UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich returns for grudge match against Mike Jackson at Caged Aggression 36
MMA pioneer and UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich is coming out of retirement for one last fight, and it’s all because there’s some bad blood between him and Mike Jackson.
Miletich, who worked as a commentator for Legacy Fighting Alliance, said he lost his job as a result of being present at the January 6, 2021 storming of the United States Capitol and a preceding Donald Trump rally.
The bad blood with Jackson stems from an article that Jackson wrote after the event accusing Miletich of racism. Jackson doubled down on the accusations in a press release for the event.
“I’ll admit, I hate this happened to someone I called a friend, brother, and coach,” Jackson said. “But there is no gray area when it comes to racism, and the best way to hurt a snow roach is to attack their pocketbook.”
Miletich is a six-time UFC champion, but he may be equally remembered as the head coach of Miletich Fighting Systems that produced champions like Matt Hughes, Tim Sylvia, Robbie Lawler, and Jens Pulver.
Miletich last competed in MMA in 2008 when he knocked out Thomas Denny at Adrenaline MMA 2. He also lost in a kickboxing bout in 2020.
Jackson had a short three-fight UFC stint, including a victory over pro wrestler CM Punk in his debut that was eventually overturned due to a failed marijuana test. Jackson reportedly sought Miletich’s advice and coaching in preparing for his fight against Punk. He was also involved in a viral confrontation with former Strikeforce champion Jake Shields after calling Shields a Nazi.
The MMA bout will take place on the second night of a two-night event at Caged Aggression 36 in Davenport, Iowa. The event streams live via PPV at www.cagedaggression.tv.
