Matt Brown Challenges Daniel Cormier’s Stance on Jim Miller’s UFC Hall of Fame Candidacy: Longevity Deserves Recognition
Jim Miller has undeniably carved out a remarkable career in the UFC, spanning an impressive 15 years and securing the all-time wins record in the promotion.
However, former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier contends that Miller’s tenure alone should not warrant consideration for the UFC Hall of Fame. Cormier argues that mere longevity is insufficient for induction. On the contrary, veteran welterweight fighter Matt Brown, who has also spent 15 years in the UFC, disagrees vehemently with Cormier. Brown believes that both he and Miller have achieved something extraordinary by remaining in the sport for such an extended period, especially when considering the rarity of fighters who manage to stay as long as they have.
“When you have longevity in the sport, you have to do something extraordinary. Longevity is an extraordinary feat,” Brown expressed during a recent episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer. “We are part of the 0.1 percent of MMA fighters who have been in the UFC for this long. Think about how many thousands and thousands of fighters have been in the UFC by now. It’s not like Sam Alvey’s longevity. We are doing something exceptional. To be in there for 15 years is a fucking extraordinary feat.”
Brown made his UFC debut just a few months before Miller, and both fighters have remained in the promotion for the entirety of the past 15 years without any gaps in their careers.
Additionally, they have amassed impressive accolades. Brown holds records for the most knockouts in UFC history, the most finishes in UFC welterweight history, and the most fights in UFC welterweight history. Miller, on the other hand, boasts the most wins in UFC history, the most finishes in UFC lightweight history, and the most bouts in UFC lightweight history.
Furthermore, the UFC Hall of Fame does not impose specific criteria for induction, bolstering Brown’s argument that Miller should undoubtedly be considered based on his overall body of work.
“I suppose, similar to the Baseball Hall of Fame, you don’t have to win the World Series to be inducted,” Brown explained. “Winning a championship isn’t necessarily a prerequisite for the Hall of Fame, right? I think that’s what Daniel Cormier is implying. You have to be a champion, you have to hold a belt to gain entry into the Hall of Fame. Why wouldn’t longevity be part of the criteria? This is an incredibly tough sport to have longevity in. It’s not like his longevity was unproductive. He holds the most wins as well. It’s not like he was just idle during that time. What criteria is Cormier referring to? I have immense respect for DC, I’m not criticizing him. He’s entitled to his opinion, but if his criterion is that you must be a champion to get in, then it will exclude many deserving fighters.”
Brown’s admiration for Miller is apparent, especially considering the latter’s continued success at 39 years old, including a stunning 23-second knockout in his most recent UFC bout.
“A fighter like Jim Miller, who has been at it for so long, excelling throughout his career,” Brown commended. “There’s maybe even a factor of his story with Lyme disease and how he fought through it, still winning and dominating, which might earn him some preferential treatment.”
Brown holds Miller in such high regard that he is open to the idea of facing him, particularly if the opportunity arises at UFC 300, anticipated to take place in early 2024.
Miller has expressed his desire to compete on this landmark card, aiming to become the sole fighter to have participated in UFC 100, UFC 200, and UFC 300.
Having missed out on the previous two milestone events, Brown shares his frustration and sees UFC 300 as a chance to rectify that.
“I’ve always felt a bit frustrated. I wasn’t happy about being skipped over for UFC 100, and the same happened for UFC 200,” Brown shared. “So maybe the UFC will let me in for UFC 300. Let’s go, Jim Miller!”
Brown mentioned that he has no plans to compete during the summer and wishes to spend more time with his children, ruling out fights around the holiday season. Hence, UFC 300, likely to occur in March or April 2024, presents the perfect opportunity, especially if he can secure a matchup with Miller.
“It’s fantastic to enter the octagon when you hold immense respect for your opponent,” Brown added. “When you contemplate the fight beforehand, during your training leading up to it, during interviews, especially with a fighter like Jim Miller, where you don’t have to deal with all the trash talk, unnecessary drama at weigh-ins, or intense staredowns. It won’t be a spectacle. You and your opponent are there for business, ready to throw down.”
“When you’ve seen a guy fight as many times as Jim Miller, or when he has seen me fight as many times, we know what to expect. We know what’s coming. Both of us are prepared for war. We’re both coming to inflict damage and possess the potential to do so. It’s an incredible matchup. I believe it’s an excellent fight.”
The podcast, The Fighter vs. The Writer, releases new episodes every Tuesday. Audio-only versions of the podcast are available on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Stitcher.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC Hall of Fame candidacy
Q: Does Jim Miller deserve to be considered for the UFC Hall of Fame based on his longevity?
A: According to Matt Brown, who has spent the same 15 years in the UFC, Jim Miller’s longevity is an extraordinary feat. Brown believes that Miller’s impressive career and being part of the small percentage of fighters who stay in the UFC for this long should earn him consideration for the Hall of Fame.
Q: Why does Daniel Cormier disagree with Miller’s Hall of Fame candidacy?
A: Daniel Cormier argues that simply having a long tenure in the UFC should not automatically qualify a fighter for the Hall of Fame. He believes that there should be additional criteria beyond just time served in order to be inducted.
Q: What records and achievements do Brown and Miller hold in the UFC?
A: Matt Brown holds records for the most knockouts, most finishes, and most fights in UFC welterweight history. Jim Miller, on the other hand, boasts the most wins, most finishes, and most bouts in UFC lightweight history.
Q: Is there a set criteria for induction into the UFC Hall of Fame?
A: No, the UFC Hall of Fame does not have specific criteria outlined for induction. This lack of a defined criteria adds weight to the argument that Jim Miller should be considered based on his overall body of work.
Q: When is UFC 300 expected to take place and why is it significant?
A: UFC 300 is anticipated to happen in early 2024. It is significant because Jim Miller has expressed his desire to fight on this historic card, as it would make him the only fighter to have participated in UFC 100, UFC 200, and UFC 300.
Q: Why does Matt Brown want to fight Jim Miller at UFC 300?
A: Matt Brown has respect for Jim Miller and sees him as an ideal opponent. He also has a personal desire to compete at UFC 300 after feeling overlooked for UFC 100 and UFC 200, making the event more meaningful to him.
More about UFC Hall of Fame candidacy
- UFC Official Website
- UFC Hall of Fame
- Matt Brown’s UFC Profile
- Jim Miller’s UFC Profile
- Daniel Cormier’s UFC Profile
- [The Fighter vs. The Writer Podcast](insert link to the podcast)
