Jim Miller recalls sickening injury against Donald Cerrone that gave him PTSD

Jim Miller is a pioneer of mixed martial arts and has been competing in the sport for almost 18 years, but in the build-up to his fight this weekend, the legend recalled one moment throughout his career that gave him PTSD.

Despite being 39 years of age and seemingly coming towards the end of his time in the sport, 'A-10' has put together an impressive three-fight win streak. Not only is he on a good run of form, but the veteran earned stoppages in each of the bouts, finishing Erick Gonzalez, Nikolas Motta, and most recently Donald Cerrone.

During a recent interview, Jim Miller explained how his first outing against 'Cowboy' Cerrone in 2014 altered his career and gave him PTSD as their rematch was finalized eight years later.

"The [second] fight with 'Cowboy', that was cool... I had a little PTSD from our first fight, honestly... He hit me with a knee in the very first exchange of the fight that bruised my spleen and hurt my body... I think most people would have stopped the first time he threw that front kick and landed it because, at that point, I couldn't use a hard belly anymore... When he landed the one that knocked me down, the ref stopped it because it sounded like it hit my cup but it was my spine. My abs were melted away at that point... I've never been stabbed before, but I feel like if somebody stabbed me in the stomach, that's what it would have felt like."

The first fight between the two staples of MMA ended via knockout for Donald Cerrone midway through the second round, though Miller got his revenge by submitting his opponent in their rematch.

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When and who is Jim Miller fighting next?

As he closes in on 40 years of age, Jim Miller is still going strong in the octagon and is hoping to extend a UFC record already held by himself for most fights and wins in the promotion's history.

For the first time in 2023, the well-rounded lightweight will strap on the gloves and walk into the cage, where he will meet and collide with tough contender Alexander Hernandez.

The two are set to lock horns at the UFC Apex on Saturday night, with the pair of 155ers stepping on the scale, making weight, and ultimately confirming that their brawl would go ahead earlier this afternoon.