UFC 132- Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Aaron Simpson
The masses know Jason “Mayhem” Miller as the host of MTV’s Bully Beatdown. Sure, they realize he’s a fighter, but perhaps they’re not quite sure just how good he is. Well, they’re about to find out in the biggest MMA promotion in the land, as on Saturday UFC officials announced that Miller (24-7) will take on Aaron Simpson (8-2 MMA) at UFC 132: Cruz vs. Faber II.
Miller isn’t just about that maniacal laugh or crazy sense of humor; he’s a downright awesome fighter, capable of making significant waves in the UFC’s middleweight division. Along with this, here are four things that may play in his favor against Simpson.
1) Miller isn’t making his UFC debut: Commentator Joe Rogan has said it on numerous occasions: UFC debuts are difficult for most fighters. No matter how they’ve done in past promotions, all fighters realize that the UFC is the big time. Oftentimes this leads to nerves that affect cardio and even game plans. Miller, however, has already fought in the UFC once, losing to Georges St. Pierre by way of unanimous decision back in 2005. And a man that has hosted a show on MTV and defeated the likes of Tim Kennedy and Robbie Lawler is unlikely to be affected by nerves as much as others anyway. He’s been in the spotlight and had tough fights before.
2) Miller is an outstanding submission artist: Miller holds 14 career submission victories. We’re talking about a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with enough savvy to look solid against Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, escaping multiple submission attempts that would’ve put most people away (and doing that against a guy like Jacare is the definition of looking solid). Miller has submitted the likes of Falaniko Vitale, Robbie Lawler, and Kazushi Sakuraba during his career. What’s more, he’s only been stopped once by submission, and that was back in 2002.
3) Miller is tough and has heart: Mayhem has only been stopped twice during his entire MMA career; once in that 2002 bout against Todd Carney by guillotine choke, and another time to Frank Trigg by TKO in 2006. He is also known for having strong cardio, which is a hallmark of fighting with heart.
4) Miller possesses solid striking skills: Miller is not known as a great striker. That said, his Muay Thai skills are better than people often give him credit for. He’s been in there against really good stand up guys like Robbie Lawler and Tim Kennedy and done better than survive.
Of course, Aaron Simpson is no joke either. Here are a couple of things that play in his favor.
1) Simpson is an upper echelon wrestler: Simpson amassed a 142–1 high school record wrestling record for Antelope Union High School in Welton, Arizona, earning four state titles along the way. He also achieved All American status at Arizona State University in 1996 and 1998. So we’re talking about a guy with upper echelon takedowns and takedown defense. Remember that Jake Shields was able to grind out a decision victory over Miller by taking him down and controlling him, which would seem to be something that Simpson might try.
2) Simpson hits hard and is athletic: Simply put, Simpson can hurt you with his hands, as many of his opponents can attest to. He is a very good athlete, and that means explosiveness that Mayhem doesn’t have as much of.
In the end, this should be a good fight. Mayhem needs a win in order to immediately become relevant in the middleweight division. Simpson needs a win to possibly keep his job, after losing two of three. Will Simpson’s advantages in wrestling and athleticism net him a victory? Or will Miller come through with craftiness and submission skills? Should be interesting.
