“The Croatian Sensation,” Pat Miletich, returns to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition after a four-year absence to take on Renzo Gracie in the International Fight League (IFL). Miletich spoke with MMAWeekly over the weekend about his return to combat.
This year has seen the return of several MMA legends. Frank Shamrock fought for the Strikeforce promotion in March. Bas Rutten will be fighting in the World Fighting Alliance (WFA) in July. Royce Gracie returned to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Keith Hackney is rumored to have been cast on season four of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Now, Pat Miletich will make his return in the IFL.
It’s been rumored for some time that Miletich was going to fight again. We just didn’t know when, where, or against whom. Bas Rutten let the cat out of the bag on MMAWeekly Radio and Pat Miletich confirmed it to MMAWeekly over the weekend.
Pat Miletich told MMAWeekly, “Renzo and I are going to fight. I think they’re going to be making the announcement on the IFL June third, where it’s going to be and what date. We’re excited. Renzo and I get along very well. We’ve known each other for a lot of years. But we recognize we can have a lot of fun, put on a good show for the crowd, make some money at the same time, and help the IFL along. It’s very exciting.”
Miletich is a legend inside and outside the ring. He trains the UFC Welterweight Champion, Matt Hughes, the UFC Heavyweight Champion, Tim Sylvia, Jens Pulver, Jeremy Horn, Robbie Lawler, Jason Black, Spencer Fisher, Tony Fryklund, Sam Hoger, and Mike Whitehead, just to name a few.
Miletich has a 28-6-2 professional MMA record including winning the UFC Lightweight Tournament at UFC 16: “Battle in the Bayou.” Miletich went on to become the first UFC Lightweight (under 170lbs.) Champion by defeating Mikey Burnett at UFC: “Ultimate Brazil.” The weight class was changed to the welterweight division in 2001. After losing the UFC welterweight title to Carlos Newton at UFC 31: “Locked and Loaded,” Pat moved up to the middleweight division. He last competed in MMA at UFC 36: “Worlds Collide” in a losing effort against Matt “The Law” Lindland. Miletich hasn’t fought since March of 2002.
Miletich vs. Gracie
MMAWeekly.com has learned that the IFL is making some interesting moves for their future. MMAWeekly has learned that the IFL will make the announcement that there are four new teams that will be added to the mix in the IFL. The four teams will include a team in Canada, Japan, the UK, and another team in the United States.
MMAWeekly.com has learned that the coach of Team Canada will in fact be Carlos Newton, something that has been mentioned on the forums for quite some time. What has not been mentioned before is that WFA fighter Matt Lindland will be a coach of the new U.S. Team and will be announced this weekend. Location will be unveiled by the IFL this weekend.
Team Japan will be coached by Antonio Inoki and it's believe the UK team will be headed up by Mark Coleman. Once again details are a bit sketchy right now, but the IFL will make the big announcement this weekend as they are gearing up for their live event from the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Here is how the card is shaping up.
Weigh-in: June 2, 2006 Location: Trump Taj Mahal, Xanadu Theatre 6:00pm est
Fight Date: June 3, 2006 Location: Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ 8:00pm est
Tigersharks vs. Silverbacks - First Team League Championship
Maurice Smith – Coach | Pat Miletich – Coach
155 lbs.Steve Bruno vs. Bart Palaszewski
170 lbs. Brad Blackburn vs. Rory Markham
185 lbs. Dennis Hallman vs. Ryan McGivern
205 lbs. Reese Andy vs. Mike Ciesnolevicz
265 lbs. Devin Cole vs. Travis Wuiff
Super Fights
155 lbs. Erik Owings vs. Chris Horodecki
170 lbs. Jay Hieron vs. Jake Ellenberger
205 lbs. Alex Schoenauer vs. Jamal Patterson
Grudge Match - Superfight
265 lbs. Daniel Gracie vs. Wes Sims
New coaches and next card