Cole Miller (photo via UFC.com)

By Kelsey Mowatt

When Cole Miller steps into the Octagon this Saturday at UFC on FOX 17, he will be competing in his second bout of 2015. While that’s not a figure that jumps out at you, when you consider Miller’s only fought twice since 2013, you can understand why it’s significant.

Since Miller worked his way to a decision win over Andy Ogle in October, 2013, injuries have kept the American Top Team fighter on the sidelines for much of that time. In fact, one of the setbacks forced Miller to withdraw from a scheduled bout with Conor McGregor last July.

On December 19th, Miller (21-9) will battle Jim Alers (13-2). It will mark the first time he’s fought since February, when he was decisioned by Max Holloway. Miller’s last bout before that took place in January, 2014, when he submitted Sam Sicilia. As a result, “Magrinho” is hoping to score a win, end the year on a high note, and set the table for a memorable 2016 campaign.

“Things are set up you know? You know this this will be twice in 23 months?” Miller said while appearing on Full Contact Fighter Radio recently, while discussing the fact this is his first, two fight year since 2013. “I had a 13 month layoff from Sam Sicilia to Max Holloway, and then another 10 month layoff. That’s not good.”

“It sucks. It sucks when you’re trying to climb the ranks to where I feel I belong, stacked up against the guys that are the best, or the best in the division.” added Miller. “It sucks financially too, to be in that kind of position…How are you supposed to support a family of thirty grand for 10 months? That’s not good.”

Despite the setbacks, the 31 year-old Miller clearly hasn’t lost confidence in his abilities to make a title run. The former lightweight has been with the UFC now since 2007, and is set to compete in his 18th fight with the promotion.

“I’m trying to push forward and look forward like I’m always doing, and this camp has really gone great,” said Miller. “You know, I mentioned the injuries and the bad luck, and right now, I didn’t realize how bad I was hurting. Now I feel really, really good going into this camp. I haven’t had any injuries, and that’s pretty rare.”

UFC on FOX 17 will be hosted by the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.