Welcome to the UFC, Jordan Mein.
In his Octagon debut at UFC 158 Saturday night, the 23-year-old Mein displayed submission defense and power striking well beyond his years, handing seasoned veteran Dan Miller his first career stoppage loss with a TKO victory at 4:42 of the very first round.
It was combat brilliance from Mein (27-8), who rolled out of an armbar from Miller (14-7-1) and proceeded to take full control of the fight. Mein dropped Miller with a hard left hand about halfway through the round and never looked back, patiently picking Miller apart and earning the stoppage win.
What we’ll remember about this fight:
The young Canadian announced his presence in the UFC with authority. To finish a fighter as tough and as respected as Miller is a memorable milestone for any fighter. For a guy barely old enough to buy a beer and fighting under the brightest lights for the very first time, to do this is nothing short of remarkable.
What we learned about Jordan Mein:
He has much better composure than the average 23-year-old. Locked in a tight armbar, Mein stayed calm and worked his way out of it. After knocking Miller down with that left, Mein saw Miller was lucid enough to be dangerous on the ground and let the veteran stand back up. Mein saw openings, took what he was given and capitalized.
What we learned about Dan Miller:
He’s not unfinishable. That’s not a word, but I think it nevertheless captures the concept.
What’s next for Mein:
If Kyle Noke comes back from injury, he could be a fun opponent for the young Canadian gun.
What’s next for Miller:
Miller is still a highly viable UFC fighter, in my opinion. He just hit a buzz saw Saturday night.
Mike Swick has been curiously quiet since his loss to Matt Brown. I posit that it’s time to change that.
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