Wins, losses, and the manner in which a professional record is compiled usually determine a fighter's standing in mixed martial arts circles.

But these barometers fail to measure a fighter's internal makeup. For more than a year, UFC middleweight Dan Miller has battled difficulties few human beings will ever experience.

He and his wife, Kristen, lost their first child at birth last year. It's an emotional ordeal from which neither parent has yet recovered.

The death of their daughter came days before Miller was scheduled to face Chael Sonnen at UFC 98 in May 2009. Miller could have pulled out of the bout but opted to fulfill his contractual obligation and provide for his grieving wife.

He gave everything he had against Sonnen but lost by unanimous decision. Nine months later, Miller would re-enter the Octagon against Demian Maia.

Tough break: Dan Miller, left, dislocated his thumb in the first round against Demian Maia at UFC 109. Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

The fight with Maia at UFC 109 would take place a few weeks after the birth of the Miller's second child, Daniel. While most new fathers are filled with excitement over the birth of their child, Miller's joy has been temperate.

Daniel has not had an easy transition into this world, and he is fighting for his life.

Caring for an ailing son and comforting his wife has been tough for Miller, who will face Michael Bisping in the co-featured bout Saturday night at UFC 114 in Las Vegas.

It's been an emotionally draining year for Miller, who has lost two fights in a row during that span. Despite his setbacks in the cage, Miller (11-3-0, one no-contest) won't point to difficulties at home as contributing factors. He refuses take anything from his opponents' successes.

"[Sonnen and Maia] were two good fights," Miller told ESPN.com. "Chael basically came out and mauled me. He came out and just outwrestled me. It was a close fight with Demian."

If the death of one child and ongoing struggles of another weren't enough, Miller faced more adversity in Round 1 against Maia. He dislocated the thumb on his right hand -- his power-punching hand.

With his power compromised, Miller turned to his younger brother, UFC lightweight Jim Miller, for help putting the thumb back in its socket. Despite his efforts, Jim was unable to resolve the problem.

Dan was forced to fight the final two rounds of that bout basically one-handed. The pain was excruciating, but at no time did Miller consider quitting. There is no quit in Dan Miller.