Legends never die, and UFC fighter Jim Miller used his victory speech at Madison Square Garden to draw attention to an issue that has captured the hearts of many—the fight for justice for P’Nut the Squirrel. On Saturday night, Miller extended his UFC record for the most wins ever to 27, but when he stood in the octagon with commentator Joe Rogan for the post-fight interview, his focus was not on his achievement.
Instead, the New Jersey native took a moment to advocate for a cause that had been weighing on his mind.
“New York, I got one thing to say first,” Miller declared, as the crowd buzzed with anticipation. “We need justice for P’Nut.” The arena erupted in response, with some fans cheering in support, while others booed in outrage at the situation. P’Nut, a beloved pet squirrel, had been confiscated from its home by New York State authorities and put to death last month, sparking a heated debate about government overreach.
Miller continued, making sure the message went beyond just one squirrel. “It’s not just a squirrel,” he said passionately. “It’s all the kids that went hungry that night. And all the other things that the money and resources could’ve been put to.” His words resonated with many in the audience who saw the incident as a symbol of misplaced priorities and excessive government intervention.
Miller also referenced the newly minted DOGE initiative—a project launched by President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, aimed at addressing inefficiencies and bureaucratic overreach in government. “Hopefully that DOGE cleans things up down at the state level,” Miller added, drawing a mix of cheers and laughter from the crowd.
A bemused Joe Rogan responded, “I like how you used your post-victory speech for a political rally.” The exchange highlighted Miller’s dedication to using his platform to speak out on issues he cares about, even in the midst of a major career achievement.
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The story of P’Nut the squirrel has become a major talking point in conservative circles, with many holding it up as an example of unnecessary government intrusion.
The incident has garnered the attention of high-profile figures such as Elon Musk and even Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. Conservatives have rallied around the story as a symbol of overzealous bureaucracy, with many arguing that the government’s actions were excessive and unjustified.
Earlier this week, state officials confirmed that P’Nut was euthanized as part of a rabies testing protocol, a decision that has only fueled the outcry further. Critics argue that the testing was unnecessary and that P’Nut could have been spared, pointing to the incident as an example of the government’s disregard for individual rights and personal property.
Miller’s impassioned plea for “Justice for P’Nut” during his post-fight speech may have seemed unexpected, but it underscores the power of sports figures to bring attention to issues that resonate with the public.
Miller, a veteran of the UFC with an enduring career, used his platform in front of thousands of fans at Madison Square Garden, as well as millions watching at home, to advocate for a cause he believes in—something that goes beyond just winning fights.
As Miller’s message continues to spread, the saga of P’Nut the squirrel is likely to remain a focal point for debates about government regulation, individual freedoms, and the priorities of state authorities.
For Jim Miller, it wasn’t just about adding another win to his storied career; it was about standing up for what he believes is right—and that is what makes legends truly unforgettable.
