Overview
- Tommy McMillen defeated Alberto Montes by TKO at 3:29 of the third round in the Paycom Center main card opener, finishing a fight that the promotion recorded as 13 minutes and 29 seconds of action.
- UFC Stats credited McMillen with over 500 total strikes and 252 significant strikes, the most ever recorded in a scheduled three-round UFC fight and a mark that surpassed Nate Diaz's 2011 figure.
- Broad praise for McMillen's pace and marketability came quickly from commentators and former fighters, but the bout also drew heavy criticism for a perceived late stoppage after broadcasters urged referee Nick Berens to step in.
- The 28-year-old prospect is now 11-0 as a pro and 2-0 in the UFC, earned a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus, made provocative post-fight remarks and said he wants to fight at Noche UFC in September after UFC executive Hunter Campbell privately checked on him backstage.
- The win accelerates McMillen's star-building—promoters and pundits flagged him as a breakout—but it also raises a likely follow-up: whether athletic commissions or the UFC will review the referee's handling of the closing sequence given past instances where controversial officiating led to assignment changes.