Rewind four years ago and this fight could have very well been the main card of the night. Back in 2013, both these fighters were challengers that could not be underestimated at all. They were rising through the ranks almost in sync with each other and this would have been an absolute dream fight it were to have happened back then. They were both sharp, had a lot of tricks in the bag and could put a fight to sleep in a fraction of a second.
However, their shine has faded since then. It is now 2017 and both fighters are struggling, that is no overstatement. Anthony Pettis is not in the best form of his life, he has lost four of his previous five fights and has looked like a shadow of his former self. Most recently, he really got a beat down from Max Holloway. Thankfully for Pettis, Miller is not exactly flying either! Miller has most recently been defeated convincingly by Dustin Poirier and is still trying to get back on his feet.
How this fight will unwind is certainly not going to be easy to predict. Pettis is not the bullet he once was, and has almost looked lethargic at times. However, he has still displayed glimpses of the brilliance that we all know he possesses. On the other hand, Miller is hungry for victory and that it pretty apparent in his body language, but somehow he has just not been able to put two and two together in the octagon when it matters. Pettis does have the better reach and also a very competent ground game, but Miller is really good when it comes to cage – cutting and clinch work.
Prediction – Pettis to win by unanimous decision.
Author : Rory McGregor
