Din Thomas Retires From Cornering After Gillian Robertson’s UFC 330 Defeat
Din Thomas has announced his retirement from cornering fighters following Gillian Robertson’s unsuccessful attempt to dethrone Mackenzie Dern at UFC 330.
Robertson suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Dern in Philadelphia, losing 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47 after five rounds of action.
But the result was followed by an even bigger announcement.
Speaking on the UFC’s post-fight broadcast, Thomas revealed that he would no longer work as a full-time cornerman, saying he had always planned to guide Robertson as far as he believed she could go.
“I think that might be as far as she can go, and I’m officially retiring from cornering fighters tonight,” Thomas said.
Thomas explained that being a fighter’s cornerman requires an enormous commitment, particularly during fight week and the difficult weight-cutting process. He admitted he no longer believes he can give fighters the level of dedication they need.
The announcement came after Robertson’s biggest opportunity in the UFC. The Canadian grappler struggled to impose her game against Dern, who repeatedly defended her takedown attempts and found dominant positions of her own.
Dern controlled much of the five-round contest, including taking Robertson’s back and threatening a rear-naked choke early in the fight.
Robertson improved in the final round, securing a takedown and spending significant time on top, but it was too late to change the judges’ decision.
For Thomas, however, the night marked the end of an era.
His decision does not necessarily mean he is leaving MMA altogether. He remains involved in the sport as an analyst and former fighter, but he says his days of dedicating himself to cornering fighters are over.
And after years of working in fighters’ corners, Thomas believes it is finally time to step away.
