Jim Miller has made a career out of showing grit, determination and perseverance, and at UFC 328, he added another chapter to that story.
Battling through personal adversity outside the cage and delivering a quick submission win over Jared Gordon, the veteran once again proved that even after nearly two decades in the sport, he’s still finding ways to win, and still not ready to walk away.
“In there everything’s moving like a mile a minute, or in slow motion, it’s really weird. I wish you guys could see what it’s like,” Miller told reporters including Cageside Press at his post-fight scrum.
“It’s unique when you get into that flow state, and things just happen. If I was thinking about all those things, if I was thinking about the injuries or my son’s health issues, I mean over the years there’s been plenty of stuff.”
Miller (39-19) had been dealing with his son’s health issues for a while, but the longtime UFC lightweight used it all as motivation to get through camp and into the fight. Even with the seriousness of the situation Miller was able to compartmentalize it better than past fights.
“If I thought about those things when I was warming up or making the walk or in the octagon, I wouldn’t be here today. Fighting immediately after my brother was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do because then during the warm-up I’m seeing him, I’m seeing the look on his face,” he said.
“And it’s like he is not here. Like sh*t, this is not cool. Having to turn that off and wanting to be there for him and just having to go and fight undefeated Iranian national champ wrestler…”
To win in front of his family, and his son, was something he was grateful for after his win over Gordon. Some would think that it would be the perfect time for the 42-year-old father of four to walk away, but that just wouldn’t be his style.
“It felt great. It’s awesome to be here, it’s awesome to get to fight, I get this opportunity. I earned it and I still get to do it,” he said.
“I can very confidently say that a vast majority of (fighters) are retiring because their body’s breaking down or because they’re not able to keep up with the sport. I’ve been able to do both of those things. I’ve been able to stay healthy and I’ve been able to keep up with my opponents.”
With Miller continuing on in his career in hopes of reaching that 50 UFC fights mark he said he didn’t care who he faced next. He did however shoot his shot at a specific lightweight.
“Whoever,” Miller said when asked who he wanted next.
“Unfortunately I think I might have broke my left hand in the four minutes that we were fighting, but I hear there’s an Irishman looking for a fight. I think that would be a fun one.”
Conor McGregor, the ball is in your court.
Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Jim Miller above.