Most fights record holder Jim Miller says debuting foe has big task at UFC Fight Night 201

LAS VEGAS – Jim Miller has seen it all in his UFC career and is plastered all over the record books. Even for a veteran of his stature, though, there’s something new in store at UFC Fight Night 201.

Miller (33-16 MMA, 22-15 UFC), the man with the most appearances in octagon history, will have the widest experience advantage in company history when he takes on newcomer Nikolas Motta (12-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in a lightweight bout on Saturday’s card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Although Motta isn’t a rookie to the fight game, he will be making his UFC debut at the event and doing so as Miller makes his 39th walk to the octagon. It’s an unusual pairing on paper, especially because it was booked twice after the original date was scratched.

“I did kind of think it was weird when it came up again,” Miller told MMA Junkie at UFC Fight Night 201 media day. “With the opportunity to fight (after I pulled out), I expected him to take another fight. But whatever happened. I had a training camp for him already, so when I got the call it was like, ‘OK, well we’ve already worked on some stuff for him, so there’s not going to be any change on my side.’ 10 years, nine years younger than me. He’s been fighting for a while. Good power-striker, but nothing absolutely crazy.”

Miller, 38, made his own UFC debut at UFC 89 in October 2008. During his tenure, he’s amassed a number of records, and against Motta has the chance to tie Donald Cerrone’s tally for most victories in promotional history.

Over the course of his UFC run, Miller has fought the likes of Charles Oliveira, Nate Diaz, Dustin Poirier, Dan Hooker, Clay Guida, and numerous others. Those are fighters who have maintained a place in the upper echelon of the sport, and for that reason, Miller is confident there’s going to be no surprises when he shares the cage with Motta.

“I’ve seen everything,” Miller said. “So he’s got a task ahead of him.”