UFC Hall of Famers Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier disagree on whether Jim Miller, who holds the record for most fights and wins in UFC history, should be inducted into the Hall of Fame, with Cormier arguing that Miller’s lack of a championship title disqualifies him, while Bisping believes Miller’s longevity and impact on the sport make him deserving.
UFC Hall of Famers Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier are at odds. They can’t agree on what it takes to earn that esteemed title.
Jim Miller is set to step into the octagon for the 44th time at UFC 300 this Saturday. This feat extends his record for the most fights in the promotion’s history. He could also beat Bobby Green for his 27th UFC win, another record he already holds.
Miller’s got a ton of accomplishments under his belt after an impressive 16-year stint in the UFC. But Cormier doesn’t think it’s enough for a Hall of Fame spot.
“I respect everything he’s done,” Cormier admitted on his podcast earlier this year. But he added, “I still don’t think it’s a Hall of Fame career.”
Cormier’s main gripe? Miller never won a title or even competed for one during his lengthy UFC tenure. But Bisping doesn’t see that as a must-have for Hall of Fame status.
Bisping told MMA Fighting, “I disagree with Cormier.” He believes that Miller, given his achievements and contributions to the sport, deserves a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame. “Being a champion is one thing, but being in the Hall of Fame means something different,” Bisping argued.
At 40, Miller is enjoying one of his best UFC runs with a 5-1 record in his last six fights. He’s set to face Bobby Green on Saturday. This fight will make him the only fighter to compete at UFC 100, 200, and 300.
Miller and Jon Jones are the only fighters from UFC 100 in 2009 still on the roster. The rest have either retired or left the UFC.
The same goes for UFC 200 in 2016. Only Miller, Miesha Tate, Jose Aldo, Julianna Pena, Kelvin Gastelum, and Joe Lauzon are still active from that historic event.
Bisping praised Miller, saying, “He’s continuing to fight at the highest level.” He pointed out Miller’s numerous Fight of the Night and Fight of the Year awards. “I think longevity alone, the amount of bonuses, the amount of wins, the amount of fights, that is something that separates him from the average guy,” Bisping said.
Miller once planned to retire after UFC 300. But that’s not happening anymore.
After recovering from Lyme disease, which nearly led to his retirement in 2016, Miller feels better than ever. He’s still competing with the best fighters in the world.
Miller continues to earn his spot with each performance. Bisping believes that deserves recognition.
“Fighting on UFC 100, 200 and 300 and you know what Jim’s like, the way this is going he’ll be on UFC 400 as well,” Bisping said. “The longevity, the success, the determination, how he’s been able to do that to his body for so long. That alone needs to be respected.”