McMillen Stops Montes in Third Round at UFC Fight Night 281

Fight Background

Tommy McMillen entered the octagon on a 11‑0 MMA record, adding a 2‑0 UFC slate to his résumé, while Alberto Montes stepped in with an 11‑2 overall mark and a 1‑1 UFC standing. Their clash took place at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City during UFC Fight Night 281, delivering a gritty battle that was noted for both physical ferocity and emotional intensity. Even though the bout did not earn the Fight of the Night award, the contest still stood out for its raw, unforgiving exchange.

The early rounds were a seesaw affair, with each fighter trading blows and maintaining momentum. As the third round dawned, McMillen began to dominate by landing a series of punches directly into Montes’ face, eroding the challenger’s defenses. Montes showed remarkable resilience, absorbing the blows and hanging on for as long as his body would allow.

Third‑Round Turnaround

Despite the mounting body damage, Montes refused to submit, relying on sheer will to keep the fight alive. The referee stepped in after McMillen’s relentless assault, halting the contest and handing McMillen a third‑round TKO victory. With arms raised high, McMillen celebrated a decisive win that extended his unbeaten UFC run.

The result not only bolsters McMillen’s emerging reputation but also frames the encounter as a memorable highlight of the Oklahoma City card. The victory adds depth to his 2‑0 UFC record and signals a promising trajectory for his career.

Video Replay

The UFC promptly released a condensed version of the full fight shortly after the event. Fans can revisit the key moments to see the buildup, the back‑and‑forth rounds, and the decisive finish in a single clip. Below is the official video for those who want to relive the grudge match.

What It Means Going Forward

For McMillen, the triumph reinforces his status as a rising contender and provides confidence ahead of future opponents. Montes, on the other hand, will likely analyze his performance to adjust his approach in upcoming bouts. The fight’s lack of a Fight of the Night award does not diminish its impact; instead, it highlights how compelling performances can leave a lasting imprint regardless of formal honors.

Going forward, both fighters will carry the lessons from this intensely fought contest into the next chapters of their careers, with McMillen looking to build on his momentum and Montes determined to return stronger. The Oklahoma City showdown remains a reference point for fans seeking a hard‑hitting, emotionally charged battle that delivered on excitement alone.