Even though Joe Lauzon just called for a match with Diego Sanchez upon his return, it seems that fight may have to wait as a new fight was just announce for the TUF 1 winner as he will take on another stalwart of the Lightweight division in Jim Miller. This fight will take place on the supercard 197 which is headlined by the Lightweight champion versus Featherweight champion match between Rafael dos Anjos and Conor McGregor. It also has another title fight between Holly Holm defending her title for the first time since she took the title from Ronda Rousey agains none other than Ronda’s number one enemy in Miesha Tate who was promised a title shot and had to sit out to get it. The Miller and Sanchez fight will not be on the main card though as it will be the featured prelim on the undercard which airs on Fox Sports 1.
Jim Miller is in a dire straits of sorts.For the first time in his career, he is in a 1-3 tailspin. He has lost to Donald Cerrone, Beneil Dariush and Michael Chiesa which are all top ten fighters in the Lightweight division. That means that Miller’s days as a gatekeeper may be numbered. That doe snot meant hat he will be cut with a loss, but even his win is in contention as he skimmed by with a split decision over Danny Castillo. At only 32, he still has time to reinvent himself, but who knows if this will be the fight to make it happen.
Sanchez finds himself in an even worse situation. Sanchez has not had a clear cut win since his days at 170 nearly five years ago. His only wins in his last five fights was a fight everyone though he lost, and he missed weight, against Takanori Gomi. Even worse was the fight that he clearly should have never won against Ross Pearson. Plus, he tried to drop down to 145 and win a fight but was severely outclassed. With another loss, Dana White may have to have a conversation with him about retiring. How ins this fight and keeps themselves relevant for a few more fights?