Chris Weidman says the UFC needs to capitalize on Tommy McMillen's popularity.
McMillen (12-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) put on a show when he outlasted Marwan Rahiki in a Fight of the Year contender this past Saturday at Noche UFC in Arizona. McMillen's heart, chin, and durability have made him a fan favorite, and the 28-year-old is already ready to compete again by December.
McMillen beat two rising contenders in Alberto Montes and Rahiki, but Weidman says it's time for "Tommy Gunz" to get a step up in competition. He explains why.
"He has just as much of a chance to lose to those guys outside the top ten, the way he fights," Weidman said on Deep Waters. "He was dropped. He was almost finished in this fight. So why not just put him against those top guys and
let him be under the big lights against top guys, where he does have a chance to win, but he also has a chance to get knocked out, anyway? He's doing everything you're supposed to do as an up-and-comer. He's talking the trash, and he's walking the walk. He's ready to die in there every time."
McMillen has earned bonuses in all three of his octagon appearances, and set the record for most significant strikes in a three-round UFC fight in his win over Montes. While his fan-friendly style has him gaining immense popularity, he has been rocked or dropped in three of his past four fights.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Chris Weidman makes case for rising UFC star Tommy McMillen against a top guy
