UFC July 2026 Awards: McMillen, Pimblett, Harris Claim Honors

The UFC wrapped July 2026 with three events spanning 38 fights and has handed out monthly performance awards, with featherweight Tommy McMillen claiming the Breakout Performance honor. McMillen stopped Alberto Montes in the third round at UFC 329, extending his promotional record to 2-0 and positioning himself for bigger assignments in the 145-pound division.

McMillen, a Dana White's Contender Series graduate tied to bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley, has appeared on the main card in both of his UFC bouts and reportedly lobbied for placement on the Noche UFC card set for Arizona in September, according to the promotion. His reach advantage and volume striking have drawn comparisons to early-career Max Holloway, though officials stressed each step up in competition will test whether he handles the increased pressure.

Pimblett D'arce Choke Tops Submission Category

Paddy Pimblett earned Submission of the Month for his first-round finish of Benoit Saint Denis, also at UFC 329. The Liverpool lightweight locked in a D'arce choke after Saint Denis shot for an immediate takedown, sitting back into the hold with unusual leverage. UFC.com noted Pimblett's length and flexibility allowed him to secure his bicep while sitting down into the choke, adding downward pressure with his legs draped over Saint Denis until the Frenchman went unconscious.

Heavyweight RJ Harris claimed Knockout of the Month honors for an uppercut that lifted Alvin Hines off his feet before the finish. Harris connected cleanly enough to elevate the six-foot-two, 264-pound Hines, a rarity at heavyweight. Brandon Royval versus Lone'er Kavanagh took Fight of the Month, with Royval securing a third-round submission in the flyweight contest.

Honorable mentions included Alessandro Costa, Gable Steveson, and Valter Walker, who recorded his fifth consecutive first-round submission victory. UFC 330 is scheduled for Philadelphia next on the calendar.

Source: ufc.com