Dan Miller Exclusive: "I'm not afraid to go to the ground with Demian Maia."
by Tommy Kail on January 29, 2010
I have a firsthand take on that subject and that question is becoming a bit of an issue with certain fighters. Honestly, fighting your own brother would be tough and I'm not sure if that's something I could do. Now, fighting a close training partner is another story. If two guys that train together are at the top of the heap and fans want to see them fight, then that's exactly what they should do. If it comes down to a fighter being expected to face his training partner, then there's no question it has to be done.

Jim would really have to make me mad if I were to fight him, but we train together every day and I punch him in the face all of the time so I'm not sure what the difference would be in an actual fight. We go after each other in training and there is no holding back. I'm trying to make him better and I wouldn't be doing that by holding back. I wouldn't do anything malicious towards him, but I don't do that to my opponents in the first place. Honestly, it never crossed my mind and it's highly unlikely that would ever come about because I outweigh him by thirty pounds.

FiveKnuckles.com: I'm obviously asking that question hypothetically and I'm certainly not condoning the situation. I know you're way bigger than Jim so there's no way you're going to be asked to fight one another. Besides, there are enough opponents out there for you two to stay busy for years.

Dan Miller: You're right about that. We do have our hands full.

FiveKnuckles.com: (Jokingly) but to quote Jim, he said: "If Dan can make it down to 170, I'll sign on the dotted line."

Dan Miller: (Laughs) I don't know how much more weight I can lose. I might be able to meet him at 180, I may be able to lose five extra pounds, but that's it.

FiveKnuckles.com: Is there anybody out there you want to thank?

Dan Miller: I want to thank anyone that's had anything to do with my career including my friends, my family, my coaches, teammates, and everybody else. I'm excited to be in this position and I'm looking to bounce back strong in this next fight.

FiveKnuckles.com: Thanks a lot for your time Dan. It's been my pleasure to have you for an interview and best of luck at UFC 109.

Dan Miller: Thanks a lot.

*Tommy Kail is a former athlete at the collegiate and professional levels and has been involved with sports his entire life. He is passionate about advocating for MMA athletes by shedding light on them as individuals and giving you a take you might not get anywhere else.

**Photo courtesy of Ken Pishna from MMA Weekly.

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 |  (34) Comments Mtx: Going to the ground with Maia is going to be risky no matter who you are. That aside, he seems like a really cool guy. JujitsWho: Yeah I like Miller.........but come on man. I think Jesus is afraid of Maias groundgame....its not like Miller is Jacare or some shit, he is very good and won't be subbed right away, but he isn't on Maias level and will get caught Mtx: Well of course. If he goes to the ground, he is definitely going to get subbed., we all already know Maia's BJJ is superb. Castle: I'm sure he's not afraid to go the ground with Maia but I bet he will do EVERYTHING in his power not to. That is just a stupid risk not worth taking. He needs to try and work him with the stand up and get right back to his feet if it goes to the ground. Maybe if he poisons Maia's breakfast on fight day he'll have a chance of getting a submission on Maia. GO HARD: i hope he knocks maia out. q; ) Tommy Kail: I think some of you guys are taking those comments out of context. Tommy Kail: I got a better idea. If the fight goes to the ground, Dan Miller should tap out immediately to save himself the embarrassment. You know what, I think that's actually his game plan going into this one. He's going to fight hard on his feet, and instantly tap if it goes to the ground. Just like any honorable UFC fighter that trains all year round would do. Esquilinho: Well, he's not going to ADMIT he wants nothing to do with Maia on the ground, but it's pretty obvious from his words that he wants to stay standing. Either way, it won't matter. Maia by choke. Wandering_Minstrel: Tommy, don't take it personally, its hard to convey emotions and intentions through text. Anyone who's spent a considerable amount of time on a Forum should be aware of this. Dan Miller has a very respectable ground game, but even you have to admit that its not on the same level as Maia. What everyone (especially JJW) is trying to say is that if it goes to the ground then Maia holds a clear-cut advantage. Castle: I mean no disrespect to Dan Miller and his ground abilities. I think he's a great fighter, both of the Miller bros are. I just know there is a HUGE difference in their ground games. I think Maia learned from the Marquardt fight that he has no real business keeping fights standing and will do everything in his power to keep it on the ground. I'm sure Miller has great TDD and BJJ defense but one little slip up and Maia is all over you. I just think it’s a fools bet to get into a ground war with Maia. If it stays standing then I know Miller will work him but I was originally commenting on him not being afraid of Maia's ground game. Tommy Kail: Demian Maia would submit most men alive, I get it. However, this is MMA, not a submission grappling tournament. The point of Miller's game plan isn't to compete with Maia's ground game, it's to neutralize it. One fighter who's excellent on the ground is Joe Lauzon, that kid is a freak. Sam Stout stuffed every take down attempt and rolled out of everything. This made Joe desperate, and Sam picked him apart. I'll say it once again, Demian Maia isn't superman, especially in an MMA Octagon. He's damn good, but not superman ;) Tommy Kail: All of your comments are great. This is the type of forum I like to see ;) Internet Tufguy: Jason MacDonald survived half way into the third round. Dan Miller can at least survive. I think this could go either way, with a slight edge for Maia. Little_Kang: I think Miller can defend Maia's submissions IF that's all he focuses his training on and hope for a miracle stand up. Maia will catch Miller if Miller attempts to do anything lol. ashka: Great interview. I love that Miller would even consider fighting his brother and is definitely up for a shot at his team mates. He has the right attitude. I'm looking forward to this fight a lot. Mickey knox: I think D_V made a really good point about Maia's striking. It's not terrible or anything, he just made the mistake of being a little too relaxed while he had Nate Marquardt standing in front of him. I think that as a result of that, we won't be seeing Maia taking anyone's striking lightly. Maia can keep up with Miller, but I don't think he's capable of getting a KO, TKO, or even winning on points. Maia definitely has to get a sub. Miller's safest bet is to play to points game. I think if he gets overzealous in trying to finish Maia, he will fall into a trap. This could go either way, but I'm gonna bet on a first round sub by Maia. mike5k: As I was reading the interview (another great one Tommy) I was thinking "Maia's standup is underrated and Miller's ground game is underrated" and I think the thread kinda showed that. I like this fight a lot. I like Maia but Dan's one of my locals and you guys know how I roll. I'm not exactly picking Miller to win but I think he'll surprise some newer fans that might not know him well. I would love to see him win this though. NJ FTW! Tommy Kail: Seriously guys, great takes on this match up. It's a big fight on a great card so we might as well talk about it. I appreciate everybody who took the time out to read and give feedback. You guys kick ass. You can make a great argument for either side and I think that's what we did. Once again, thank you guys and be sure to check out my next interview with UFC lightweight Phillipe Nover ;)
HOW WILL THE THIAGO ALVES VS. MARTIN KAMPMANN FIGHT END AT UFC ON FX 2?
Alves def. Kampmann via TKO/KO
Alves def. Kampmann via submission
Alves def. Kampmann via decision
Kampmann def. Alves via TKO/KO
Kampmann def. Alves via submission
Kampmann def. Alves via decision
TAKE ANOTHER POLL!