Tommy McMillen Has “It”: Deep Waters Beats a Star
Featherweight prospect Tommy McMillen turned heads with his TKO victory at UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City on July 18, 2026, a performance that immediately sparked debate among the Deep Waters crew—Dustin Poirier, Jorge Masvidal, Chris Weidman, and Din Thomas—about just how high his ceiling might be.
The Panel Sees a Star Emerging
The group didn’t hesitate: McMillen has star power. They pointed to his ability to generate hype, his confrontational weigh‑in energy, and the relentless pressure he brings once the cage door shuts. According to the crew, McMillen doesn’t just fight—he creates moments. That intangible “it” factor is something only a handful of fighters possess, and McMillen already appears to be tapping into it.
A Style Built for Violence
While some fans have compared McMillen’s movement to Ilia Topuria or Cody Garbrandt, the panel emphasized a different truth: McMillen is a pressure breaker. His willingness to stay in the pocket, absorb risk, and overwhelm opponents through sheer volume and aggression reminded the crew of Robbie Lawler—a fighter defined by grit, violence, and forward momentum.
McMillen’s Oklahoma City win showcased exactly that. He battered Alberto Montes with nonstop output before securing a third‑round TKO, pushing his record to 11‑0 and further validating the hype surrounding him.
The Ceiling: High, But Requires Discipline
Despite the praise, the Deep Waters team didn’t shy away from caution. McMillen’s walk‑forward, high‑risk style—while thrilling—could become a liability against elite punchers. His wrestling background gives him tools he hasn’t fully utilized yet, and the crew agreed that learning to fight smarter will be essential as he climbs the featherweight ladder.
In short: the talent is real, but refinement will determine his future.
Who Should He Fight Next?
The panel floated several potential matchups to test McMillen’s readiness for the next tier of competition:
- Aaron Pico – A dynamic, explosive threat who would force McMillen to show more layers.
- Nate Landwehr – A chaos merchant whose durability and pace could create a wild, fan‑friendly war.
- Josh Emmett – A dangerous puncher with fight‑ending power, representing a major step up.
- Duho Choi – A striker with precision and experience who could challenge McMillen’s pressure style.
Still, the crew warned against rushing him too quickly. The featherweight division is stacked with heavy hitters, and McMillen’s current style—while effective—could get him hurt if he’s matched with the wrong opponent too soon.
The Verdict
The Deep Waters crew sees Tommy McMillen as one of the most compelling rising fighters at 145 lbs. He has charisma, violence, and a style built for highlight reels. But to reach the top, he’ll need to evolve—tighten his defense, diversify his approach, and lean on his wrestling when necessary.
If he does, the featherweight division may be looking at its next breakout star.
Article Tags
UFC, UFC Fight Night, Oklahoma City, Tommy McMillen, Dustin Poirier, Jorge Masvidal, Chris Weidman, Din Thomas, Featherweight Division, MMA Analysis, Fight Recap
