Dan Miller (fighter)

Daniel James Miller[3] (born June 30, 1981) is an American former mixed martial artist. A professional from 2005 until 2014, he is perhaps best known for competing in the UFC, but was also the final International Fight League Middleweight Champion, representing the New York Pitbulls. He is the older brother of current UFC Lightweight Jim Miller.

Dan Miller
BornDaniel James Miller
(1981-06-30) June 30, 1981
Sparta Township, New Jersey, United States
NationalityAmerican
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[1]
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13.2 st)
DivisionWelterweight
Middleweight
Reach74 in (190 cm)[1]
Fighting out ofSparta Township, New Jersey, United States
TeamMiller Brothers MMA
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Jamie Cruz[2]
Years active2005-2013, 2015
Mixed martial arts record
Total23
Wins14
By knockout1
By submission9
By decision4
Losses8
By knockout1
By decision7
No contests1
Other information
Notable relativesJim Miller (brother)
Notable school(s)Sparta High School
Websitehttp://www.millerbrothersmma.com/
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

Born and raised in Sparta Township, New Jersey along with two brothers, Miller began wrestling from a young age and continued competing at Sparta High School.[4] Miller then began his mixed martial arts career in 2005, when he began training at Planet Jiu-Jitsu.[5] On January 15, 2010, Miller received his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Jamie Cruz.[6]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Miller had his first professional fight November 19, 2005 against Tenyeh Dixon at Reality Fighting 10 and was victorious by triangle choke in the first round. Miller followed the Dixon fight with a victory over Jay Coleman at Reality Fighting 11 by Armbar, setting up a #1 contender match against Mike Massenzio. As the main event at Reality Fighting 12, Massenzio and Miller fought to a close decision, with Miller's submission attempts earning the victory on one judge's card and Massenzio's strong takedowns earning the victory on two cards, and the fight.

Miller's next fight came at the Cage Fury Fighting Championships where he took on Dave Perez. Miller landed a strong upkick from his back early before controlling the rest of the fight. Perez failed to answer the bell for round 2, and Miller's victory earned him a title shot at CFFC II. Miller fought Lance Everson at CFFC II for the Cage Fury Fighting Championships Middleweight Title. The fight was highlighted by a powerful slam by Miller which led to a Rear Naked Choke which earned Miller the first round victory and the title.

Following CFFC II, Planet Jiu Jitsu closed down. Miller began training at American Martial Arts in Whippany, New Jersey with his brother Jim in January, 2007.

Miller defended his title April 13, 2007 against Rhino Fight Team's Jose Rodriguez in his first fight with AMA Fight Club. Miller's brother Jim also fought on the card; the first time the brothers had fought together since Reality Fighting 12 and both were victorious. Using his strong wrestling and Jiu Jitsu skills, Miller took Rodriguez to the ground on multiple occasions, and dealt damage from on top. Though Miller attained the mount twice, and had an attempted Armbar in the third round, Rodriguez proved to be tough and the fight went to the judges where Miller was granted the unanimous 30–27 victory.

Miller made his IFL debut when he fought for Renzo Gracie's New York Pitbulls in the 2007 IFL Semifinals in East Rutherford, New Jersey, filling in for the injured Fabio Leopaldo. Miller fought the Tokyo Sabres' Dave Phillips in the first fight between the teams. After a quick slam by Miller, Phillips established guard and attempted an armbar. Miller slammed out, and in the scramble secured Phillips' neck in a Standing Guillotine Choke. IFL Commentator Bas Rutten called the choke, which rendered Phillips unconscious, "the tightest guillotine [he'd] ever seen," and Miller earned the Submission-of-the-Night award for it.

Miller defeated Ryan McGivern by kneebar to become the last IFL Middleweight Championship.[7]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On July 23, 2008, it was announced that the UFC had signed both Miller and his brother Jim each to four fight contracts.[8] Miller was successful in his UFC debut against Rob Kimmons at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Neer, winning via rear-naked choke submission.

Miller returned to the Octagon and defeated Matt Horwich via unanimous decision at UFC 90 on October 25, 2008. He moved his UFC record to 3-0 with a first round submission victory over Jake Rosholt at UFC Fight Night: Lauzon vs. Stephens on February 7, 2009.

Originally, Miller was scheduled to fight again at UFC 98 against Yushin Okami, but Okami sustained an injury and was replaced by Chael Sonnen.[9] He lost via unanimous decision as Sonnen took him down at will and ground and pounded for three rounds en route to a victory.

Miller was scheduled to fight CB Dollaway on September 16, 2009 at UFC Fight Night 19, but got an infection and had to withdraw.[10][11]

Miller lost a unanimous decision to Demian Maia on February 6, 2010 at UFC 109.[12]

Miller next lost his third consecutive UFC fight to Michael Bisping via unanimous decision on May 29, 2010 at UFC 114.[13]

Miller faced John Salter on August 28, 2010 at UFC 118, replacing an injured Phil Baroni. Miller earned a much needed win via submission due to a Ninja Choke (a front Rear Naked Choke) at 1:53 of the second round. It was Miller's first victory since February 2009.

Miller next defeated Joe Doerksen on December 11, 2010 at UFC 124 via split decision.[14]

Miller faced Nate Marquardt on March 19, 2011 at UFC 128, replacing Yoshihiro Akiyama on one week's notice.[15] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Miller faced Rousimar Palhares on August 27, 2011 at UFC 134, replacing an injured Alexandre Ferreira.[16] In the first round, Dan was dropped by strikes, Palhares followed up with ground and pound; using effective blocking and intelligent defense, Miller was able to protect himself from the strikes but Palhares stopped his ground and pound to begin celebrating and climbed on top of the cage ring. Ref Herb Dean pulled Palhares back into the ring and advised that he did not stop the fight. Before continuing, both fighters reset and met in the middle of the ring; Dan Miller immediately dropped Palhares with a hard punch. Palhares even went limp as he fell to the canvas, but quickly regained composure. Palhares ended up defeating Miller by unanimous decision.

Miller faced Ricardo Funch in a Welterweight bout on June 22, 2012 at UFC on FX 4.[17] Miller was successful his welterweight debut, submitting Funch with a guillotine choke late in round 3, earning Submission of the Night honors.

Miller was expected to face Sean Pierson on September 22, 2012 at UFC 152.[18] However, Miller pulled out of the bout after getting news about his son's kidney transplant operation[19] and was replaced by Lance Benoist.[20]

Miller returned to the UFC octagon on March 16, 2013 at UFC 158, where he faced Jordan Mein on the card.[21] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round, the first stoppage loss of his career.

Miller was expected to return to middleweight and face Daniel Sarafian on December 20, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 58.[22] However, Miller pulled out of the bout on December 11 and was replaced by promotional newcomer Antonio dos Santos Jr.[23]

After over two years away from the sport, Miller returned to face Trevor Smith on July 12, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale.[24] He lost the fight via unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.[25][26]

Personal life

Miller is married.[27] The couple lost their first child, a daughter in March 2009.[28] Their second child has struggled with health problems.[29] Prior to their careers in mixed martial arts, Dan and his younger brother Jim worked in construction with their father.[4]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
23 matches 14 wins 8 losses
By knockout 1 1
By submission 9 0
By decision 4 7
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 14–8 (1) Trevor Smith Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians Finale July 12, 2015 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Middleweight.
Loss 14–7 (1) Jordan Mein TKO (punches) UFC 158 March 16, 2013 1 4:42 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Win 14–6 (1) Ricardo Funch Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida June 22, 2012 3 3:12 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Welterweight debut. Submission of the Night.
Loss 13–6 (1) Rousimar Palhares Decision (unanimous) UFC 134 August 27, 2011 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 13–5 (1) Nate Marquardt Decision (unanimous) UFC 128 March 19, 2011 3 5:00 Newark, New Jersey, United States
Win 13–4 (1) Joe Doerksen Decision (split) UFC 124 December 11, 2010 3 5:00 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Win 12–4 (1) John Salter Submission (ninja choke) UFC 118 August 28, 2010 2 1:53 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Loss 11–4 (1) Michael Bisping Decision (unanimous) UFC 114 May 29, 2010 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 11–3 (1) Demian Maia Decision (unanimous) UFC 109 February 6, 2010 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 11–2 (1) Chael Sonnen Decision (unanimous) UFC 98 May 23, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 11–1 (1) Jake Rosholt Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Lauzon vs. Stephens February 7, 2009 1 1:03 Tampa, Florida, United States
Win 10–1 (1) Matt Horwich Decision (unanimous) UFC 90 October 25, 2008 3 5:00 Rosemont, Illinois, United States
Win 9–1 (1) Rob Kimmons Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Neer September 17, 2008 1 1:27 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Win 8–1 (1) Ryan McGivern Submission (kneebar) IFL: Connecticut May 16, 2008 1 3:36 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Won the IFL Middleweight Championship.
NC 7–1 (1) Mike Geurin No Contest (headbutt) Ring of Combat 18 March 7, 2008 1 0:34 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Miller injured by an accidental headbutt.
Win 7–1 John Howard Decision (unanimous) Ring of Combat 17: Beast of the Northeast Finals November 30, 2007 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 6–1 Dave Phillips Submission (standing guillotine choke) IFL: 2007 Semifinals August 2, 2007 1 1:30 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
Win 5–1 Jose Rodriguez Decision (unanimous) Cage Fury Fighting Championships 4 April 13, 2007 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Defended the Cage Fury Middleweight Championship.
Win 4–1 Lance Everson Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Fury Fighting Championships 2 October 6, 2006 1 2:26 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Won the Cage Fury Middleweight Championship.
Win 3–1 Dave Perez TKO (corner stoppage) Cage Fury Fighting Championships 1 June 30, 2006 1 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Loss 2–1 Mike Massenzio Decision (split) Reality Fighting 12: Return to Boardwalk Hall April 29, 2006 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 2–0 Jay Coleman Submission (armbar) Reality Fighting 11: Battle at Taj Mahal February 11, 2006 1 N/A Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 1–0 Tenyeh Dixon Submission (triangle choke) Reality Fighting 10 November 19, 2005 1 2:20 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
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See also

References
  1. "Fight Card - The Ultimate Fighter Finale American Top Team vs. Blackzilians". UFC.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  2. "Dan Miller - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  3. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2012-02-21.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. http://advertisernewssouth.com/article/20130424/SPORTS/130429978/0/news/Q&A-with-UFC-Fighter-and-Sparta-native-Jim-Miller
  5. McCullough, Andy. "Ex-Sparta High wrestlers Jim and Dan Miller make UFC a family affair", The Star-Ledger, March 26, 2010. Accessed June 28, 2011. "Day after day, Mike Miller heard his boys brawling. His two 20-something sons worked construction with him, on the job at 7 am, out in the sun during the summer. When work slowed, Jim and Dan tussled in basements and dumpsters, 'beating the crap out of each other,' Jim said. So Mike waited. He understood. The boys missed competition. Both had wrestled at Sparta High School."
  6. "UFC Middleweight Dan Miller Awarded BJJ Black Belt". BJJGrappler.com. 2010-01-15. Archived from the original on 2014-07-15.
  7. Statistics for Mixed Martial Arts Fighters
  8. UFC signs IFL champ Dan Miller and brother Jim Miller | MMAjunkie.com Archived 2008-07-26 at the Wayback Machine
  9. Chael Sonnen fills in for Yushin Okami against Dan Miller at UFC 98
  12. "Middleweights Demian Maia and Dan Miller targeted for UFC 108 contest in January". mmajunkie.com. 2009-10-16. Archived from the original on 2012-10-13.
  13. "BISPING VS. MILLER LIKELY FOR UFC 114 IN LAS VEGAS". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2010-03-01.
  14. "MILLER VS. DOERKSEN HEADED TO UFC 124". mmaweekly.com. Archived from the original on 2010-10-10. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
  15. "Nick Catone vs. Dan Miller on tap for UFC 128 in New Jersey". mmajunkie.com. 2011-01-05. Archived from the original on 2011-01-07.
  16. "Dan Miller replaces injured "Cacareco," meets Rousimar Palhares at UFC 134". mmajunkie.com. July 6, 2011. Archived from the original on July 9, 2011.
  17. "Dan Miller drops to welterweight, fights Ricardo Funch at UFC on FX 4". mmamania.com. March 21, 2012.
  18. "UFC 152 adds Miller vs. Pierson to Toronto show". mmajunkie.com. August 2, 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-08-04.
  19. Pishna, Ken (August 24, 2012). "Dan Miller Happily Steps Off UFC 152 Fight Card for His Son". mmaweekly.com.
  20. "With Miller out, Sean Pierson now meets Lance Benoist at UFC 152 in Toronto". mmajunkie.com. August 24, 2012. Archived from the original on August 27, 2012.
  21. "Young Gun Mein to Make UFC Debut Against Miller". TopMMANews.com. January 4, 2013.
  22. Jacob Cooper (2014-10-16). "Daniel Sarafian vs. Dan Miller Added To UFC Fight Night 58". fansided.com. Retrieved 2014-10-16.
  23. Staff (2014-12-11). "Antonio dos Santos Jr. replaces Dan Miller at UFC Fight Night 58". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-12-11.
  24. Staff (2015-05-22). "Trevor Smith vs. Dan Miller added to TUF 21 Finale". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-05-22.
  25. Steven Marrocco (2014-07-12). "TUF 21 Finale results: Trevor Smith dominant in Dan Miller's return from long layoff". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-07-12.
  26. Mookie Alexander (2015-09-01). "Report: Dan Miller, Darrell Montague among 13 fighters released from UFC". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  27. Millers Sweep to Begin Wedding Weekend Archived 2009-01-06 at the Wayback Machine
  28. Sherdog: One Tough Kid
  29. "Family man Dan Miller takes heavy heart into Saturday's UFC 114 co-main event". MMAJUNKIE.com. 2010-05-28. Retrieved 2010-06-28.
Preceded by
Ryan McGivern		 3rd IFL Middleweight Champion
May 16, 2008 – July 31, 2008		 Succeeded by
IFL ceased operations
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