UFC’s Joe Solecki not awe struck by Jim Miller matchup
Interview with Joe Solecki above
Joe Solecki is coming off a slick submission victory over Austin Hubbard, and entering the cage for his third UFC appearance. Solecki has had some tough matchups since his 1st round stoppage win in the DWCS cage. Solecki spoke on his first finish in the top promotion.
“It felt good, my first fight I fought someone on the way out [just retired],” Solecki told MyMMANews. “In the Hubbard fight, I know he has the same goals that I have. He was coming off a really big win so to beat someone in that fashion, I proved that I can do what I did on the Contender Series,” Solecki continued. “A first round submission on the big stage.”
The John Salter product is currently 10-2 and with the names he has faced since his UFC journey began, it is easy to tell that the matchmakers are high on Solecki. Although for Solecki, a different, more intriguing thought comes to mind, which is a prime example of why he is in the position he is in, a high rising prospect.
“I put a ton of pressure on myself,” Solecki laughed at the cliche. “It’s funny how people say ‘Oh you’re a prospect. We are watching your career, or the matchmakers are giving you opportunities.’ For me, it is they don’t know who I am and throw my name on the board of lightweights,” Solecki continued. “My boxing coach has a saying, ‘a punch is a punch and a kick is a kick.’ Well I’m adding, ‘a fight is just a fight, and a man is just a man.’ You can’t bring your credentials in there (the cage) with you.”
Jim Miller is a very credentialed man, but Solecki is right, you are just a man in the cage regardless of resume. As for where he thinks this fight will go, and how he will fair against Miller, someone he grew up watching as a fan.
“I never think so (expecting a 1st round submission) this is Jim Miller,” Solecki began. “This is a 3 round grind it out, if the neck is there I’ll go for it. I’m going out there to grind, I know the challenge in front of me.”
