Referee Marc Goddard offers a wholesome tribute to Jim Miller with memorable pictures of their debut in the UFC

Referee Marc Goddard offers a wholesome tribute to Jim Miller with memorable pictures of their debut in the UFC

Jim Miller-Marc Goddard

When it’s all said and done, UFC Lightweight Jim Miller will be amongst the most special fighters in the history of MMA. Now a man of many records, Miller has been fighting the top of the food chain competition in the UFC for the past 14 years, starting his journey from UFC 89 headlined by UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping and MMA Legend Chris Leben. That debut for Miller went right in a spectacular fashion when he submitted David Baron via rear naked-choke in the final round of the fight.

Jim Miller UFC Vegas 48
Jim Miller at UFC Vegas 48

Now, 14 years have passed and Miller holds numerous records for: Most Wins in the UFC, Most fights in the UFC, Most Octagon time in the UFC’s Lightweight division. For someone who is proud to have fought in UFC 100 and UFC 200, Miller aims his eyes on fighting for UFC 300 as well which is roughly going to take as long as 3 years!

MMA Legend Jim Miller’s debut was officiated by one of the most respected referees in MMA today

Marc Goddard
Marc Goddard

Throughout his career, Miller has fought only the best of different time periods and fortunately he managed to have beautiful resume where his significant wins include Duane Ludwig, Gleison Tibau, Charles Oliveira, Melvin Guillard, Joe Lauzon, Takanori Gomi, Clay Guida and many more. For referee Marc Goddard, it’s Miller’s debut that will always stand out for him, for personal reasons.

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Goddard took to his Twitter to point out an interesting connection between him and Jim “A-10” Miller that involves UFC 89. He said: “Crazy! That’s me holding up Jim’s arm in the first photo – we both made our debuts for the organisation that night! UFC 89 in Birmingham. 14 years & twice around the world later…..Respect!”

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So basically, the day Miller entered into the UFC octagon for the first time to fight, was the day referee Goddard for the first time as well, only for officiating purpose. What did you make of this interesting connection by Goddard coupled with loads of praise for Miller’s legacy? What is your favourite Jim Miller moment? Where will you put Miller amongst the most fan-favourite fighters of the UFC? And, what do you think is next for him?

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