'TUF 17' Finale: Cole Miller is Fighting for His UFC Career

On Apr. 13, Cole Miller fights Bart Palaszewski in one of the most intriguing matchups of The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale. The stakes are high for this bout, as both Miller and Palaszewski find their UFC career’s on the line for this fight.

Miller has lost three of his last four fights, including losing two straight since his drop to featherweight. A loss to Palaszewski will result in a certain end to Miller’s 12-fight UFC career.

Miller recently discussed his struggles with Nathan Kirby of Kingdom Promotions. Miller pointed to the rising MMA skill-level in the UFC’s roster as the primary cause of his recent struggles.

“Everyone [in the UFC] is good and they are acclimated,” Miller said. “They are well-versed in two things, and really good at a third thing.”

“It’s faster, it’s harder, the transitions come out of nowhere. You can’t think about things anymore, you just have to react because these people drill these techniques all day.”

Miller, who has 13 submission victories, will have the clear advantage over Palaszewski if the fight goes to the ground. Palaszewski, on the other hand, has 17 wins by knockout, which makes this fight a classic striker-grappler matchup.

Like Miller, Palaszewski has lost three of his last four fights. Palaszewski, however, has recently received two UFC bonuses for putting on “Fight of the Night” and “Knockout of the Night” performances. Even with a loss, another dynamic performance might be enough to save Palaszewski’s UFC career.

Miller, unfortunately, will not be as lucky. Without a win, he will surely receive a pink slip.