UFC legend Jim Miller used his UFC 309 post-fight press conference to scold New York state officials over a viral animal-related controversy.
Jim Miller proved that age is just a number in a first-round finish against Damon Jackson at UFC 309. After securing the submission win, Miller shared a moment with Jackson in the Octagon as Jackson appeared to retire and leave his gloves in the cage.
The 41-year-old Miller earned one of his biggest wins in recent years on one of 2024’s biggest stages. UFC 309 marked the return of Jon Jones against former heavyweight titleholder Stipe Miocic.
During Miller’s post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Miller briefly mentioned ‘Peanut the Squirrel’, prompting speculation as to what he was referring to.
Peanut, New Yorker Mark Longo’s pet squirrel, was confiscated from Longo’s residence and euthanized by New York environmental officials due to rabies fears. It became a hot-button topic in the United States ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election, fanning the flames of debate over government overreach.
While Miller isn’t a New York resident, he was fiery about the largely-discussed controversy after securing a win at UFC 309.
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Jim Miller scolds NY state officials over ‘Peanut the Squirrel’ circus
During his UFC 309 post-fight press conference, Miller explained the basis of his interview remarks.
“A disdain for what some of this has become. They raided a couple’s home, at gunpoint, so that means they’re willing to kill them…but the room for bad things to happen over a pet squirrel that has lived inside for the last seven years,” Miller said. “That day, I’m sure there were kids in New York City that went to bed hungry, I’m sure there were people here that went to sleep on the streets, kids that were in really dangerous situations at home that weren’t helped, and weren’t pulled from that…
“As a taxpayer, your work and your effort went into confiscating a f***ing squirrel? It’s just ridiculous, the amount of assets that were used. And it’s funny coming from a guy that eats squirrel! It’s not even about the pet, it’s the fact that I value human life more than pets. There could’ve been other things that were done with all that f**ing money.”
Peanut’s controversial death made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court this week, as Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch brought up the incident at a private dinner. Peanut was rescued by Longo after his mother was killed by a car, further infuriating New York residents.
Jim Miller shuns retirement speculation after UFC 309 win
As for Miller, he’s won three of his last four fights and bounced back nicely against Jackson after a loss at UFC 300. He was badly battered by King Green and lost by unanimous decision.
Miller is a potential future UFC Hall of Famer after a decorated run in the cage. He holds numerous UFC records, including most wins (27) and appearances (45).
After one of the biggest wins of his career, Miller continues to speak his mind, even on some of the most obscure hot-button topics in the U.S.