UFC 89 Breakdown: The Undercard

David Baron vs. Jim Miller

Baron Scouting Report
Height/Weight: 5’6/155 lbs.
Age: 35
Hometown: Bois Collombe, France
Fighting out of: Paris
Record: 16-2

The stakes: One of MMA’s finest journeymen, Baron has finally punched his ticket to the UFC thanks to an unexpected submission win over Hayato “Mach” Sakurai under the Shooto banner in May. Already entrenched as one of Europe’s premier competitors, Baron’s in prime position to solidify his spot in the UFC’s ongoing takeover of the European market.

The breakdown: A grappler by trade who can handle himself standing when necessary, Baron will find a willing grappling partner in Miller, who sports a similar aggressive style. The key for Baron will be to maintain top position against Miller, a strong wrestler in his own right, and soften him up with strikes to pass guard and secure a submission.

Miller Scouting Report
Height/Weight: 5’8/155 lbs.
Age: 25
Hometown: Sparta, N.J.
Fighting out of: Whippany, N.J.
Record: 11-1

The stakes: A windfall from the UFC’s raid on the International Fight League, Miller comes into the UFC riding a hot streak that recently saw him take out Bart Palaszweski. By continuing that hot streak in the UFC, Miller could carve out a far more stable source of income, considering his former employer has gone the way of the dinosaurs.

The breakdown: A mirror image of his opponent, Miller’s best bet against Baron is a varied approach that will keep the Frenchman from implementing his stifling ground game. Mixing in strikes standing and on the mat, while maintaining a strong tempo, will stop Baron from turning this into a grappling clinic that Miller may not be able to survive.


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The bottom line: Someone’s good fortune is about to run out. Considering the similarities between these two, Baron’s ground game seems a bit sharper and his big-fight experience is an advantage Miller does not enjoy.