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Jim Miller defeats Donald Cerrone to become all-time winningest UFC fighter

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•07/02/22•

ChandlerVessels

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Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

After defeating Donald Cerrone in a UFC 276 welterweight fight on Saturday, Jim Miller is the winningest fighter in UFC history. The win was the 24th of Miller’s career, allowing him to pass both Cerrone and Andrei Arlovski for the historic feat according to ESPN.

While Miller celebrated his achievement, Cerrone announced his retirement from the sport. Before the bout, Cerrone said he intended to fight two more times beyond this weekend, but he opted to call it a career instead.

“It feels great, but it’s a hard act to follow,” Miller said of Cerrone announcing his retirement. “Donald’s a legend. He’s a guy I’ve looked up to and followed. We’re going to miss him. … But I’m excited to get this win.”

Cerrone, 39, who has dabbled in acting in recent years, is one of the most beloved fighters of the past decade. He was a fan favorite in the WEC from 2007 to 2010, when the promotion was dissolved into the UFC. He has 23 wins in the UFC, tied for second most all time.

Fighting out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Cerrone was best known for his “anyone, anywhere, anytime” attitude toward fighting. He was one of the most active fighters on the UFC’s roster during his prime and was willing to fight any opponent the UFC booked against him.

Jim Miller, who made his debut at UFC 89 in October 2008, looked sharp from the early moments of the fight. Cerrone came forward trying to land some strikes at range and connected occasionally, but Miller was also able to land some sharp overhand rights to the chin of Cerrone before scoring a takedown as he caught a Cerrone kick in the opening round.

In the second round, Miller and Cerrone threw kicks at the same time, with Cerrone’s landing to Miller’s face. Miller was able to eat the strike as his own kick landed to Cerrone’s body, causing Cerrone to briefly slip.

Miller not only holds the wins record, but also the most UFC finished with 16. He’s tied for third with 38 fights and tied for sixth with KOs with 10.