Dan Miller
Dan Miller hopes to capitalize on the opportunity to face Nate Marquardt at UFC 128.
Japanese star Yoshihiro Akiyama was scheduled to face Nate Marquardt at “UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones,” but the recent earthquake and tsunami that has devastated Japan prevented him from traveling to New Jersey for this weekend’s pay-per-view event.
Dan Miller was given the chance to face Marquardt instead and jumped at the opportunity.
“It’s a huge opportunity for me. It’s a huge step up with Nate. He’s a fantastic fighter and I can’t wait to get in the Octagon with him. I’m going to try to take advantage of the opportunity,” said Miller at Wednesday’s pre-fight press conference at Radio City Music Hall.
Out of tragedy came opportunity for Miller. With his thoughts with the Japanese people, Miller hopes to make the most of the situation.
“It’s tough. It’s kind of bittersweet for me. Your heart goes out to the Japanese people. It’s unfortunate,” he said. “I’m just taking this opportunity that the UFC gave me and I’m going to try to make the most of it.”
Miller was originally scheduled to face Nick Catone on the UFC 128 preliminary card. Catone now faces UFC newcomer Costantinos Philippou in a catchweight fight.
UFC 128 takes place on March 19 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., and is headlined by the light heavyweight title bout between champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Jon Jones.
