Tommy McMillen breaks Nate Diaz’s UFC record, calls himself ‘third Diaz brother’

Tommy McMillen made headlines at UFC Oklahoma City on 18 July 2026 by breaking Nate Diaz’s record for most significant strikes in a 15-minute fight. After his dominant win over Alberto Montes, McMillen boldly declared himself the ‘third Diaz brother,’ claiming he shares the same fighting spirit as Nick and Nate Diaz.

What happened at UFC Oklahoma City?

The UFC returned to Oklahoma City for just the third time, headlined by Dricus Du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman. While the main event saw Du Plessis hand Usman his fourth loss in five fights, the spotlight shifted to Tommy McMillen. The 28-year-old featherweight delivered a three-round masterclass, finishing Montes in the third round.

McMillen’s performance earned him a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus. His 197 significant strikes shattered the previous record of 183, held by Nate Diaz. The victory marked his second UFC win, following a first-round knockout of Manolo Zecchini earlier this year.

Why does this matter for Nate Diaz?

Nate Diaz’s record had stood as a testament to his relentless striking ability. McMillen’s achievement not only highlights his own rising star but also places him in elite company. By invoking the Diaz brothers, McMillen aligns himself with one of MMA’s most iconic fighting styles-one built on volume, pressure, and durability.

Dana White praised McMillen’s performance, noting that the fighter’s intensity even led to security measures at weigh-ins. ‘He’s a real American Gangster,’ McMillen said, embracing the Diaz brothers’ rebellious persona.

What’s next for McMillen?

With just 11 professional fights under his belt, McMillen is still a prospect. However, his back-to-back highlight-reel performances suggest the UFC may build him slowly, much like they did with Sean O’Malley. As he continues to impress, McMillen’s claim to be the ‘third Diaz brother’ could gain traction among fans.

For now, his focus remains on climbing the featherweight ranks. But if he keeps breaking records and delivering knockout performances, the MMA world may soon have a new Diaz-like figure to watch.