Close Your Eyes: Introducing A MMA Legend
Future Hall of Famer
I’m going introduce you to a future UFC hall of famer, but I want you to close your eyes as I tell you his story.
He grew up in the UFC. His first UFC fight was all the way back in 2008. He wasn’t groomed like some of today’s stars. He was thrown right to the wolves. His style was fan friendly! He never shied away from a brawl. Blood and bruises never slowed him down. Standing or on the ground this man had the tools to compete with the best in the division wherever the fight took place.
You may be thinking Nate Diaz. You would be wrong
Finish for the fans. This man had style. Throughout his UFC career he has wracked up a whopping 10 first round finishes. Future UFC champions, UFC perennials and up and comers are among the men finished by his hand.
You’re thinking Anderson Silva. Wrong again
Not only does this guy finish fights, but he was able to string wins together as well. He put together a 7 fight win streak. Finishing 4 of those 7 opponents. After this win streak his legend only grew larger. Never deterred he went on to fight and finish many more opponents. Bringing his classic workmen’s like style with him throughout his career.
You’re thinking Tony Ferguson? Nope
He was popular with the UFC brass. Known for never turning down a fight and taking anyone they put in front of him. Last minute replacement, no problem. Throughout his entire career he has fought at least twice per year. Sometimes up to 5 times in a calendar year. He did all this while dealing with injury and illness. If he signed the line he was fighting.
You’re thinking of Donald Cerrone. Wrong again
This man has the most fights, the most wins, the second most finishes, the second most submissions, and the most submission attempts in UFC history. This future hall of famer is Jim Miller.
He did all this without ever fighting for a title and he never complained. He’s 40 years old and is on a 2 fight winning streak with 2 finishes. He’s fought at UFC 100, UFC 200 and fights Bobby Green at UFC 300. He may not be the loudest, he may not be the most active on social. He doesn’t insult people’s families or throw dollys at buses. What he does do is get it done and get it done consistently more than anyone EVER. Jim Miller is the unsung, unappreciated (to the novice fan) hero of the UFC and most certainly deserves to be in the hall of fame. Hats off to one of the greatest to ever do it.
This article is a tribute to an old Rick Reilly article done about Allen Iverson. If you like good writing check it out here https://vault.si.com/vault/2001/05/28/looks-arent-everything