Din Thomas News

Harry Kettle - September 2, 2025

MMA analyst Din Thomas has doubled down on his thoughts regarding Khamzat Chimaev being an active UFC champion. As we know, Khamzat Chimaev is the UFC middleweight champion. He earned that title by defeating and dominating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in impressive fashion. Now, though, the focus shifts to the future, with many wondering who ‘Borz’ will face off against next.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 29, 2025

Bryce Mitchell is fresh off a win in the bantamweight division, but one top UFC personality believes it’ll be a tough road ahead. Mitchell shared the Octagon with Said Nurmagomedov on the UFC Abu Dhabi card this past Saturday. “Thug Nasty” had his bell rung early and was knocked down, but he weathered the storm. Mitchell ended up scoring a unanimous decision victory, which was a bounce back for him as he was submitted by Jean Silva in his previous outing.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 11, 2025

A top MMA coach thinks Sean Strickland has been wasting his energy in the wrong spots. Strickland is a former UFC Middleweight Champion. The outspoken 185-pounder stunned Israel Adesanya with a unanimous decision victory to capture the gold back in Sept. 2023. Strickland lost the title when he was defeated by Dricus du Plessis via split decision. Their rematch was far more one-sided as du Plessis dominated the fight.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 10, 2025

One renowned MMA coach isn’t pleased with how Jon Jones has conducted himself after claiming to be retired. While many fans had been clamoring to see Jones share the Octagon with Tom Aspinall, “Bones” ultimately informed the UFC brass that he has retired from pro MMA competition. Despite this, the future Hall of Famer has already teased a return.

Harry Kettle - July 8, 2025

MMA analyst Din Thomas is of the belief that Ilia Topuria has what it takes to defeat Islam Makhachev if they fought. As we know, Ilia Topuria is one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts today. He has already achieved some incredible things in the sport, which includes becoming a two-weight UFC champion. As we look ahead to the future, it certainly seems as if he’s ready to push for even more sensational accomplishments.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 23, 2025

One well-known MMA analyst and coach thinks Arman Tsarukyan remains in the UFC’s doghouse. Some fans were surprised to hear the news that Tsarukyan will serve as the backup fighter for the UFC 317 main event. Tsarukyan lost his shot at the UFC Lightweight Championship after suffering a back injury hours before the weigh-ins for his planned rematch with Islam Makhachev back in January. Tsarukyan then declined a rematch with Mateusz Gamrot and expressed frustration with UFC matchmakers.

Harry Kettle - June 21, 2025

MMA analyst Din Thomas still believes that Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall is a fight that will happen in the future. It’s the story that has been beaten into the ground for quite some time now. Jon Jones is the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, and Tom Aspinall is the interim champion. For whatever reason, Jon doesn’t appear to be particularly interested in fighting the Englishman. The same, of course, cannot be said for Aspinall, who is very hungry to try and become the undisputed king.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 19, 2025

One UFC analyst, who happens to be a renowned coach, shared a surprising opinion of Khalil Rountree. On Saturday, Rountree will look to rebound from his Oct. 2024 loss to Alex Pereira. He will meet former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jamahal Hill in the main event of UFC Baku. Rountree is a slight betting favorite going into the bout.

BJ Penn Staff - April 29, 2025

Din Thomas, a renowned MMA coach and UFC analyst, is starting to doubt Jones has any intention of fighting Tom Aspinall. Jones is considered by many to be the best fighter in MMA history. That’s due primarily to his work in the light heavyweight division, where he defeated a host of world-class challengers over the course of several title reigns. However, in 2023, after a long layoff, Jones moved up to heavyweight, and claimed the vacant belt with a submission of Ciryl Gane. Unfortunately, he has only defended his belt once, battering an aging Stipe Miocic to a stoppage last November. His prolonged inactivity at heavyweight forced the UFC to crown an interim champ in Aspinall, who won his belt with a knockout of Sergei Pavlovich in 2023. Aspinall has already defended his belt once, knocking out Curtis Blaydes last year. However, he has been calling for a fight with Jones since winning the belt.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 26, 2025

It’s one thing to become a UFC champion; it’s another to have the heart of a fighter. Much has been made about former UFC welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards following back-to-back losses in front of favorable crowds. “Rocky” struggled with Belal Muhammad’s grappling, which caused him to lose the 170-pound gold. He was once again dominated in the grappling department in the UFC London main event, but it was far worse this time against Sean Brady.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 2, 2025

Ilia Topuria’s decision to drop the UFC featherweight title may have come from a place of delusion, says one MMA coach. Dana White recently announced the main event of UFC 313 will be a battle between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. They will be competing for the vacant UFC Featherweight Championship. White said that Topuria made the decision to relinquish his featherweight gold because he wanted to move up to lightweight.

Chris Taylor - February 9, 2025

One renowned MMA coach believes Sean Strickland has been selling snake oil. Strickland attempted to become a two-time UFC middleweight champion when he shared the Octagon with Dricus du Plessis a second time at UFC 312. While their first encounter was a competitive five-rounder that ended in a split nod for DDP, the rematch was a different story. Strickland couldn’t put his foot on the gas and du Plessis made him pay. “Stillknocks” took this one via unanimous decision, as he was constantly a step ahead on the feet.

Harry Kettle - April 5, 2024

Aljamain Sterling and Din Thomas have given their thoughts on some Bellator fighters they’d like to see compete in the UFC. For many years now, Bellator has been home to some incredible talent in mixed martial arts. Of course, the biggest promotion in town has always been the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 28, 2022

Din Thomas is confused by Jake Paul’s recent rant aimed at Kamaru Usman and Luke Rockhold. Paul, a YouTuber turned pro boxer, has claimed to be on the side of MMA fighters when it comes to pay during his feud with UFC President Dana White. On the flip side, however, many have criticized Paul for ragging on Luke Rockhold and Paulo Costa after their three-round war at UFC 278.

Susan Cox - March 25, 2022

Din Thomas is sharing his thoughts about MMA fans sympathizing with Colby Covington after the altercation with Jorge Masvidal in Miami. ‘Chaos’ has been well known for his trash talk which he aims at several fighters in the UFC, especially when coming up on a scheduled fight.

Josh Evanoff - January 21, 2022

Colby Covington has seemingly made it known that anyone can be on the wrong end of his roasts. Covington was on ESPN to promote his upcoming UFC 272 main event showdown against Jorge Masvidal. During his appearance, he was interviewed by former UFC lightweight, and current MMA analyst Din Thomas.

Harry Kettle - September 24, 2021

Din Thomas has called out Nick Diaz for requesting a swap from welterweight to middleweight just days before his fight against Robbie Lawler. It was reported earlier in the week that Diaz, who has been known to make waves during fight week before, had asked the UFC to change his fight versus Lawler from 170 pounds to 185 pounds. It appears as if Lawler obliged, meaning the change was confirmed for UFC 266.

Drake Riggs - January 20, 2021

Conor McGregor has his work cut out for him vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. And if things get tough, Din Thomas sees the Irishman folding. From 2001 to 2020, the 26-9 former UFC vet in Thomas was a mainstay at American Top Team out of South Florida. In that time, he worked with several of the sport’s best fighters — including Poirier.