Miletich Returns

Pat Miletich returned triumphantly after a two-year layoff Thursday, toppling Thomas Denny with punches in the second round in the sophomore offering from Adrenaline MMA from Moline, Ill. The hometown crowd vociferously embraced the 40-year-old Miletich, who looked much sharper and more dynamic than in his quick loss to Renzo Gracie in the International Fight League in 2006. Miletich pupils Jens Pulver and Matt Hughes were on hand, cheering their original mentor on like any other fan. Miletich was non-committal about a future fight, but said he would be interested in fighting a boxer.

The card, which aired live on HDNet, also featured a cavalcade of fighters from Miletich Fighting Systems, many of which made their mark on Miletich’s IFL team. Heavyweight Ben Rothwell rebounded from his loss to Andrei Arlovski by pounding out Chris Guillen at 3:40 in the first round, and Mike Ciesnolevicz defeated Derek Mehman by second-round guillotine. Former IFL middleweight champion Ryan McGivern defeated Geno Roderick by rear-naked choke.