Welterweight, Jimmy Drago (7-2) Vs. Ty Miller (5-0)
Notable Notes
- Both are coming off a No Contest
- Miller has only lost one fight (as an amateur) and has won eight straight
- Drago is the former Ring of Combat welterweight champion
- Drago has lost by both KO/TKO and submission
- Miller has a win over the CFFC welterweight champion, Eric Nolan
Jimmy Drago
Pros:
-Good kicks
-Dynamic
-Solid TDD
-Good wrestling
-Good activity
-Mixes it up well
Cons:
-Tends to give up his back
-Leads in with his head forward
Great to see Drago getting another shot on Contender Series after that No Contest last time out. He was dominating that fight, and a win felt inevitable. Drago first started turning heads when he beat the previously undefeated Alonzo Turner for the Ring of Combat title last year. Turner was known as a smothering wrestler, but Drago stuffed the takedowns, out-struck him in every exchange, and even got the better of the wrestling. His style is unorthodox, but he’s an absolute savage: serious power, sharp striking, underrated grappling, and strong takedown defense.
Ty Miller
Pros:
-Uses range well
-Nice shot selection
-Forward pressure
-Good leg kicks
-Activity
-Useful jab
-Doesn’t accept bottom position/Scrambles well
-Always composed
Cons:
-TDD needs some work
-Hands too low
-Will give up his back
-Slows as the fight goes
Miller is another fighter getting a Contender Series shot off a No Contest, but it was clear he was on his way to winning that bout: he was lighting his opponent up. Some might argue this opportunity is coming a bit early, but I believe Miller has the skills to hang in the UFC right now. At just 24, he’s still developing, but he’s shown promising signs.
When taken down, he’s quick to get back to his feet, sometimes giving up his back in the process, but he stays composed and typically escapes bad positions. His takedown defense improves as the fight goes on, and he becomes tougher to control.
Miller’s hand positioning is low, but it’s part of his relaxed, fluid striking style. He works behind a crafty jab, using it to manage distance, double up, and set up his right hand. He’s not a one-shot KO guy, but he touches you often and can sit down on his punches when needed to show real power. His kicking game is active too, with his leg kicks standing out.
To beat him, you’ve got to pressure him, make him fight off his back foot, and take advantage of that low guard. But that’s easier said than done. He’s got decent footwork early and isn’t easy to catch clean. What I like most about Miller is his ability to respond under fire. Even in tough spots, he stays in the fight and doesn’t fade.
Prediction: I really like this matchup. It’s two fighters who will push a fun, aggressive pace. Coming in, I expected to side with Drago, but after a closer look, I’m leaning toward Miller. On the feet, I think Miller can control the range and land the cleaner, more effective strikes. I don’t see Drago landing anything that will seriously impact Miller, while Miller has the tools to do real damage.
Drago likely has the edge in wrestling and grappling, but I don’t think he’ll be able to hold down the physically bigger Miller for long. Drago could gain momentum as the fight goes on, but ultimately, I think Miller’s size, power, and ability to manage distance give him the edge to pull out the win.
