Tommy McMillen Blasts Movsar Evloev's 20-0 Style Ahead of UFC 333

Q: Will Tommy McMillen's aggressive, hands-down style cost him his undefeated record against dangerous striker Marwan Rahiki this Saturday?

Yes, it could — Rahiki is the kind of opponent most likely to punish the openings McMillen leaves. McMillen’s pressure-heavy, hands-down style has worked so far because of his pace, size and toughness. He is 11-0, has two UFC finishes and two bonuses, and just set a striking record in his win over Alberto Montes. He has also said he could lean more on wrestling if needed, which suggests he has more tools than his public persona implies. But the risk this Saturday is unusually high. Rahiki is also undefeated at 9-0, has finished every opponent he has faced, and is being widely described as a precise, dangerous striker with real knockout power. Several previews have singled out the same concern: McMillen’s aggressive entries and defensive looseness could leave him open to cleaner counters from Rahiki. Rahiki himself has predicted an early knockout and argued that McMillen’s record-setting volume reflects attritional pressure more than one-shot stopping power. That does not mean McMillen is likely to lose outright. He remains a slight betting favorite, roughly in the -166 to -170 range, and his constant pressure can break opponents mentally and physically. If he mixes in wrestling, clinch work or more disciplined defense, he can still keep his unbeaten record. The fairest read is that McMillen’s style gives him a path to win, but also makes this his most dangerous matchup yet. If he fights recklessly for long stretches, Rahiki has a real chance to hand him his first loss.

Q: Why is McMillen trash-talking a title contender instead of focusing on the opponent he just brawled with in a hotel lobby?

McMillen is likely doing both: selling himself and signaling ambition beyond Saturday’s fight. His comments about Movsar Evloev fit the persona he has built since joining the UFC. McMillen has become known as a loud self-promoter, and the Evloev remarks let him attach his name to a title fight while reinforcing his “action fighter” brand. He contrasted his own style with Evloev’s control-heavy wrestling, calling that approach boring and saying he would rather fight aggressively. In a sport where attention often drives opportunities, that kind of talk keeps him in the news even when he is not in a main event. The timing also matters. McMillen has two UFC finishes, two performance bonuses, and strong confidence in his standing at featherweight. He openly volunteered to be the backup for Volkanovski vs. Evloev at UFC 333, so criticizing Evloev was also a way to make that pitch public. He is essentially telling the UFC he sees himself near bigger fights already. That does not mean he is ignoring Marwan Rahiki. The hotel altercation and their interviews show clear bad blood, and McMillen has said Rahiki is not on his level. But Rahiki is a fellow prospect, while Evloev is the No. 1 contender. Talking about Evloev gives McMillen more reach, more headlines, and a faster route into the wider featherweight conversation. So the trash talk is less a sign of distraction than a calculated attempt to market himself, build leverage, and position for a breakout if he beats Rahiki.

3 articles · Updated · BJPENN.COM · Sep 10

Tommy McMillen called Movsar Evloev “boring” ahead of UFC 333, saying the unbeaten featherweight’s wrestling-heavy approach is not the kind of fighting fans want to watch.
The rising 145-pounder said he hopes champion Alexander Volkanovski wins on Oct. 24, but added he would accept a backup role for the title fight if the UFC asked.
McMillen’s comments come as he prepares for his own bout Saturday at Noche UFC 4, where he faces Marwan Rahiki after a hotel altercation in Glendale that involved shoving.
Oddsmakers have that grudge match close, with McMillen a slight favorite, while his remarks add extra attention to Evloev’s title shot against Volkanovski.