Updated

Updated · MMA Fighting · Sep 10

Tommy McMillen Seeks UFC 333 Backup Spot for Volkanovski-Evloev Title Fight on Oct. 24

Updated

Updated · MMA Fighting · Sep 10

Tommy McMillen Seeks UFC 333 Backup Spot for Volkanovski-Evloev Title Fight on Oct. 24

Q: Will Tommy McMillen's obsession with a UFC 333 title shot cause him to overlook his undefeated rival after their heated hotel altercation?

Probably not, but it is a real risk. McMillen is clearly looking past Saturday in his public comments. He has spent fight week talking about serving as a backup for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev at UFC 333, and he has framed himself as someone who can beat anyone at 145 pounds. That kind of confidence can become distraction if it turns into underestimating Marwan Rahiki. The stronger evidence, though, suggests McMillen is not sleepwalking into this matchup. He is undefeated, has two UFC finishes and two Performance of the Night bonuses, and has repeatedly tied his title-shot talk to the assumption that he will “take care of business” first. He also has a wrestling base and a high-output style that has already translated well against UFC opposition. Rahiki is exactly the kind of opponent who makes overlooking someone dangerous. He is also unbeaten, has two UFC stoppage wins, and the hotel confrontation shows this is more than routine promotion. That altercation may actually reduce the risk of complacency by keeping the fight personal and immediate. So the title-shot obsession creates a storyline, but not proof of neglect. The bigger takeaway is that McMillen is using UFC 333 talk to build his profile, while still facing the toughest immediate test of his rise. If he loses focus even slightly, Rahiki has the form and momentum to punish it. But based on the available evidence, McMillen looks more energized than distracted.

3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Sep 10

Tommy McMillen said he wants to serve as the backup for Alexander Volkanovski’s featherweight title defense against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 24.
The 28-year-old made the pitch ahead of Saturday’s Noche UFC bout with fellow unbeaten prospect Marwan Rahiki, saying a strong performance would prove he can beat anyone at 145 pounds.
McMillen, 2-0 in the UFC with two bonus-winning finishes this year, pointed to his 6-foot-6 frame and wrestling background as reasons he could handle both Volkanovski and Evloev.
The title fight was set after Volkanovski defended his belt against Diego Lopes earlier this year, while Evloev earned his shot with a decision win over Lerone Murphy in March.