MMA fighter Jim Miller, who had previously stated his plans to retire at UFC 300, is having second thoughts about his retirement date due to his recent successful performances and the realization that UFC 300 may be sooner than he anticipated.
A few years back, UFC fighter Jim Miller made a statement about his continuing till UFC 300, considered an ambitious dream at that point. He had previously battled in UFC 100 and UFC 200 and felt that UFC 300 would be a perfect closure to his career, which already boasts over 30 fights in promotion and a reputation of an athlete who can face anyone, anywhere, any time. This goal in the distant future kept him motivated till he reached his endpoint.
After finishing his recent bout with a swift 23-second knockout, marking the quickest finish in his brilliant 54-fight career, Miller has started visualizing his retirement, which seems nearer than he expected. Accurately seen, UFC 300 is likely to happen around March or April 2024 based on the current schedule. This is making him rethink about the leftover time in his career. “Back in the day, a couple of years ago, [I thought,] ‘That’s far enough away.’ I feel good. I’m performing well. I want to fight on the card but unsure if it’s going to be the last one.” Miller comments.
Achieving a 4-1 record in his last five fights, all ending in knockouts or submissions, Miller is evidently still performing at a top level. The New Jersey native has managed to balance his gym routine, family time, and additional pursuits outside the fight industry. He believes he is in his prime right now but is aware that he cannot continue fighting forever. Hence, he wishes to decide a date for his retirement. Perhaps, as a 39-year-old veteran, he can’t surely claim it to be at UFC 300.
Miller mentions his aim of knowing his final MMA fight while preparing and walking towards it, and he wants that fight to be his last. “I’m not going to be the type that retires and comes back. I want to be able to put the energy that I put into fighting into other stuff.” Miller adds. Despite his intent of participating at UFC 300, be it his final fight or not, he makes clear that UFC 300 won’t be his next appearance as he plans to return by 2023. He confronts the risk of targeting UFC 300 by 2024, saying he has never played safe in his glorious career, and he wouldn’t do it now.