Tommy “Gun” McMillen extended his unbeaten mixed martial arts (MMA) record to 12-0 with a hard-fought victory over Marwan Rahiki at UFC Noche, held in Glendale, Arizona. The featherweight maintained his perfect UFC run, securing a win by decision in a closely contested bout that has drawn praise as a potential fight of the year.

McMillen, 28, who carries a distinctive persona both inside and outside the cage, overcame an early setback in the first round to impose his will on Rahiki, handing the 24-year-old his first professional defeat. This marked McMillen’s third UFC victory and his third performance bonus, highlighting the rising fighter’s growing prominence in the division.

Rahiki entered the fight undefeated with a 100 percent finish rate, all of his wins coming by knockout. McMillen acknowledged the challenge, emphasizing his willingness to face difficult opponents on short notice. “I’m the people’s champ,” he remarked afterward, underscoring his commitment to delivering exciting fights. McMillen also noted the quick turnaround from his previous bout, in which he set a UFC record for most significant strikes landed in a three-round fight (252 strikes) against Alberto Montes just seven weeks earlier.

The fight featured a tense buildup, including an altercation between McMillen and Rahiki at the fighters’ hotel. During the match, McMillen directed a middle finger towards Rahiki’s coach while maintaining pressure on his opponent late in the fight, an action he described as a response to provocation. “Don’t ever mess with me,” McMillen said, reflecting his combative approach both inside and outside the octagon.

Known for blending pop culture references with a brash fighting style, McMillen likened himself to a character in a video game, particularly Grand Theft Auto, a title that has inspired some of his tattoos and public persona. He conveyed confidence about his ongoing career trajectory, stating, “I’m writing the script right now” and describing the current period as his “movie” and “game.”

McMillen’s combination of athletic performance and outspoken attitude continues to garner attention as he navigates his early UFC career undefeated, promising further high-profile matchups in the featherweight division.