In the new school vs. old school battle between Joe Solecki and Jim Miller at UFC Vegas 23, it was the younger Solecki who came out on top.
Any time Jim Miller fights, he makes history. That’s been said time and again, as Miller continues to be the leader (neck and neck with Donald Cerrone, really) for most fights in UFC history. On Saturday at UFC Vegas 23, he was back at it again, paired up with Joe Solecki. For the UFC’s iron man, it was fight number 37.
Solecki, a decade younger than Miller, was being given a chance to make a name for himself with a win over the veteran. Miller was 2-2 in his past four; Solecki, 2-0 in the UFC to date.
The fight started with a couple of quick combinations from Solecki, prompting a brief clinch exchange. Solecki was initiating the exchanges on the feet and Miller was focused on trying to land counter shots. A clean right hand landed for Solecki and soon after, the first grappling exchange was initiated by Solecki, who shot in and pulled guard. Miller walked him over to the fence and pinned him there, limiting the range of motion Solecki had until the end of the round.
Solecki was able to get on top early in the second round after eating a knee to the gut. It was a closed guard for Miller near the cage, but not pinned like Solecki was last round. They moved further away from the cage and Solecki was able to control Miller for nearly the entire round with not much in terms of action.
Like the second round, Solecki got right on Miller and took him down into half guard. Miller started to try and isolate an arm, but Solecki broke out of the grip and continued to land ground and pound. Miller wasn’t able to generate anything from his back and Solecki rode out a big victory over the veteran.
Joe Solecki def. Jim Miller by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
