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Jim Miller expecting Frankie Edgar title showdown

Jim Miller is on a seven-fight win streak © Getty Images

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Jim Miller expects to fight Frankie Edgar for the UFC lightweight title at the start of next year, because he is convinced Edgar will finally get the better of Gray Maynard.

Miller is the recognised No. 1 contender to fight the winner of Edgar v Maynard, who go head-to-head on October 8 at UFC 136. He can rubber-stamp that position by defeating Ben Henderson this weekend, in the co-main event of UFC Live.

Miller has only been beaten on two previous occasions, by both Edgar and Maynard. He hopes to get the chance to avenge at least one of those losses, and he believes Edgar will be first in the firing line.

"I think Frankie is going to outwork him (Maynard) and push the pace," Miller said to Yahoo Sports. "When Frankie gets going, he can outwrestle anybody.

"I don't think he's going to underestimate Gray's power this time around. You can't count Gray out. He's got the capability to knock people out. But I think Frankie is going to stay tight and be a better fighter.

"I think a lot about my fight with each of them. I learned from the mistakes I made in each of the fights. I think about how I would go about beating them in a rematch. I know I'm a much more dangerous grappler than either of them. I know I can sub either of them out. I had brief opportunities with both, but it was too little, too late. It's about creating opportunities sooner."

Focusing for now on Henderson, Miller admits he is fully aware of his opponent's dangerous submissions game.

"He's definitely got the guillotine, and he fights with some very talented guys," Miller said. "I'm not planning on putting myself in bad situations. When he smells blood, he'll get after it. He's got that killer instinct.

"I have to keep my cool and not get too anxious and over extend myself. I think I can push the pace and create the openings I need."

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