Former UFC fighter and one of mixed martial arts’ first breakout stars, Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller, has released a lengthy statement online in which he references the string of legal issues he has recently faced and has apologised to fans and friends for some of his recent actions.
Miller, 40, has faced several of the sport’s biggest names in his 39 fights, sharing time in the cage with the likes of Georges St-Pierre, Michael Bisping, Robbie Lawler and many others in an extensive career which saw him compete for the UFC, Strikeforce, and Dream.
Miller’s outspoken antics made him an early star in MMA and he was headhunted by MTV to host their ‘Bully Beatdown’ series and was also cast as a coach on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ opposite Michael Bisping.
However, Miller’s career has also been plagued by several outside-of-the-cage antics. There was that surreal interview with Ariel Helwani, the hours-long standoff with armed police and an arrest for being naked inside of a church.
Miller hasn’t competed in the cage since 2016 when he showed up to a scheduled middleweight fight for Italian promotion Venator 24-pounds over the weight limit and it seems that his time in the spotlight is over, but he recently took to social media to offer an apology and an explanation for some of his actions.
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“The reason I’m making a statement, first and foremost, is to apologize to my friends, family, students, and fans,” Mayhem said. “I lost my way and let you all down, and for that, I am sincerely sorry. Also, I would like to clear up a few things that some media outlets misreported.
“Firstly, contrary to reports, I am not in jail. I was in jail for a time while the authorities sorted out what actually happened, at which point I was released. A few years ago, following my previous incarceration, I went through a rehabilitation program. There, I learned some invaluable life skills. Committed to sobriety and taking care of my physical and mental health, I began to rebuild my life.
“After leaving the residential program, I founded what was becoming a successful martial arts school in Irvine, CA. I worked with some of the world’s best fighters at Bodyshop MMA. I was a regular on MMA Roasted, sharing my expertise and colorful commentary, and I had number of exciting projects in the works. But then I made some bad choices, for which I take full responsibility.
“I returned to an unhealthy relationship which grew toxic during the quarantine. I went back to self medicating, and spiraled. The day I tried to leave, I was met with false accusations. The police got involved, and I found myself back in jail.
It felt like a horrible deja vu. The same circumstances, once again, led to the same consequences.
“My intention is not to place blame or make excuses. I knew the risks associated with returning, and that falling back into that lifestyle would have no positive outcome, so the onus falls on me. I know it’s crazy to return to a situation that is bad for you, but maybe some of you have been there and understand how two people who are terrible for one another can be inexplicably drawn together.
“During the countless hours I spent alone, reflecting, I came to realize that no matter how much I worked on my mental health or sobriety, I couldn’t maintain either while in a toxic environment.
“Before now, I didn’t have the strength to admit my issues with substance abuse and mental health. My hope is that by saying this publicly— being honest about my struggles as I overcome them to reach my full potential— that perhaps I can inspire others who may also be struggling to reach theirs, no matter the odds. Now that it’s out in the open, there’s no going back, I’m not just accountable to myself, but also all to of you.
“I feel better than I ever have; I have support system that cares only about my well being, and helping me succeed. I am excited to be back doing what I love; working with the fighters of tomorrow. I don’t expect your forgiveness, but I hope to earn back your trust. Thank you for reading this. I’ll see you on the mat at Fight Science LA.”
