Mackenzie Dern Criticizes Din Thomas' Post-Fight Cornering Announcement

Mackenzie Dern, the UFC women's strawweight champion, has commented on the controversy surrounding analyst and long-time cornerman Din Thomas' unusual remarks following UFC 330. Dern successfully defended her title against Gillian Robertson at the event.

Thomas, who was in Robertson's corner, announced his 'retirement' from cornering fighters during the post-fight show. His comments appeared to suggest that Robertson's performance indicated the ceiling of her career potential. This statement drew significant criticism.

Dern weighed in on the situation, stating that Thomas' public announcement was unnecessary. "I think it's tough to say that. I don't know why that had to be something public; you could have just told your athlete whatever you wanted to say, not even announced," Dern remarked on 'The Ariel Helwani Show.' She added that while personal splits can happen, "there are some things that don’t need to be shared with the public."

The champion felt Thomas' actions displayed "poor etiquette" and that his subsequent apology didn't seem to change his underlying thoughts. Dern emphasized that the focus should have remained on Robertson's fight and her achievements, not on Thomas' personal decision. "She came to fight for a title, broke records, and doesn’t come from any type of background as I do…she’s gone far, and she’s only 31," Dern added, highlighting Robertson's career progression.

Thomas had been a consistent figure in Robertson's corner throughout her UFC tenure, supporting her in notable victories.

Mackenzie Dern Criticizes Din Thomas for 'Poor Etiquette' After UFC 330 Cornering Incident

UFC women's strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern has spoken out against Din Thomas' decision to publicly announce his 'retirement' from cornering fighters and his subsequent comments about Gillian Robertson after UFC 330.

Dern, who secured a dominant victory over Robertson to retain her title, addressed the unusual situation. Thomas, who had been a long-time cornerman for Robertson, made a public declaration of stepping away from cornering duties during the post-fight show. His remarks implied that Robertson's performance at UFC 330 had revealed the limitations of her potential.

Speaking on 'The Ariel Helwani Show,' Dern expressed her disapproval of Thomas' approach. "I think it's tough to say that. I don't know why that had to be something public; you could have just told your athlete whatever you wanted to say, not even announced," she stated. Dern believes that such matters should remain private between the fighter and their team, criticizing the public nature of the announcement as exhibiting "poor etiquette."

While Thomas later apologized, Dern suggested his sentiment didn't truly shift. She asserted that the situation was "definitely more about him than her." Dern highlighted Robertson's dedication and achievements, noting that the fighter had "come to fight for a title, broke records" and has a significant career ahead of her.

Thomas had been a regular fixture in Robertson's corner for several of her key wins in the UFC.