Tommy McMillen will not fight again in 2026 and is expected to return to action in 2027. No further details on the reason for the extended layoff have been disclosed.
Undefeated UFC prospect Tommy McMillen will not compete again in 2026 and is expected to return to the cage in 2027, ending a busy year for the 28-year-old on an extended pause. No reason for the layoff has been disclosed.
McMillen, who fights out of Fight Ready, carries a perfect 12-0 record into the break. The American stands six feet tall (183 cm) with a 74-inch (188 cm) reach and competes from an orthodox stance.
His numbers explain why his absence will be felt. McMillen lands 11.13 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy, a high-volume output that has produced stoppages as well as decisions. He also mixes in grappling, averaging 1.58 takedowns and 0.9 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Recent form
McMillen was active in 2026. By our records, he won three straight bouts this year:
- April 4: first-round KO/TKO of Manolo Zecchini at UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Duncan
- July 18: third-round KO/TKO of Alberto Montes at UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman
- September 12: unanimous decision over Marwan Rahiki at Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado
That is three fights in roughly five months, a pace of one bout about every two months. His most recent recorded fight, the September 12 decision win, came less than two months before news of the layoff broke on November 5.
Why it matters
- McMillen's unbeaten run stays frozen at 12-0 until at least early 2027, delaying any step up in competition.
- Two of his three 2026 wins came by knockout or TKO, so his finishing threat leaves the division's schedule for now.
- A layoff of this length, from a September fight to a 2027 return, means he will be off for at least several months.
No timetable beyond 2027 has been given, and the reason behind the extended break has not been made public.
