UFC veteran Jim Miller, a fighter known for his resilience and longevity, is approaching a significant milestone in his career: his 50th fight in the UFC. As he nears retirement, Miller has revealed a couple of wishes he hopes to fulfill before hanging up his gloves.
With his 46th UFC bout scheduled against Chase Hooper at UFC 314, Miller, who already holds records for the most fights and wins in the promotion`s history, is contemplating his final fights. While he`s known for accepting any challenge the UFC presents, there`s one opponent he particularly dreams of facing for his 50th and potentially final fight.
“When it comes to opponents, there are so many formidable fighters,” Miller told MMA Fighting. “Many guys I admire and would love to test myself against. I know it would be a tough climb in the next four fights, especially since we`re in the same division and he`s ranked higher, but the idea of facing Justin Gaethje excites me. I envision it as an absolute war.”
Miller acknowledges that a fight with Gaethje, currently a top-ranked lightweight contender, might not be strategically beneficial for Gaethje in his pursuit of a title shot. However, he believes Gaethje`s fighter mentality, similar to his own willingness to face anyone, makes the matchup a possibility.
Miller clearly holds Gaethje in high esteem and believes that a fight against him for his 50th and final appearance would be a fitting end to his storied career.
“Making that fight happen would require effort on my part,” Miller admitted. “My focus is on being healthy, prepared, and ready to fight. I`m not involved in matchmaking decisions.”
Another significant wish for Miller is to have one more fight close to home before his career concludes.
The New Jersey native has fought in his home state before and would cherish the opportunity to compete in front of his local fans once more before retiring.
Interestingly, the UFC is scheduled to return to New Jersey for UFC 316 in June. While Miller is fighting in Miami beforehand, he hopes that if he wins his upcoming fight, the promotion might grant him a quick turnaround to fight in New Jersey. He emphasizes the importance of fighting at the Prudential Center in Newark, considering it his true home turf.
With five fights remaining before his planned retirement, Miller is aware that time is a factor. He aims to maintain a fighting pace of every four to five months, health permitting, and is determined to reach his 50th fight milestone, a number he believes will be exceptionally difficult for anyone to surpass.
“Fifty is a significant, round number,” Miller stated. “I think it`s a peak that will be very hard for anyone else to reach. I`ve considered retirement before, even thinking UFC 200 might be my last. But I`m not one to make emotional decisions. I`m analytical and base my choices on facts and data. I won`t make an impulsive decision about retirement.”
Miller assures that his 50th fight will indeed be his last, and any changes to that plan will be publicly announced beforehand. He wants to share the experience of his final walk to the octagon with everyone, emphasizing the emotional weight and anticipation of that moment.
“I love fighting,” Miller concluded. “There`s no greater feeling than securing a finish and looking up at the crowd. I become so focused during the fight that I don`t see anything outside the cage until it`s over. Then, when I get back on my feet and look around, seeing the fans, it`s an incredible feeling. I want everyone to know when it`s going to be my last fight and sharing that anticipation with them excites me.”
