Marwan Rahiki: Tommy McMillen's punching volume shows he lacks knockout power

Marwan Rahiki has fired back at Tommy McMillen's record-setting striking output ahead of their undefeated showdown at Noche UFC 4 on September 12 in Glendale, Arizona. Rahiki (9-0), who is 2-0 in the UFC, believes McMillen's high volume of significant strikes in his last bout—a late third-round finish over Alberto Montes that earned McMillen his second UFC bonus—actually reveals a lack of finishing power rather than striking excellence.

Rahiki welcomed the matchup enthusiastically, describing it as the most exciting fight of his career. However, he disputes the significance of McMillen's record for significant strikes landed in a three-round bout, arguing that true striking prowess should translate to quick finishes. "When someone breaks a significant strikes record, as I see it… Finish the fight in the first round," Rahiki told MMA Junkie. "I don't care about significants. That means you don't have knockout power. That means it takes you that long."

The undefeated lightweight plans to impose his will early, stating his goal is to knock McMillen out in the opening round. "If he comes forward, it will be done quick. If he stays smart, he might survive a couple of minutes. But the result will be the same," Rahiki explained. He also praised McMillen's aggressive style as creating an entertaining matchup, noting that facing a fighter willing to engage rather than retreat will make for a compelling fight. With both fighters undefeated and bringing considerable hype to Desert Diamond Arena, the Sept. 12 clash shapes up as a striking-heavy battle between two rising prospects.