Longtime UFC coach and analyst Din Thomas has issued an emotional apology to Gillian Robertson after being hammered by some of the UFC’s biggest names over his bizarre comments following her title defeat to Mackenzie Dern.
Robertson fell short in her bid to become UFC strawweight champion at UFC 330, losing a unanimous decision to Dern in Philadelphia.
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But it was what happened afterwards that quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the weekend.
Thomas, Robertson’s coach who was also working on the UFC broadcast on Sunday, announced on the post-fight show that he was retiring from cornering fighters – while also suggesting Robertson may have gone as far as she could in the sport.
“I told myself I would continue to do this until I took Gillian as far as she could go,” Thomas said.
“I think that might be as far as she can go, and I am officially retiring from cornering fighters tonight.”
It did not go down particularly well.
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was among those leading the pile-on, unloading on Thomas in a social media post and branding him a “s*** coach”.
“Din Thomas is a f**king c**t,” Strickland wrote on X. “I’ve had my ass kicked in multiple weight classes through my career and won two titles. You’re a d**khead. It’s probably better you retire. You’re a s**t coach.
“You only lose when you quit. Din sounds like you’re a f**king loser.”
Even Dern, the woman who had just beaten Robertson, was unimpressed.
The strawweight champ questioned why Thomas felt the need to make his feelings public immediately after the fight.
“It’s definitely more about him than her,” Dern said.
“She came to fight for a title, broke records … she’s gone far, and she’s only 31.”
Now, after being savaged for the comments, Thomas has conceded his critics had a point.
Speaking on the UFC’s Deep Waters show on Tuesday, he admitted he had mishandled the situation and apologised directly to Robertson.
“Saturday night was the most inappropriate time to bring up the fact that I did not want to corner again,” Thomas said.
“It was completely irresponsible. It was despicable. I shouldn’t have done it.
“I should have waited to a different time than take away her moment.”
Thomas has worked alongside Robertson for the past seven years and helped guide her from UFC prospect to world title challenger.
Robertson came into UFC 330 on a five-fight winning streak and had finally earned her first shot at UFC gold before being outpointed by Dern.
Thomas says he made the moment about himself.
“I selfishly stole her moment that night,” Thomas said.
“Instead of congratulating her on her run, I stole her moment.
“I was completely wrong. I’m ashamed; I’m embarrassed. But I’m not too big to say I’m sorry.”
Thomas then addressed Robertson directly.
“Gillian, I love you. I got your back. I’ve always had your back. This is not the end,” he said.
“I’m always going to support you, and whatever you need, I’m always here for you.”
Thomas explained that Robertson’s loss had left him heartbroken and that having to quickly switch from coach to television analyst contributed to his clumsy announcement.
But he refused to use that as an excuse.
“I’m heartbroken, but I’ve got to get on the desk and be objective as well,” Thomas said.
“But again, I’m still wrong. I shouldn’t have done that.”
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Thomas has not backed away from his decision to stop cornering fighters, having explained after UFC 330 that the workload and stress involved no longer fit with his media commitments.
But as for the way he chose to announce it?
No argument.
“Gillian, I’m sorry,” Thomas said.
“I hope you accept my apology. From the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry.”