Guide Note:Pat Miletich also known as "The Croatian Sensation" is a mixed martial artist (MMA), and a former world champion in both lightweight and welterweight. He started training at the age of 26, at Nick Tarpein's school of martial arts in Iowa. Here he learned much of what he knows about kick boxing, karate, and Jui-Jitsu. Miletich influence was his Uncle Johnny "Miller" Miletich who was a boxer in the US Olympics in 1932. In 1995 a friend referred Pat, which got him into the Battle of the Masters, a mixed martial arts tournament in Chicago. From there he continued fighting in small events and was very successful. Miletich was undefeated for 15 fights until he lost to Matt Hume. In 1998 Pat won the UFC lightweight tournament, three fights later he won the UFC welterweight tournament. In 2001 Miletich lost the UFC welterweight title to Carlos Newtonin Ultimate Fighting Championship 31. In 2002 Pat decided to take some time off to recover from numerous chronic injuries. Pat returned in September 2006 to fight Renzo Gracie in an International Fight League (IFL) super fight. Miletich is founder of Miletich Fighting System, which has trained some of the most talented and popular fighter in mixed martial arts such as, Matt Hughes, Tim Sylvia, Jens Pulver and Robbie Lawler. He is also the coach of the two-time IFL champions, the Quad City Silverbacks.
Fast Facts:
- Date of Birth: March 9, 1968
- Place of Birth: Davenport, Iowa
- Full Name: Patrick Jay Miletich
- Nickname: "The Croatian Sensation"
- Fighting Style: Free Style Jiu Jitsu
- Founder of Miletich Fighting System
- Coach & Trainer: Alvino Peña
- Third degree black belt in Shuri-ryu karate
