Sparta native Jim Miller, 42, long a legend in mixed martial arts had a big win Saturday at UFC 328 at the Prudential Center, extending his record by picking up his 28th UFC win — and a $100,000 bonus in the process.
But his fight Saturday night was nothing compared to the battle his son has faced.
Miller, who took a year off from the circuit, announced to the crowd afterward that his son was cancer-free.
“Nothing that I’ve done in here is as proud as he makes me and his siblings,” he said.
Miller, an obvious fan favorite Saturday night, was the oldest competitor on the night, adding to his Hall of Fame resume.
His 25 victories in UFC lightweight competition are the most in divisional history. And his 20 stoppage victories in UFC competition (he won Saturday with a first-round chokehold) are second-most in UFC history, just one behind the all-time leader.
But the health of his son Wyatt, one of his four children, is all that matters to him.
“The Millers have been called lots of things, but fragile isn’t one of them,” he said.
The crowd roared at his comments — and when images of his family, who came to see the competition, appeared on the big screen.
It was a uniquely Jersey moment, complete with Jersey attitude.
“My son went through some really difficult times in the last couple of months,” he said. “He ended up kicking the (S&^%) out of cancer, and he’s all good today.”
UFC 328 was a huge success economically, as it became the highest revenue event at Pru Center history (topping UFC card in 2024). It likely broke the mark for economic impact in the state, topping the $27 million in economic impact that is credited to the 2025 event and the $26 million credited to the 2024 card.
