UFC 134 breakdown: Palhares vs. Miller

Rousimar Palhares (12-3) vs. Dan Miller (13-5)

TV: Spike TV

In a showdown of Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts, the Brazilian Palhares looks for his second straight win against the American wrestler Miller.

Palhares, 31, a teammate of Thiago Tavares at Brazilian Top Team, is coming off a second-round submission victory over Dave Branch this past March. A master of leg locks, heel hooks and kneebars, Palhares has dropped UFC bouts against Dan Henderson and Nate Marquardt, and has defeated Jeremy Horn, Lucio Linhares and Tomasz Drwal.

Miller, 30, is a member of AMA Fight Club, home to the likes of his brother Jim Miller, Charlie Brenneman and Jamie Varner. With an unremarkable 5-4 UFC record and a style that can hardly be described as fan friendly, Miller could be facing his release from the promotion unless he turns in a solid effort against Palhares. Miller’s notable wins include Matt Horwich, Jake Rosholt, John Salter and Joe Doerksen.

Miller’s submission prowess is good enough to keep him in the fight, but Palhares should be more dominant wherever it takes place. The Brazilian likely will have to settle for a convincing decision, however, as Miller has yet to be stopped in his mixed martial arts career.

Verdict: Palhares via decision