Jim Miller and Gabriel Benitez squared off in a Lightweight contest earlier tonight (Sat., Jan. 13, 2024) at UFC Vegas 84 inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The opening 30 seconds saw both athletes fire big combinations and rip low kicks. Miller was pressing, but both men were finding their mark. Benitez was mostly looking to kick and counter, but Miller’s high guard and bursting combinations were proving an effective answer by the midway point in the round. The Mexican athlete responded by doubling down on the low kicks to good effect. Miller answered in kind, and both men walked back to their corner wearing some new lumps.
The low kick war continued into the second, and Benitez was getting the worst of it. Miller was landing some heavy shots upstairs when he changed levels, scoring a well-timed double into top position. Miller settled in the full guard and started dropping elbows, shaking off Benitez’s armbar attempts and doing good damage in the process. A heavy shot from Miller opened up the back take and body triangle with about a minute remaining in the second.
No strangle emerged, but Miller rode a good wave of momentum into the third.
Benitez worked the jab well early in the third, while Miller took his time before getting offensive. When “A-10” did open back up, he ripped some heavy low kicks and left hands. Benitez’s lead leg was looking pretty gnarly, but he continued to move reasonably well. Right about the midway point in the round, Miller blasted his foe off his feet with a nice running double leg. Benitez attempted to scramble to his feet, giving up his back in the process. Moments later, he wrapped an arm around the chin and started to crank, securing the tap!
Yet again, Miller showed off his toughness and work ethic with a strong performance. The 40-year-old veteran looked sharp, showing good defense, smart combinations, and effective wrestling en route to the submission finish.
Book him on UFC 300 ASAP!
Result: Miller defeats Benitez via rear naked choke
For complete UFC Vegas 84: “Walker vs. Ankalaev” results and play-by-play, click HERE!