UFC 159 ‘Jones vs. Sonnen’ Preview

---

Lightweights

Jim Miller (22-4, 11-3 UFC) vs. Pat Healy (29-16, 0-1 UFC)

The Matchup: Healy never did get his shot at Gilbert Melendez while in Strikeforce, but after toiling primarily on the undercards for the now-defunct promotion, “Bam Bam” gets a seasoned and well-respected adversary for his return to the Octagon.

Healy earned his sixth consecutive victory at Strikeforce’s final event in January, grinding his way to a unanimous verdict over Kurt Holobaugh. Healy has seen pretty much everything during his 12-year professional career, squaring off with the likes of Chris Lytle, Dan Hardy, Carlos Condit, Paul Daley and Jake Ellenberger, to name a few. A win over Miller would be a huge step for Healy, who remains largely unknown to the casual fan.

Miller concluded 2012 with a wildly entertaining triumph over Joe Lauzon at UFC 155. In a bout that drew “Fight of the Year” consideration, Miller showcased a well-rounded standup arsenal, punishing Lauzon with standing elbows, left hands and leg kicks. It was a typically aggressive outing for the AMA Fight Club product, who has only lost to Gray Maynard, Nate Diaz and Benson Henderson during his UFC tenure.

Healy is accustomed to wearing down opponents with his clinch work and wrestling, but Miller would seem to be a little bit better at everything the Strikeforce veteran does well. Miller will press forward with combinations, allowing Healy little room to breathe while setting up clinch and takedown opportunities. His standup is still improving, as he demonstrated against Lauzon, and he should be able to dictate exchanges with Healy, who has taken some solid shots from Holobaugh, Mizuto Hirota and Caros Fodor in recent victories.

Healy’s best chance at victory is to resort to brute force and overpower Miller as Henderson did. However, he is not an athlete of that caliber, and Miller, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, has an active submission game and will be tenacious in forcing scrambles on the canvas.

The Pick: Miller will bust up Healy on the feet early before pressuring the resilient veteran in the clinch and with submission attempts from top position. Miller wins by submission in round two or three.

Last Fights » The Prelims