Ross Miller's MMA career was short and sweet. It began with a victory over Jamal Williams on Saturday, and ended shortly thereafter, when he retired.
You can't blame Miller, however, because he's presumably got bigger and better things to look forward to.
The youngest Secretary Of State in Nevada history when he was elected in 2006, Miller is in his second term in office. Miller was named one of 24 “Rising Stars” in governance in 2009.
Miller, a former high school basketball star in Las Vegas, had to step away from the court after multiple knee injuries. One day during rehab Miller saw some MMA training at the gym, and he wanted to try it. For Miller, it was love at first kick.
Miller's bout on Saturday, during which he won after dropping his opponent with a body kick and a right hand, was his last. But he made sure to enjoy it while he could.
Miller's walkout music was Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son," a reference to the fact that he is the son of former Nevada Gov. Bob Miller. Miller's fan section wore T-shirts that read, "My secretary of state can armbar your secretary of state."
Miller hasn't received total support from his family for his new hobby. His wife, Lesley, said she prefers not to watch her husband spar. Meanwhile, Miller's grandmother had some choice words for him when he told her that he was training at a UFC gym. She called him a "dumb ass."
With an election coming up in 2014, Miller will hope to translate his acumen from the octagon to the political arena.
