Juliana Miller

When and why did you start training for fighting? What inspired me to begin MMA is, I was in an abusive relationship and didn’t defend myself and got beat up. I was so angry I wanted to fight and not get arrested, so I decided to do it in a cage. Then I wanted to help women in toxic relationships learn self-defense, so I want to start a women’s self-defense course and a kids’ self-defense course for dealing with violent parents. What inspired me to go pro was the opportunity to get well known so I could make a bigger impact and additionally hunt for financial abundance while doing what I love.

What ranks and titles have you held? TUF 30 winner, BJJ brown belt

What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career and why? My first bout on TUF vs Claire Guthrie which was actually our 2nd fight against each other. After I lost to her in that first bout I didn't see MMA as a career path....but I later got a call for TUF and jumped on it.  While being in the TUF house and no contact to the outside world and new coaches.....it gave me confidence after beating her that I could do this.  

Pre TUF I had 4 jobs and it made fighting difficult.  After that fight (my only loss ever vs Claire had me doubting myself) and being in the house it gave me confidence to push forward in the sport.  

Who is your favorite fighter and why? Topuria because he is KO'ing everyone but he also has great wrestling, position and pressure.  He is so well rounded.  All his beginning MMA fights he was subbing everyone and now his KO'ing everyone. So he is one of the best fighters we have seen in years. 

Do you have any heroes? One of my heroes outside of fighting is Scott Nelson who will actually be cornering me.  He is on OG of jiu jitsu and has been in the sport longer than anyone I know.  He is courageous and a go-getter. Outside of the cage he is helping heal people with his company CPI Stem Cells.  Also: Ilima Macfarlane, Pearl Gonzales and Prime Hall.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Didn’t graduate but was studying kinesiology and nutrition

What was your job before you started fighting? Bartender, server, massage therapist, kids’ jiu jitsu coach, cryotherapy health place, American Icon Sports Management, and puppy sitter. Also, private training sessions.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Amateur CA state champion, Epic Fighting Champion. 

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Submission on the Shore advanced division champion, 2-time CJJ Mexico super fight winner.

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? My goal one day is to start a non profit where I can connect with other gyms around the gym and sponsor a year of training for younger children in 3rd world countries.  overall giving kids a better opportunity to make something of themselves and have a platform to do so.  

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? One of my biggest values is the value of courage and not quitting. I have gone through a lot of adversity- surgeries, fight losses, death of family members....so I just want to show up and fight it out. I want to be remembered as a courageous fighter who went for it no matter the obstacles.  The UFC platform is so big and gives me the opportunity to grow in front of the world. 

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: I have a puppy. I am very driven by nature and love nature, traveling and exploring.  Right now I am so all in on fighting that I haven't had much time for the extra stuff.  

What is one thing that you want UFC fans around the world to know about you? I will show them..... I want them to know I can fight. I haven't put my best foot forward yet inside of the octagon. I am looking for a highlight for the fans!