Jim Miller reveals ‘arduous cease’ deadline for UFC retirement

NEW YORK – It looks as if Jim Miller would possibly combat perpetually, however after Saturday’s win at UFC 309, the potential future Corridor of Famer confirmed that each one good issues should come to an finish… finally.

Miller (38-18 MMA, 27-17 UFC) notched his record-extending twenty seventh UFC win when he submitted Damon Jackson (23-8-1 MMA, 6-6-1 UFC) within the first spherical at Madison Sq. Backyard. The looks was his 45 within the promotion.

Not one to normally point out plans of slowing down, Miller stated he has 5 extra fights left – and that’ll be it. Fifty is the magic quantity.

“The 50 is the arduous cease,” Miller informed MMA Junkie and different reporters at a post-fight information convention. “You guys can maintain me to that sh*t. Yeah, 100%. 100%. Until, they’re like, ‘A pair million {dollars}.’ Then, it’s 51. I’m prepared to maneuver on to different stuff. There are undoubtedly elements of me which can be able to make a dedication to one thing else. It’s going to be tough. It’s bought to be f*cking arduous to not get to do that.”

Miller, 41, stated one of many largest struggles shall be determining what precisely he desires to do when he hangs the gloves up. Combating is just about all he’s ever recognized professionally.

“I’ve by no means had an actual job,” Miller stated. “I framed homes with my father. Once I was in school, I labored at Buffalo Wild Wings for a bit of bit. I used to be a reasonably crappy fry cook dinner for a pair months there. However yeah, I’m a fighter. That’s what I do. I do know all people’s street is completely different and I’m making an attempt to create my very own and be in a great spot to maneuver on to one thing else. I wish to have some vitality left to do different stuff. 50 is a tough cease. The aim of mine is to get to 30 wins, so in these 5 fights, get three extra wins and actually put that one away. And simply have some enjoyable fights and combat on some huge playing cards and combat some guys that I’ve been followers of perpetually.”

Not many fighters get to choose and select the fights that excite them. However Miller is beloved by the promotion, as indicated by UFC CEO Dana White’s immediate agreement to Miller’s “deal” of attending to 50 UFC fights after which retiring.

To sum it up, Miller is comfy together with his legacy. The ultimate 5 fights of his profession he expects shall be enjoyable. He’ll soak in each second till it’s time to stroll away.

“I really feel like I’m a very cool spot,” Miller stated. “I’m in a distinct spot than most individuals. I’m in a distinct spot than most fighters earlier than me. I wish to exit and I wish to placed on exhibits, however I’ve additionally cemented ‘Jim F*cking Miller.’ I’m going to exit and I’m going to complete folks, or I’m going to exit and get my f*cking ass kicked making an attempt to do it. Discovering the straightforward manner out contained in the octagon, Chael (Sonnen) has stated it: Quitting is the simplest factor on the planet to do. It’s so painfully simple to search out your manner out. ‘Issues aren’t going my manner. Oh, I broke my hand. Oh, I’ve bought a large lower over my eye. Possibly I ought to simply turtle up. Nobody would consider any much less of me.’

“However I do know I’ve bought this guillotine and I do know I’ve bought a few of these different issues, so it’s burned into my mind. Like, enjoying whiffle ball with my associates as a child like, ‘Backside of the ninth. Bases are loaded. It’s a full rely.’ I’m nonetheless making an attempt to hit that house run. Any person may very well be punching me within the face whereas it’s taking place however I’m nonetheless in search of it. You realize what a Jim Miller combat is and I’m happy with that. That’s a part of the rationale why by way of a number of the more durable instances in my profession, I’m nonetheless right here. It’s as a result of it’s what I do.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 309.