TLDR
- Tommy McMillen has volunteered to serve as backup fighter for the UFC 333 title fight
- The featherweight bout features Alexander Volkanovski versus Movsar Evloev
- McMillen is targeting a fight against whoever wins the UFC 333 championship match
- Jean Silva previously stated he deserves the next title shot after his Noche UFC victory
- McMillen’s announcement adds another name to the growing list of featherweight title contenders
Sources: middleeasy.com | youtube.com
UFC featherweight contender Tommy McMillen has stepped forward to volunteer as the backup fighter for the upcoming UFC 333 title fight. The announcement comes as the promotion prepares for a championship bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev.
McMillen made his intentions clear by publicly stating his willingness to step in if either fighter cannot compete. The move is standard practice for high-profile UFC championship fights, where backup fighters prepare in case of last-minute injuries or emergencies.
McMillen Eyes Championship Opportunity
The featherweight contender is not just offering his services as a backup. McMillen has also made it known that he wants to fight the winner of the Volkanovski-Evloev matchup.
This positioning demonstrates McMillen’s confidence in his readiness for a title shot. By volunteering as backup, he ensures he remains in the conversation for the next championship opportunity.
Tommy McMillen says he deserves a THANK YOU from Marwan Rahiki for how hyped their fight has become 👀
“This is the fight everyone’s talking about. I need to start getting some thank you letters from these motherf-ckers, because I’m putting these guys in the spotlights, I’m… pic.twitter.com/qI4Fywez3m
— Title Fight (@TitleFightMedia) September 10, 2026
The UFC 333 main event features two elite featherweights with contrasting styles. Alexander Volkanovski is a former champion known for his striking and wrestling combination.
Movsar Evloev brings an undefeated record and grappling-heavy approach to the octagon. The winner will have a strong claim to the featherweight title picture.
Competition for Title Contention
McMillen is not the only fighter calling for a championship opportunity. Jean Silva recently stated that his victory at Noche UFC should earn him the next title shot.
Silva picked Evloev to win the UFC 333 matchup. His callout adds another layer to the crowded featherweight division’s title race.
The featherweight division has become increasingly competitive in recent months. Multiple fighters are making strong cases for title consideration based on their recent performances.
McMillen’s willingness to serve as backup shows his readiness to compete at the highest level. Backup fighters must maintain their training camp and weight cut in case they are called upon.
The UFC often rewards backup fighters who stay ready with future opportunities. This practice has led to several fighters earning title shots or high-profile matchups.
Volkanovski and Evloev are expected to provide an exciting championship fight at UFC 333. Both fighters have proven themselves against top competition in the division.
McMillen’s announcement puts additional pressure on both title fighters. Knowing that a hungry contender is waiting in the wings can add motivation for championship competitors.
The UFC has not officially confirmed McMillen as the backup fighter for UFC 333. The promotion typically announces backup fighters closer to the event date.
McMillen’s public volunteering demonstrates his desire to fast-track his path to the championship. By making himself available for UFC 333, he positions himself as a reliable and ready contender in the featherweight division.
