You know it’s bad when even Jon Anik is burying you online.
Retired UFC lightweight Din Thomas went into business for himself last Sat. night (Aug. 15) in Philadelphia, burying Gillian Robertson for her UFC 330 loss to flyweight champion Mackenzie Dern while simultaneously retiring from his longstanding job as cornerman.
After two days of intense Internet backlash, Thomas is asking for forgiveness.
“Saturday night was the most inappropriate time for me to bring up the fact that I did not want to corner again,” Thomas said on the Deep Waters podcast. “It was completely irresponsible; it was despicable. I shouldn’t have done it. I should have waited until maybe even today. I should have waited until a different time than to take away her moment. This is a young lady that I’ve worked with for her entire career. For the last seven years, it’s just been me and her working endlessly, traveling, working together. I remember her coming and crying, saying I would just like to win two or three in a row. Then she went on this amazing run. She’s broken records.”
Robertson’s loss to Dern snapped a five-fight winning streak.
“I selfishly stole her moment that night, and instead of congratulating her on her run, I stole her moment,” Thomas continued. “And I want to apologize to her for that because I stole her moment, and I was completely wrong. I’m ashamed. I’m embarrassed, but I’m not too big to say I’m sorry. And for her, Gillian, I love you. I got your back. I’ve always had your back. This is not the end. I’ve always had your back, and I want you to know that I’m always here for you. I’m always going to support you, and whatever you need, I’m always here for you, the same way I’ve been for you the last seven years when it was just us.”
Thomas transitioned to coaching after his final fight under the Legacy Fighting Championship (LFC) banner back in early 2013 and has remained a fixture on UFC programming. In addition to his on-air role during live events, “Dinyero” was a recurring guest on “Lookin’ for a Fight” with former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra and UFC CEO Dana White.
Robertson has yet to comment.