Story perspectives

Din Thomas Sparks Backlash After Retirement Comments on Broadcast

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Din Thomas announced his retirement from cornering fighters on broadcast after Gillian Robertson lost to Mackenzie Dern, saying he had planned to stay with her until she could go further.
UFC analyst Chris Weidman, host Kate Scott, CEO Dana White and fans questioned Thomas’s decision, asked why he was quitting, expressed confusion, and called his comments disrespectful and scummy.
The broadcast captured Thomas telling Robertson to “Wake the f–k up!”.

History

Historical Context

When Spike TV launched The Ultimate Fighter on Jan 17 2005, the series paired Matt Hughes with Rich Franklin as coaches, creating coach-corner role that shaped UFC fight nights. Show's impact helped UFC survive, prompting ten events that year and a $30 million TV deal. In 2024, corner Din Thomas quit after a clash with Gillian Robertson, drawing condemnation from Dana White, Chris Weidman and Kate Scott.

1 of 2

Story summary

Din Thomas announced his retirement from cornering fighters on broadcast after Gillian Robertson lost to Mackenzie Dern, saying he had planned to stay with her until she could go further.
UFC analyst Chris Weidman, host Kate Scott, CEO Dana White and fans questioned Thomas’s decision, asked why he was quitting, expressed confusion, and called his comments disrespectful and scummy.
The broadcast captured Thomas telling Robertson to “Wake the f–k up!”.

1 / 2