Diamondback Ambassador

Jim Miller

Athlete

Newton, New Jersey

In 1997, Jim Miller was introduced to mixed martial arts by a wrestling coach who was looking to inspire his students. With UFC 3 humming in the VCR, Jim was more than just inspired; he was mesmerized. Still in high school, Jim knew a pile of work stood between him and a career as a fighter. He was up to the challenge.

Jim’s toughness was well-established long before his venture into MMA. He had a blueprint in his dad, Mike, who framed homes with the same tenacity we’ve seen his son make famous. Like his dad and brothers, Jim wore sweat-soaked shirts and callouses on his hands with pride. No matter the challenge, it was “all you had or nothing” in the Miller family.

Jim’s grit earned him a walk-on spot with Virginia Tech’s wrestling team before he decided a degree and career in engineering no longer appealed to him. Back in New Jersey, Jim and his brother, Dan, spent several years working construction with their dad during the day, followed by Brazilian jiu-jitsu training in the evening. Jim’s training led to a black belt, and skills that paired well with his legendary work ethic. In July of 2008, Jim and Dan signed contracts with the UFC. That October, Jim made his debut and collected the first of many wins.

Never one to shy away from a fight, Jim met a different form of opponent in 2013: Lyme Disease. For years, the illness went undiagnosed but the symptoms were causing a real problem for the fighter. Jim attributed those to his unorthodox career. “My dad always said that every job takes a piece of you. That’s all I made of it.” During Jim’s pre-fight physical for UFC 196, his doctor ran some tests and put a name to the symptoms. Like with any other challenge, Jim immediately got to work, making dramatic changes to his diet, lifestyle, and methods of recovery. More than manage symptoms; those changes gave Jim a competitive advantage. “If it weren’t for that diagnosis, I wouldn’t still be fighting professionally."

An avid outdoorsman since his youth, Jim found a steady source of clean protein in the game he harvested. Growing up in an Italian family, he’s happy to share his clean recipes and New Jersey homestead with anyone who comes knocking. Jim’s 45 UFC fights are the most all-time, and proof of his relentlessness. Still going strong, his goal is to close the books once he notches his 50th fight. When the day comes, Jim will have plenty to keep him busy with his wife, Angel, their four children, and the 19th century farmhouse they call home.

Newton, New Jersey

What are your plans for post-UFC life?

Jim: I know I’ll be spending more time with my wife, Angel, and our kids, Wyatt, Sawyer, Cassidy and Amelia. As for a career, I’m not entirely sure what’s next for me but I’m pumped for it. Whatever it is, I’ll go as hard as I can because that’s the only speed I’ve ever known.

Was there a time you felt unprepared for a fight? Any changes since?

Jim: I could barely sleep leading up to my first MMA fight. I had plenty of grappling experience, but no training in striking. In this sport, one strength isn’t enough and I knew it. I focused on becoming a dangerous striker and it’s been a part of my training ever since. When I walked into my UFC debut, I was completely calm. It helped that my brother, Dan, made his own successful debut before me.

What sort of challenges did Lyme disease present and how did you deal with them?

Jim: Lyme disease causes joint inflammation, and brain and nerve issues. No good for a fighter. I was dealing with severe headaches and nausea, fatigue, and muscle loss. I loved beer at the time, and had plans to open a brewery, but I had to give it up. I was a top-ranked fighter so it’s not like I ate trash, but I had to take things to another level. I quit drinking, cut the sugar, and focused on clean protein and probiotic foods.

Do you ever relax? How?

Jim: I relax by doing. I like to build, break, and fix things. I’m most relaxed when I’m tinkering in the workshop, working on my property, or cooking. Growing up, if you visited our family, we fed you. As a result I developed a love for cooking and sharing great food.