Din Thomas has apologised for his “despicable” decision to retire from coaching immediately after Gillian Robertson’s loss at UFC 330.
Thomas was on corner duties for Robertson on Saturday, as the Canadian suffered a decision defeat by Mackenzie Dern in the co-main event. With that, Robertson failed to win the women’s strawweight title.
And during the UFC 330 post-show, Thomas – who also provides analysis on UFC broadcasts – announced that he would no longer work as a cornerman. The timing of his announcement drew criticism, with outspoken middleweight champion Sean Strickland posting an irate tweet.
“You only lose when you quit. Din sounds like you’re a f***ing loser,” Strickland wrote. “I’ve had my ass kicked in multiple weight classes through my career and [later] won two titles. You’re a d***head. It’s probably better you retire. You’re a s*** coach.”
Thomas, 49, has now apologised, saying on the Deep Waters podcast: “We know how this is, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. You’re dealing with the same insecurities, the same highs and lows. Everything leading up to it, you have to deal with all that stuff. It’s an emotional rollercoaster.
“And I’ve been very vocal about this, that it’s not my favourite thing to do [corner work]. I’ve tried to quit time and time before. When Tyron Woodley got knocked out by Jake Paul, I was like: ‘Yo, it’s my last time doing this. It’s my last time doing this, I’m not doing this no more.’
“But I took on Gillian, and I have to say, Saturday night was the most inappropriate time to bring up the fact that I did not want to corner again. It was completely irresponsible. It was despicable. I shouldn’t have done it. I should have waited until maybe even today [Monday]. I should have waited to a different time [rather] than take away her moment.
“This is a young lady that I’ve worked with for her entire career. The last seven years, it’s just been me and her working endlessly, just together – travelling, working together. They don’t understand that we’ve been working endlessly, time and time again, together.
“I remember her coming to me, crying, ‘I would like to win two in a row, three in a row,’ and she went on this amazing run. She’s broken records and I, selfishly, stole her moment that night. Instead of congratulating her on her run, I stole her moment. And I want to apologise to her for that, because 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. 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 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 for the last seven years when it was just us.
“It’s been eating at me all weekend. I wish I could have [apologised] sooner, but I couldn’t, I didn’t have the chance to. So, Gillian, I’m sorry. I hope you accept my apology. If it takes however long, that’s how long it takes. But I’m sorry for stealing your moment, and I’m proud of you. Not only for what you’ve done in terms of your run – winning five in a row, getting a title shot – but even that night, coming back and winning the last round. Being able to do that in a title fight.”
Elaborating on his thought process before retiring, Thomas said: “In my head, I’m thinking: ‘I’m just trying to get the hell out of here. I don’t want to do this no more. I’m sick of this!’ I’m heartbroken, but I’ve got to get on the [commmentary] desk and be objective as well.
“And at the same time, I’m thinking to myself: ‘Man, I don’t even like cornering. I just want to go home. I’m trying to get out of here. This is a wrap.’ So, it’s a tough spot. But again, I’m still wrong. I shouldn’t have done that.”