Discover the incredible journey of Jim Miller, the UFC fighter who has made millions without ever winning a championship. Learn how the UFC’s revenue-sharing system has provided financial stability for fighters like Miller.
| Jim Miller’s mixed martial arts (MMA) career (37-17, 1 no contest) appears to know no bounds as the 40-year-old Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) record holder approaches UFC 300 for a clash with Bobby Green on April 13, 2024. The Lightweight veteran has been in the promotion since October 2008, which has allowed him to accumulate a staggering 46 fights and 26 wins in the Octagon, the most for either. Miller has never fought for a title during his run, but has been close as a top contender and at a point in 2011 was likely one win away from challenging for gold had he beat Benson Henderson to extend his winning streak at the time to eight. Despite having yet to return to such heights, “A-10” is still very well off financially, according to UFC CEO, Dana White. “When you become a champion, you become a partner. You share in the pay-per-view (PPV) revenue,” White explained on The TRUTH Podcast. “Boxing does [it too]. Whoever is the champion in boxing, you get the lion’s share of the revenue. Here, it’s dispersed through across everybody. “We got a guy right now who’s 40 years old and he’s on this hot streak, man. His name’s Jim Miller,” he continued. “He’s been around forever. He’s been around since like we bought the company and he’s still fighting. He’s gonna fight on UFC 300 and this is a guy who’s been — I guess you could call him a journeyman in boxing [terms], right? If you ask most people, they wouldn’t know who Jim Miller is, and the guy’s made millions of dollars.” You’d be hard-pressed to find a hardcore MMA fan that wasn’t familiar with Miller. White is accurate when it comes to casual fans, however, as Miller’s just fought whoever is put in front of him more often than not. Ultimately, the UFC boss once again wanted to highlight with the example of someone like Miller that UFC fighter pay isn’t as bad as everyone makes it out to be. “He’s never made it to that level [of UFC champion],” White said. “Guys that would be considered journeymen in boxing never make that kind of money ever. “It’s because we focus on building great fights with great fighters,” he continued. “If you can stay here for a certain amount of time, you make really good money. It supports your family, you can pay your house off. You’re not gonna have $30-40 million, but you’ll have $6, $7, $8 million, and most people wouldn’t even know who he was.”
Jim Miller, a 40-year-old veteran in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), is set to make history at UFC 300. With a record-breaking career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Miller has proven that age is just a number. Despite never fighting for a title, Miller’s financial success is a testament to the opportunities the UFC provides its fighters.
Since joining the promotion in 2008, Miller has amassed an impressive 37-17 record, with 1 no contest. His 46 fights in the Octagon make him the most experienced fighter in UFC history. Although he has come close to a title shot, Miller’s resilience and determination have kept him in the spotlight.
UFC CEO Dana White praises Miller’s longevity and financial success, highlighting the unique revenue-sharing system in the UFC. Unlike boxing, where champions receive the majority of the revenue, the UFC distributes the earnings among all fighters. Miller’s consistent presence and exciting fights have earned him a significant income, even without holding a title.
While casual fans may not be familiar with Miller, hardcore MMA enthusiasts recognize his contributions to the sport. White emphasizes that UFC fighter pay is often misunderstood, using Miller as an example of the financial stability the promotion offers. Although he may not have reached the pinnacle of the sport, Miller’s earnings have allowed him to support his family and achieve financial security.
In an industry where success is often measured by championship belts, Miller’s story serves as a reminder that dedication and perseverance can lead to significant financial rewards. The UFC’s focus on creating compelling matchups and promoting talented fighters has enabled athletes like Miller to thrive financially, even without widespread recognition.
As UFC 300 approaches, all eyes will be on Jim Miller as he continues to defy expectations and inspire fighters around the world.
