Failing to Diagnose Lyme Disease Almost Ended This UFC Fighter’s Career

Jim Miller defeats Takanori Gomi during UFC 200 on July 9, 2016, in Las Vegas. (Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

It’s common knowledge that being a mixed martial arts fighter takes a toll on the body. So when pro Jim Miller got arthritis and started experiencing tingling and numbness in parts of his body, he didn’t think much of it. Gradually, it dawned on the 32-year-old fighter that his maladies may be coming from somewhere else than just his battered body.

It turned out he was suffering from Lyme disease, whose symptoms actually mimic those of a fighter approaching the end of his career. With a proper diagnosis, Miller was able to seek treatment; avoid an early retirement; and ended up TKO-ing his opponent, Takanori Gomi, in the first round at UFC 200 to improve his career record to 26-8-1.

Read Miller’s post-fight statement here, and scroll to the bottom to see Miller discussing his fight against Lyme disease in greater detail.

Jim Miller warms up backstage during UFC 200 on July 9, 2016,  in Las Vegas. (Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)