Jim Miller knows he’s getting closer to the end of his career.
Miller is set to return at UFC 328 on Saturday against Jared Gordon in what should be a fun fight. The veteran hasn’t fought in over a year due to an injury, and his son was diagnosed with cancer, which he beat. Once he was ready to return, Miller was offered Gordon at UFC 328 in Newark, which he was excited about.
“He’s been around for a bit, and he has some really great fights and performances inside the Octagon. It’s fun to share the Octagon with the guys who have been around for a bit. I’m happy to be standing across from the Octagon from him,” Miller said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com.
Miller and Gordon were supposed to fight in 2023, but Gordon had to withdraw. So, years later, Miller is excited for the bout as he knows it should be a war.
“It’s one of those fights that could go anywhere,” Miller said. “I do believe I will have the advantage if I get him to the mat. On the feet, he’s a good boxer. I enjoy his style. He’s not super flashy, it’s going to be a tough nut to crack, and I’m prepared for a fight that can end violently or go the distance and be a blood bath.”
Jim Miller eyes move to welterweight
If Miller gets his hand raised at UFC 328, he isn’t sure where that puts him in the lightweight division. But, with Miller’s career coming to an end, he hopes his next fights can be at welterweight so he doesn’t have to cut much weight anymore.
“I was actually asking to go up to 170 for this fight,” Miller said. “There are a couple of guys floating around in that division that would make a great fight, and I know carrying a little extra weight and not going through the weight cut would do well for me on fight night.”
As for when the end might be, Jim Miller said the goal is to retire after 50 UFC fights. Miller will compete in his 47th fight on Saturday, so he believes International Fight Week in 2027 could be the end.
“Maybe a little bit over a year. International Fight Week next year might be the end,” Miller said. “I didn’t want to go too deep into 43, so who knows. But it’s not the age, it’s the body of work I have behind him, it’s the injuries I have stacked up, that nag on me. It’s an interesting puzzle to figure out training and do it in a way where I know I’m prepared and remain healthy. It’s still fun, it’s still exciting, and it’s still a challenge.
“I’d like to get to that 50. I also know, if one of those stupid injuries happens to me at 42, if I blow my knee out or whatever, I think the road back is too long. I don’t want that to happen, but I’m mature enough and smart enough to know it easily could.”
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