LAS VEGAS – Juliana Miller plans on surprising Brogan Walker just like she has everyone else.
With just three professional bouts, Miller (2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) was not expected to make it to the Season 30 “Ultimate Fighter” women’s flyweight final. But she finds herself across from the more experienced Walker for a shot at a UFC contract on Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 40 main card.
Walker (7-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) said she aims on mimicking Amanda Nunes’ dominant title-winning performance against Julianna Peña at UFC 277 and put Miller on her highlight reel, but Miller is ready to make her pay for her words.
“As I’m sure you all have heard time and time again, she has so much more experience than me. She’s been fighting forever and said is going to knock me the F out as soon as I step forward,” Miller told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 40 media day. “Almost all of that is true. She is a more experienced fighter. She’s been in here forever. She’s incredibly strong. She’s got a brick-like body – from top to bottom, just absolutely solid. However, she’s not a fan favorite because she’s not entertaining to watch.
“I’m here to bring the entertainment, to bring the fun, to bring a dogfight, to show you guys why you’re fans of this sport. We’re here for war. It’s not just about winning. It’s about your energy and your showmanship throughout the entirety of the process. And to be quite frank, I like teaching people a lesson – so I’m here to humbly give that to Brogan about all the mean things she’s been saying, because I’ve been nothing short of respectful. I do think she’s an incredible fighter and there’s a reason we’re face to face here in the finale, and I’m quite excited to put on that show.”
Miller would love to reciprocate Walker’s prediction and say she will starch her early, but sees Walker avoiding a fight and trying to grapple her way to a decision.
“She talked so much smack about knocking me out,” Miller said. “I would love the alternative where I land and I stand and look over her like, ‘Oh, look where you’re at now’ – just that moment of satisfaction of, ‘Hey, you said you’re going to do this to me, look what I’m going to do to you.’ I’ve also seen the altercation of us on the ground and getting the dominant finish with a TKO. I’ve watched myself submit her. There is endless options.
“However, realistically, on paper, how I believe going to go is this is going to be a three-round fight. Brogan is going to throw one or two punches, circle away, run away. When she feels my power, I think she’s going to try and clinch and hold me on the cage. If she can get a snap down, she’ll do her double overs, stick her tummy right to the dirt and try to hold me there until infinity because this is what she does every single fight.”
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