UFC flyweight Julianna Miller went into her fight against Ivana Petrovic at UFC Des Moines with a heavy heart, and emerged a new sense of belonging following her victory on Saturday night.
Miller (4-3) recently lost her grandmother who raised her. Following the win Miller was overcome with emotion during her post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. She revealed what it meant for her to win with her grandmother’s memory fresh on her mind.
“My grandma raised me. I believe she got to watch me from heaven and one thing I really wanted her to know was that I can have fun doing this,” Miller told reporters including Cageside Press at her post-fight scrum.
“I think especially coming off of a few losses. You build up this fear or do I belong here? Do I deserve to be here? Am I a failure? I really just wanted to enjoy every second of the process, and I got to. I’m so grateful.”
Miller carried her grandmother with her all of fight week. She even wore some of her clothing.
“I got to wear my grandma’s fur coat which was absolutely incredible. I’m just so happy to be here, and I’m happy to be back in the winner’s circle.”
The win over Petrovic snapped a two-fight losing streak and saved her spot on the roster seemingly. With the win secured she looked ahead to the future, but didn’t mention any names.
“The two girls I have in mind I’m not sure if they’re currently contracted in UFC still. So I’ll leave that up to Mick (Maynard),” she said.
“I’m improving everywhere. I’m healthy and I’d like to take a little time to improve before I hop back in there, but I’m ready and I’m grateful.”
Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Julianna Miller above.
