Dana White hopes Tommy McMillen's hospitalization was 'a huge wake-up call' for young UFC star
The UFC featherweight prospect was found unresponsive in a Scottsdale, Arizona nightclub Sunday.
UFC CEO Dana White expressed concern over the hospitalization of rising star Tommy McMillen, hoping it would serve as a powerful wake-up call for the young fighter. McMillen was found unresponsive at a Scottsdale, Arizona nightclub on Sunday, with white powder present and officers administering Narcan to counteract a possible drug overdose.
Despite initial concern, McMillen's coach, Tim Welch, announced on social media that the featherweight prospect was recovering and ready for a short notice training call. McMillen himself reposted this message, stating he was ready to fight. UFC President White, speaking at the UFC 334 post-fight press conference, described the incident as "f***ing horrible" and "crazy" that McMillen had returned to training.
The incident comes just weeks after McMillen's coaches, Welch and former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O Malley, acknowledged the fighter's partying habits were leading up to a crucial career crossroads. Both coaches expressed belief that McMillen would eventually make the right choice, acknowledging the young star could either continue down a destructive path or choose a more positive direction.
McMillen, 28-0, has quickly risen to prominence in the UFC since joining Dana White's Contender Series in September 2025, winning his first three fights with impressive knockouts and a "Fight of the Night" victory.
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