Tommy McMillen is set to make his third UFC appearance at Noche UFC 288, facing undefeated Moroccan featherweight Marwan Rahiki in a high-stakes matchup on the main card at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. McMillen, who entered the fight as a 12-0 amateur wrestler and has since compiled an 11-0 professional record, is determined to establish himself as the dominant force in a division brimming with talent. ‘I am the Mexican,’ he declared in an interview with MMA Junkie, emphasizing his fighting spirit and crowd appeal.

McMillen’s Background and Fight Style

McMillen, from Montana, made his professional debut in 2019 and joined the UFC in April 2026. His striking prowess was on full display at UFC Oklahoma City in July 2026, where he recorded 252 significant strikes in a three-round victory over Alberto Montes, a UFC record. McMillen’s record includes nine first-round finishes, two of which ended in under a minute—0:20 and 0:55, but he trains with Tim Welch and Sean O’Malley and once lived with the latter, according to UFC.com. He is also a two-time Montana State Wrestling Champion from Great Falls High School.

Controversy and Frustration in the Rankings

While McMillen’s fight against Rahiki is a headline grabber, it has also sparked debate within the MMA community. Edgar Chairez, a Mexican fighter with seven wins and a strong fan base, expressed frustration about being relegated to the preliminary card. ‘I put (McMillen) as example because he’s a debutant basically. He’s got one fight, and I have seven,’ Chairez said in an interview with Bloody Elbow. ‘I feel very underappreciated by the company.’ Despite this, McMillen’s recent performances,two consecutive bonus wins,justify his position on the main card, according to Bloody Elbow.

Heated Rivalry and Pre-Fight Tensions

The fight between McMillen and Rahiki has generated considerable buzz, not just for their undefeated records but also for a pre-fight altercation at the fighter hotel. The two ran into each other and exchanged shoves, which was quickly broken up by UFC security and others on the scene, according to MMA Fighting. The incident only heightened anticipation for the fight. Rahiki, also undefeated with two finishes in the UFC, is coming off a strong performance against Montes and is eager to prove himself against a rising star.

McMillen, for his part, remains focused on the fight ahead. ‘There can only be one, and I am the one,’ he said, as reported by MMA Junkie. The fight promises to be a showcase of two aggressive, undefeated prospects looking to climb the featherweight rankings. The Arizona crowd, which McMillen initially assumed would be against him due to his ‘Mexican’ persona, is now expected to support him, as Rahiki is Moroccan.