Juliana Miller, a name that sparked considerable interest within the MMA community, has faced yet another roadblock in her career. After a year-long hiatus from competition, the 28-year-old fighter has had to withdraw from her eagerly awaited bout against Carli Judice, which was scheduled for February 15 at UFC Fight Night 251 in Las Vegas. The reason for her withdrawal stems from an injury that has yet to be disclosed, leaving fans and analysts to speculate on the nature and severity of the setback. Although the UFC is actively seeking a substitute to fill the vacant slot, Miller’s unfortunate situation serves as a reminder of the sport’s unpredictability and the physical toll it can take on athletes.
Miller’s last victory came in 2022, where she triumphed over Brogan Walker via TKO to seize the title on “The Ultimate Fighter 30”. This victory thrust her into the spotlight, raising expectations for her subsequent performances. However, those expectations rapidly turned into disappointment when she faced Veronica Hardy and lost by unanimous decision, marking the beginning of a declining trajectory. Her most recent fight, held in August 2023, ended abruptly as she was defeated by Luana Santos within minutes. This string of defeats has not only affected her professional record—currently standing at 3-3—but has also cast doubt on her potential as a fighter. Miller’s vibrant personality and engaging mic skills initially garnered her a fan following, but with each loss, the challenge of maintaining that appeal is growing more precarious.
On her end, Carli Judice is also experiencing a difficult journey in her UFC career. At just 25, she has faced her own hurdles, suffering a split-decision loss in her UFC debut against Gabriella Fernandes. This follows another defeat in the Dana White’s Contender Series, where she lost a close fight to Ernesta Kareckaite. Judice, aiming for her first UFC victory, now must wait to learn who her new opponent will be at UFC Fight Night 251. Having lost two in a row, the added pressure of a new fight could either serve as a much-needed opportunity for redemption or further complicate her early career.
In light of Miller’s withdrawal, the event’s lineup continues to be reshuffled. Key matchups already on the schedule include Ismael Bonfim facing Nazim Sadykhov and Gabriel Bonfim going up against Rinat Fakhretdinov, among others. The anticipation surrounding these bouts remains high, but the absence of Miller’s fight against Judice leaves a noticeable gap. The UFC must act quickly to secure a replacement fighter capable of generating the same excitement.
The world of mixed martial arts is filled with uncertainties and challenges, exemplified by Juliana Miller’s recent exit from UFC Fight Night 251. For both her and an emerging talent like Carli Judice, the path to success is fraught with obstacles. As injuries and losses accumulate, the focus for both fighters will not only be on physical recovery but also on mental resilience and strategy as they look to regain their footing in this competitive arena. Fans will be watching closely, eager to see how Miller’s story evolves and whether Judice can capitalize on the next opportunity presented to her.