Joe Solecki wants to model future like Jim Miller: Disappear, then keep getting better

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 10: (L-R) Joe Solecki punches Jim Miller in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on April 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“The plan was to strike until I didn’t need to strike. That’s always the plan. I’m going to use all the tools I have. I’m not just a grappler. I’m a fighter in the UFC. I don’t care if you’re the worst striker on the roster, if you’re in the UFC you’re still a world-class striker. I showed that tonight.”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 10: (L-R) Jim Miller elbows Joe Solecki in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on April 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“It was fantastic. He was tough as they come. He was mean-mugging at me between rounds. That’s a tough son of a gun. He’s Jersey tough. I grew up Jersey tough, but I’ve got a bit of North Carolina in me now. We get pretty gritty down there, too. It was a fantastic fight and it was just an honor to share the octagon with someone like Jim. He’s a legend. I hope I can do half of what he’s done and is still doing. It was a great experience for me. I got better tonight.”

“Boring answer, but I go home to my wife and baby, then get right back to work. We’ll get right back to work on Monday. We’re going away for a couple days next week, then we’ll come right back the next Monday and start training like we have a fight again. We’ll start sparring twice and week and just wait for the call. That’s the role that I’m ready to play here: Just stay ready all year long, hopefully a couple weeks’ notice every fight, come back in and take somebody out – kind of like Jim Miller does. Disappear for a little while, and keep getting better and better.”

To hear more from Solecki, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.