miller believes turning the Kings MMA representative back in impressive fashion will send the caliber of message he’s looking to deliver to the rest of the 155-pound division.
“I’m looking to make a statement in this fight,” Miller told Bleacher Report. “I know what I’m capable of doing. If I go out and do what I can do and leave my mark on the fight, then it’s going to make the statement I want to make. I’m out to prove I’m the best. Fighting is not very forgiving, and one small mistake can cost you a night. Unfortunately, there are a couple of months between fights before you can turn things around. I’ve been fighting for almost 10 years and have almost 30 fights. That’s only 30 opportunities to prove I belong at this level. I’ve made the most of it for the most part and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.
“Every fight brings an opportunity to make a big statement because this is the UFC. A great fight can open a lot of people’s eyes to what you can do in there. Even someone like me who has fought inside the Octagon 18 times can make new fans and give those who have been watching a refresher. That’s what I’m going to do this Saturday. I’ve been out since July, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to remind people what I’m capable of, and I’m going to leave a fresh imprint on people’s minds.”
Where Miller’s general affinity for throwing down and ingrained competitive spirit are enough to carry him into most fights, the scrappy lightweight has a bit of a chip on his shoulder heading into UFC on Fox 15. After his most recent outing ended in a setback against Donald Cerrone at Fight Night 45 last July, Miller has spent the past several months looking forward to the night he can step back into the cage and return to his winning ways.
The opportunity to do just that will come front and center on April 18 as he will attempt to derail the Rafael Cordeiro-trained lightweight in Newark. Dariush has garnered a solid amount of attention since making his official UFC debut in early 2014, winning four of his five showings inside the Octagon and all but one of those victories coming by way of finish. His most recent win came at the expense of Daron Cruickshank as the talented Assyrian choked out The Detroit Superstar in the second round of their tilt at UFC 185 back in March.
Although Dariush has proven to have a versatile skill set, Miller holds a drastic advantage in the experience department and believes that element will play a huge factor in the bout Saturday.
“I think it’s a good fight,” Miller said. “[Dariush] is a tough kid, and he comes forward. He comes in there to fight, and he’s not out there trying to eke out a decision. And those are the fights I excel in. That’s what I’m looking for in this one. He’s dangerous everywhere, and I’m going to have to be on top of my game. That’s the kind of pressure I like. If that wasn’t there, I’d say there is a problem. I haven’t been in a fight in the UFC where it wasn’t, but if I was going into a fight where I didn’t have to worry about the threats my opponent possesses, that would be a little nerve-racking.
“He’s a dangerous guy who has finished a lot of his fights, but I’ve seen anything he can throw at me. I’ve fought the entire range of styles in this game. On the other side of things, I strongly feel I bring something to this game no one can replicate and I don’t think he’s fought anyone like me. I believe I’ve fought guys who have been better on the feet, on the ground and have better wrestling than he has, and I don’t think that’s any kind of stretch of the imagination. I’m comfortable and I’m confident.
“It doesn’t matter who I’m going against,” he added. “Looking at my record and seeing the guys I’ve shared the Octagon with shows that I’ve been there. I’ve been up against just about everything, and I’m ready for whatever he’s got.”
When Miller step in to face Dariush at UFC on Fox 15 it will mark the 19th time the younger of the fighting Miller brothers has competed under the UFC banner. Longevity of that magnitude is extremely difficult to accomplish when competing at the highest level of the sport, and those numbers become even loftier when the steady increase of competition the lightweight division has experienced over the past five years.
Furthermore, Miller’s run through the 155-pound ranks carries a bit more weight in the bigger picture as he’s spent the majority of that stretch competing within the divisional Top 10 where he’s traded leather with former champions and title challengers alike. He’s spent nearly a decade taking on all comers inside the cage, and he has no plans of slowing down any time in the future.
The husband/father/outdoorsman/brewer/craftsman/fisherman/business owner is determined the add the label of champion to his current list of descriptors and believes the current landscape of the lightweight division is one where big moves can be made. While he chalks some of the current situation up to the natural ebb and flow of fighters winning and losing bouts, Miller also sees a sea change happening with his fellow veteran fighters.
The journey through MMA is unforgiving and one where the miles and damage taken along the way are visible. Miller knows the ticking clock is ultimately his biggest opponent, but years of experience have taught him how to soften the corners and make the proper adjustments. He will be 19 fights deep after Saturday night in Newark and believes he has plenty more left to give.
“There is a definitely a little bit of a shuffle going on in the division,” Miller said. “There are some younger guys coming into the mix, and guys who were at the top who aren’t anymore. That’s part of the game unfortunately.
“I really don’t think it has anything to do with age. Obviously, you are going to lose some speed as you get older because you are never going to keep that, but I think it really comes down to fights at this level. There are very few people with 20 fights inside the Octagon, and there is a reason for that. It’s just because everything about this sport—training camps and the actual fights—all wear on you. Training camps wear on you, and fights break you down, and you only have so many of those cycles. Fortunately for me, I kind of fought at a breakneck pace in the beginning. I’m only 31, but this will be my 19th fight in the UFC, which is quite a bit because when you get to 20 you are in an elite group of well-known guys.
“It’s starting to catch up to guys who have been in it for several years, and it really comes down to trying to stave off that breakdown,” he added. “I think I have a handle on it with the style of training I’ve shifted to and have been working toward over the past few years. Now that I have my own gym and my own place to prepare, I feel my training has gotten a lot better. I still train very hard but do it in a smart way.”
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
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