UFC Fight Night 18 Breakdown: The Main Card

Junie Allen Browning vs. Cole Miller

Junie “The Lunatic” Browning Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’9/155 lbs.
Age: 23
Hometown: Lexington, Ky.
Fighting out of: Las Vegas
Team: Xtreme Couture
Record: 3-0

The Breakdown: After getting a chance to shine against an overmatched Dave Kaplan, Browning now has to deal with the reality of UFC competition against the battle-tested jiu-jitsu of Cole Miller. The best way to deal with that reality would be to avoid it altogether by getting inside on Miller and using the accurate and fundamentally sound striking that sounded Kaplan’s death knell.

Browning will have to watch out for Miller’s willingness to pull guard at a moment’s notice -- a particularly effective move for Miller, who uses his height to generate tremendous leverage in the clinch. Miller’s height can also be used against him, though. His footwork and striking remain awkward, and that’s something Browning’s movement and short, precise strikes are built to exploit.

The X Factor: It’s obvious Browning likes to mix it up. Keeping an active pace is a big part of his game, but staying disciplined against Miller will be the lynchpin of his success. No matter how badly Browning wants to prove himself against Miller, who has repeatedly called Browning’s jiu-jitsu credentials into question, he better keep in mind that Miller has the game to tap out 99 percent of the lightweight division. Contrary to what Browning thinks, he is not part of that one percent.

Cole “Magrino” Miller Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 6’1/155 lbs.
Age: 24
Hometown: Augusta, Ga.
Fighting out of: Coconut Creek, Fla.
Team: American Top Team
Record: 14-3

The Breakdown: When Miller is on the mat and uses his submission prowess to control fights, he wins. Simple enough, but Miller does come up short in both the striking and wrestling departments, which makes him a one-dimensional, albeit dynamic fighter. Focusing on his strength while staying mindful of his limitations is the fine line Miller must walk to beat Browning.

Realizing that goal will involve crowding Browning to stifle his movement and quickly pulling guard before Kentucky’s favorite wild child escapes. From there, Miller’s submission savvy should take care of the rest.

The X Factor: Defense remains a major issue for Miller. He leaves himself wide open on the feet whenever he engages, and his pursuit of the submission often gets reckless. Browning won’t need much of an opening to blitz Miller, and Miller may not have the chin to take the beating.

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The Bottom Line: Talented as he may be, Browning is still a raw prospect while Miller has gone through the UFC wringer and come out better for it. That difference will be obvious as Miller absorbs some early punishment on the feet before dragging Browning to the mat and turning him into an amateur taxidermy experiment.