Nate Diaz’s UFC striking record shattered at UFC Fight Night 281

Nate Diaz’s long-standing UFC striking record fell on Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 281 in Oklahoma City.

What happened?

Tommy McMillen set a new UFC record for significant strikes landed in a three-round fight, beating Nate Diaz’s 13-year-old mark with 252 strikes in their middleweight bout. Diaz had held the previous high of 238, set in his December 2011 win over Donald Cerrone at UFC 141. McMillen’s performance came on 19 Jul 2026 at Paycom Center, where the UFC’s return to Oklahoma City produced historic numbers across the card.

Why it matters for Nate Diaz

Diaz’s 238-strike record had stood untouched since 2011, making it one of the most durable benchmarks in modern UFC striking. McMillen’s 252-strike barrage not only erased that mark but also underscored how far UFC striking volume has climbed in the past decade. Diaz’s record was a benchmark for pressure fighters, and its fall signals a shift in how judges and fans now weigh sustained output in three-round fights.

What comes next?

McMillen improved to 11-0 with his second UFC stoppage, while Diaz remains inactive after his last fight in 2023. The new record sets a fresh target for welterweights and middleweights chasing Diaz’s old pace. With McMillen’s stock rising, Diaz’s absence leaves a void-and a challenge-for the next fighter to claim the striking throne.

Key numbers from UFC Fight Night 281

The event drew 17,173 fans and generated a live gate of $3,187,383. McMillen and Alberto Montes earned $100,000 fight-night bonuses, while two finish bonuses went to Du Plessis and Hooper. The 12-bout card ran 2:23:08 total fight time, and betting favorites went 7-5 on the night.