The UFC this weekend sees UFC fight record holder Jim Miller take on fellow veteran Gabriel Benitez.
Jim Miller
Jim Miller is a name every MMA fan knows. Entering the UFC in 2008, Miller holds the record for the most fights in the UFC, a record seemingly at this point unbeatable. Miller’s longevity speaks through his results. Currently on a 4 fight win streak, it seems as Miller cannot be stopped. Jim Miller brings the fight to everybody, despite his age, and understands that delving into those deep waters is what truly sets him apart from those who have fought for as long as he has. His submission work is notorious, and with the aim to fight at the upcoming UFC 300, Miller will not want to hang around for long in the Octagon.
Gabriel Benitez
Gabriel Benitez holds a nearly 50/50 record. Also a veteran, Benitez is very much meat-and-potatoes straight punches and body kick orientated. If he can bring that game to Miller and stay off the ground, he has a legitimate chance. Despite this, out of his last 4 fights he has lost 3 by KO. He needs to stay wide and clear of Miller’s tendency to slug it out.
Fight Analysis
Despite Jim Miller’s age he seems to be unstoppable as of this moment. Despite Benitez’ clear ability, he struggles to channel it in the Octagon and make clever decisions. The ultimate difference between these two veterans is Miller’s ability to analyse the situation and work with his strengths. If Jim Miller can dictate the direction the fight moves in, it could be a long night for Gabriel Benitez.
Jim Miller Wins Again
Round 1
Round 1 starts with Benitez throwing low leg kicks at Miller. Miller returns fire with leg kicks of his own. Benitez throws hands. Miller returns fire with his own hands. The first couple of minutes looked like guys fighting in a mirror. Towards the end of the round, Miller switches nicely from the outside low kicks to the inside low kicks followed by a high kick as he mixes things up. Nice first round here.
Round 2
Both men throwing hands early in Round 2 here. The cleaner shots coming from Jim Miller and Benitez’s lead right leg is chewed up. Miller shoots for the takedown and gets it. This is a wise strategy from Miller. However, Benitez almost slips in an armbar from nowhere but Miller escapes. Miller jumps straight back onto Benitez and lands a huge hammer fist before taking the back. Miller isn’t able to attempt a submission and the round comes to a close.
Round 3
Benitez starts the third with more intent, knowing he is likely trailing here. Miller looks tired and lands a leg kick which Benitez checks. That hurt Miller but he continues to throw. Miller shoots for the takedown and lands it, the pair scramble and Miller takes the neck. He sinks in the rear-naked choke. It isn’t quite under the chin but the face-crank is enough for Benitez to tap. Let’s get Jim Miller a massive fight at UFC 300 next.
Official Result: Jim Miller Defeats Gabriel Benitez via Submission (Rear-naked choke in Round 3)
Highlights:
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
