Jim Miller explodes over viral ‘Peanut the Squirrel’ controversy at UFC 309 press conference

UFC legend Jim Miller used his post-fight UFC 309 press conference to blast New York state officials over a viral animal-related controversy.

Jim Miller proved age is just a number in a first-round finish against Damon Jackson at UFC 309. After earning the victory, Miller shared a moment with Jackson in the Octagon as Jackson appeared to retire and put his gloves in leave the cage.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

The 41-year-old Miller scored one of his biggest wins in recent years on one of the biggest stages of 2024. UFC 309 marked the return of Jon Jones against former heavyweight titleholder Stipe Miocic.

During Miller's post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Miller briefly mentioned “Peanut the Squirrel,” prompting speculation about what he was referring to.

New Yorker Mark Longo's squirrel, Peanut, was seized from Longo's home and euthanized by New York environmental officials due to rabies fears. It became a hot topic in the United States ahead of the 2024 presidential election, fanning the flames of debate over the overreach of government.

Although Miller is not a New York native, he was vocal about the highly publicized controversy following his victory at UFC 309.

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Jim Miller scolds New York state officials over the 'Peanut the Squirrel' circus

During his UFC 309 post-fight press conference, Miller explained the basics of his interview comments.

“A disregard for what this has become. They robbed a couple's house at gunpoint, so that means they're willing to kill them… but there's room for bad things to be said about a pet squirrel that's been living there for the past seven years,” Miller said. “I'm sure there were kids in New York City that day who went to bed hungry, I'm sure there were people here who went to sleep on the streets, kids who were in really dangerous situations at home and that didn't help, and were not taken out…

“As a taxpayer, with your work and effort, you confiscated that squirrel? It's just ridiculous, the amount of assets that were used. And it's funny, coming from a guy who eats squirrel! It's not even about the pet, it's about the fact that I value human life over pets. Other things could have happened with all that damn money.”

Peanut's controversial death reached the U.S. Supreme Court this week, when Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch brought up the incident during a private dinner. Peanut was rescued by Longo after his mother was killed by a car, further enraging the citizens of New York.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Jim Miller is shying away from retirement speculation after UFC 309 win

As for Miller, he has won three of his last four fights and bounced back well against Jackson after a loss at UFC 300. He was battered badly by King Green and lost by unanimous decision.

Miller is a potential future UFC Hall of Famer after a decorated run in the cage. He holds numerous UFC records, including most wins (27) and appearances (45).

After one of the biggest wins of his career, Miller continues to speak his mind, even on some of the most obscure hot-button topics in the US.

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