Better Late Than Never

Better Late Than Never

By Randy Thomas
 
As his 30th birthday approached, Mike Miller’s wife asked him if he’s had any regrets in life.  It did not take long for him to come up with an answer.  He simply replied, “I’ve always loved mixed martial arts.  I really wanted to give it a shot.”  Although she cringed at the idea of watching her husband get punched in the face, one week later she gave in and his dream began…..
 
Mike Miller grew up on a farm in New Sharon, Iowa.  For those of you who are not familiar with the farming lifestyle, it’s probably one of the most under-appreciated and labor intensive careers out there.  Miller stated, “Growing up on a farm has definitely shaped who I am and built my work ethic.” He added, “We raised hogs and cattle and bailed hay. Every piece of equipment we used was old school, which meant more work for me.”  
 
The most popular mixed martial arts fighter to come from a farming background is none other than fellow Mid-westerner and former UFC Welterweight Champion, Matt Hughes.  Like Hughes, Miller grew up wrestling and playing football, which was a sport he excelled at.  He made it through high school receiving all state honors as a running back.  After high school, Miller played football for Simpson College where he received his degree in teaching.  Today, he still has the hard work ethic and determination that was instilled in him throughout his youth as he owns and operates a small construction company.  He also coaches high school wrestling, is a husband, and a father of three young children.
 
So where does MMA fit in?
 
Miller explains, “It’s a balance.  My life was very busy even before I started training in mixed martial arts.  I married the best woman I could ever imagine.  She works even harder than I do. If she didn’t I wouldn’t be able to train and coach.  My typical day starts at 4:40am at Spartan Strength for my cardio and strength workouts.  From there I head to work. Some days, if I have a break I try to get another workout in.  We have wrestling practice late in the afternoons.  After that, I have an MMA training session with former MCC Featherweight Champion, TJ O’Brien. And, finally….home. The kids always meet me at the door.  There isn’t a single thing in my life that’s easy, but that’s all I’ve known since I could remember.”
 
His fights have not been easy either.  Over the last year, amongst his busy schedule, Miller has managed to build a 4-2-0 record.  His only losses were to undefeated MCC standouts Daraughn “Day Day” Canada and Miguel “El Rey” Rios Jr.  Miller hates to lose, so he just keeps training harder.  Working with TJ O’Brien and Nick Rouse from Spartan Strength have helped Miller immensely.  He said, “I always thought I was a pretty good athlete growing up, but going into Spartan Strength has really opened my eyes.  I’ve learned so much more about flexibility and strength from Nick.  I really think that at thirty I’m a better athlete than I was playing college football ten years ago.  Plus, TJ’s been a heck of a good guy teaching me the ropes. I’m very fortunate to have him to train with.”
 
 
At MCC 24 “Reloaded”, Miller steps in the cage with Sonny Rufenacht, a fighter he’s faced once before.  Although Miller got the best of him in their first outing, he’s excited for the bout.  This is the first time he’s been able to take a fight in the heat of the wrestling season.  Training day in and day out in the wrestling room, he’s been able to sharpen his takedowns and ground game.  He’s ready to continue up the MCC ladder and someday avenge his loss to Daraughn Canada.
 
So when does Mike Miller slow down?
 
“In my life everything good came from hard work.  I’ve run into a lot of people who had natural talent but their work ethic sucked, and they ended up mediocre at best.  Hard work beats talent when talent stops working hard.”
 
The older he gets, the more appealing a nice teaching jobs sounds.  Climbing forty foot ladders and steeps roofs all day long pays the bills, but it’s not his dream job.  In 2010 Miller will look to move up the rankings of MMA.  Who knows, with work ethic and God given talent like Mike Miller’s, you may someday be watching him compete on the big show.  Until then, he’ll grind it out the only way he knows how.