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Pat Miletich: Fighting to Avoid Jail Time
- Honest Abe
- Nov 9, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Pat Miletich, the renowned UFC Hall of Famer known as “The Croatian Sensation,” found himself in a precarious situation when he faced a third operating-while-under-the-influence (OWI) charge.
Pat Miletich Fighting to Avoid Jail Time: Legal Battle of the UFC Legend
Miletich is a retired American mixed martial artist and former sports commentator. He was the first UFC Welterweight Champion, a title that solidified his legacy in the sport.
The incident occurred early one morning when a pedestrian reported a gray pickup truck traveling the wrong way on Devils Glen Road.
The truck ended up in a Shell station parking lot, where Miletich was found asleep in the driver’s seat of his running vehicle after a witness reported erratic driving. Police confirmed that Miletich’s arrest for OWI involved him being found in this state.
Miletich’s situation was dire. With two previous OWI convictions, the stakes were high, and the possibility of jail time loomed large. The charge of OWI Miletich faces is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
Pat Miletich has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of operating while intoxicated (OWI) and has a court hearing scheduled. However, Miletich was determined to avoid incarceration. He knew that his reputation, career, and future were on the line.
From the moment of his arrest, Miletich began working tirelessly to navigate the legal system. He pleaded not guilty and waived his right to a speedy trial, opting instead to prepare a robust defense.
His legal team focused on mitigating factors, emphasizing his contributions to the community, his remorse, and his commitment to rehabilitation. Miletich’s issues outside of the cage have included his removal from commentary and a felony charge of OWI.
He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on July 6, 2014, a testament to his legacy in the sport. He last fought professionally in 2008 against Thomas Denny, marking the end of an illustrious fighting career.
Miletich’s efforts extended beyond the courtroom. He engaged in community service, attended mandatory alcohol education programs, and sought to demonstrate his dedication to turning his life around. His resolve to avoid jail time was unwavering, driven by a desire to continue his career and maintain his standing in the MMA community.
Miletich is also known for founding Miletich Fighting Systems, a successful training camp that has produced numerous champions. He competed in a kickboxing match in 2020 before returning to MMA, showcasing his enduring passion for combat sports.
Following the dispute with Jackson, Miletich and Jackson set up a fight to settle their differences in the cage instead of online, further highlighting his commitment to resolving conflicts through action.
Miletich claims that Jackson’s article was aimed at destroying his life and labeled it a personal character assassination. However, Miletich faced professional setbacks, including being removed from his commentary position after an article by Mike Jackson reported his attendance at the January 6 rally.
The journey was fraught with challenges, but Miletich’s determination and strategic approach paid off. He managed to avoid jail time, receiving a sentence of one year of unsupervised probation instead. This outcome allowed him to continue his work as a sports commentator and maintain his presence in the MMA world.
Miletich announced his return to MMA at age 55 to fight Mike Jackson, a decision that surprised many and demonstrated his enduring commitment to the sport. Fighters competing deep into their 40s have rarely resulted in much success in combat sports.
Despite dominating Mike Jackson for two rounds, Miletich lost via TKO after failing to come out for the third round. Miletich fought Mike Jackson in a grudge match at Caged Aggression in October 2023, further showcasing his passion for the sport. Miletich aims to inspire others by showing that age should not limit one’s aspirations.
Pat Miletich’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Despite facing significant legal and personal hurdles, he fought to avoid jail time and emerged with his career and reputation intact.
Miletich stated that he lost his broadcasting job due to lies written in Jackson’s article about him supporting white supremacy and domestic terrorism.
His experience serves as a reminder that with perseverance and the right strategy, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
Aging athletes can achieve more than they realize with proper dedication and tweaks to their training, such as eating better, a principle Miletich embodies through his continued involvement in MMA. After his fight with Jackson, Miletich indicated plans to take time off to focus on his spiritual journey, reflecting his commitment to personal growth.
Pat Miletich Mugshot
Early Life and Career
Pat Miletich was born on March 9, 1968, in Davenport, Iowa. From a young age, he was captivated by the world of martial arts, beginning his training in kickboxing early on.
This passion for combat sports was matched by a relentless work ethic, which saw him excel in various disciplines including wrestling, boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Before making his mark as a professional fighter, Miletich worked as a sports commentator and trained at numerous gyms, refining his skills and building a solid foundation.
His early career was punctuated by a series of impressive victories in local and regional tournaments, which eventually caught the eye of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This recognition set the stage for Miletich to become one of the most respected figures in mixed martial arts.
Return to MMA at 55
After a 15-year hiatus from professional fighting, Pat Miletich made headlines by announcing his return to MMA at the age of 55. This unexpected comeback was driven by a desire to settle a personal grudge with Mike Jackson, who had penned a controversial article criticizing Miletich’s attendance at the January 6, 2021, rally in Washington D.C.
Feeling that the article was a direct attack on his character, Miletich decided to address the issue in the cage rather than through words.
Despite his age, Miletich was confident in his abilities and embarked on an intensive training regimen, making necessary adjustments to minimize the risk of injury. His return was not just about proving a point but also about demonstrating that age is no barrier to competing at a high level in mixed martial arts.
The Fight Against Mike Jackson
The much-anticipated showdown between Pat Miletich and Mike Jackson took place on October 14, 2023, at the River Center in Davenport, Iowa, under the banner of Caged Aggression MMA.
This grudge match was more than just a fight; it was a culmination of personal and professional tensions. Miletich started strong, dominating the first two rounds with a powerful right hand that floored Jackson and relentless ground and pound.
However, as the fight progressed, Miletich’s cardio issues became evident. By the second round, he struggled to keep his hands up and maintain his movement around the cage. Exhaustion took its toll, and Miletich was unable to answer the bell for the third round, resulting in a technical knockout loss to Jackson. Despite the defeat, the fight showcased Miletich’s enduring spirit and commitment to the sport.
Legal Troubles
In recent years, Pat Miletich has faced significant legal challenges, including a felony charge of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). The incident occurred on September 14, 2023, when Miletich was arrested for driving under the influence.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and opted to waive his right to a speedy trial, with a review hearing scheduled for December 19 in Scott County Court. If convicted, Miletich could face up to five years in prison and a substantial fine.
This is not the first time Miletich has encountered legal issues; he has two prior OWI convictions, adding to the gravity of his current situation. These legal troubles have cast a shadow over his career and personal life, presenting yet another challenge for the UFC Hall of Famer to overcome.
Impact on MMA Career
Pat Miletich’s return to MMA at the age of 55 has had a profound impact on his career. Despite his loss to Mike Jackson, Miletich’s performance was a testament to his enduring skill and determination.
The fight brought renewed attention to his legacy as a UFC Hall of Famer and former world champion. However, his ongoing legal troubles have raised questions about his future in the sport. A conviction for the OWI charge could lead to disciplinary action from the UFC and potentially jeopardize his Hall of Fame status.
Nevertheless, Miletich remains steadfast in his commitment to MMA, determined to continue fighting and contributing to the sport he loves. His journey serves as an inspiration, showing that with dedication and resilience, one can continue to achieve greatness, regardless of age or adversity.
