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Tag: Din Thomas

  • Dakota Ditcheva Should be Traded for Magomed Ankalaev, says UFC Employee

    Dakota Ditcheva Should be Traded for Magomed Ankalaev, says UFC Employee

    Former UFC fighter turned analyst Din Thomas thinks the UFC should trade off Magomed Ankalaev for PFL star Dakota Ditcheva.

    Trades between MMA organizations are extremely rare. In fact, it’s only happened once. In October 2018, the UFC sent former flyweight king Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Akren. Now, Thomas thinks it’s time for the the UFC to initiate another trade, this time sending it’s reigning light heavyweight champion over to Donn Davis and Co. in exchange for their British bombshell.

    “We gotta understand that MMA is a star-driven sport,” Thomas said on The Casuals MMA podcast back in February. “We have a star problem in the UFC. [PFL] got Dakota Ditcheva, who’s a star. I’m like, ‘Yo, please listen, if you guys like MMA, do this for MMA. Trade her to the UFC, you know she belongs in the UFC.’ Just trade, listen, get rid of Ankalaev in the UFC, trade her for Ankalaev, we don’t need Ankalaev, you know what I’m saying.”

    Of course, Thomas’ comments came before Ankalaev unseated Alex Pereira as the UFC light heavyweight champion, though his victory did little to create excitement in the fledgling division.

    Is Dakota Ditcheva the Next Big Thing in Women’s MMA?

    Meanwhile, Ditcheva continues to take the world MMA world by storm despite having a limited number of viable opponents to contend with under the PFL banner. After handily defeating Taila Santos—who once took Valentina Shevchenko to the limit—to win the 2024 PFL flyweight tournament, Ditcheva scored a decisive decision victory over Sumiko Inaba during the promotion’s inaugural event in Cape Town, South Africa.

    Given her 15-0 record and 80% finish rate inside the Smart Cage, it’s clear that Ditcheva is ready for the next level of competition—something she’s unlikely to get in the PFL.

    As for Ankalaev, he’ll put his gold up for grabs on October 4 when he runs it back with ‘Poatan’ at UFC 320 in Las Vegas. Ankalaev bested Pereira at UFC 313 after the Brazilian bruiser delivered an uncharacteristically lackluster performance in their light heavyweight headliner.

    Ankalaev is currently trending as a 2-to-1 favorite to retain his title.

  • UFC Analyst Rips Sean Strickland After UFC 312 Performance: ‘He’s Not Who He Says He Is’

    UFC Analyst Rips Sean Strickland After UFC 312 Performance: ‘He’s Not Who He Says He Is’

    Sean Strickland’s pre-fight promises of a brutal, all-out war with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312 ultimately fell flat when they met in their rematch.

    This is becoming a trend, as Strickland has a history of talking up his willingness to fight to the death — only for his bouts to be marked more by decisions than finishes. That pattern frustrated veteran analyst and coach Din Thomas, who expressed disappointment after Strickland’s latest performance.

    “We just have to admit it now. We have to admit it: Sean Strickland is not who he says he is,” Thomas said on the UFC 312 post-fight show (h/t MMA Fighting). “He’s not who he says he is. We want him to be something. He wants to be something, but he’s not that guy.

    “He’s not the guy who’s going to go to the death! To the death! He didn’t go to the death. He didn’t even go deep. I’m not saying he’s not a great fighter. I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve to be where he’s at. But he’s not who he says he is. We’ve got to admit that.”

    Strickland’s rematch with Du Plessis mirrored their first fight, ending in another loss for the American. However, this time, his performance was noticeably less aggressive. Rather than pushing for a finish, he relied on his jab and attempted to outwork the South African on the feet.

    Between rounds, Strickland’s coach, Eric Nicksick, repeatedly urged him to be more active, emphasizing the need for a finish in the final round. Despite the advice, the challenger’s approach remained largely unchanged, leading to another setback.

  • Din Thomas: ‘No One’ Has Earned Their Shot As Much As Belal Muhammad In UFC History

    Din Thomas: ‘No One’ Has Earned Their Shot As Much As Belal Muhammad In UFC History

    Former UFC title challenger Din Thomas believes Belal Muhammad has traveled a path of unprecedented difficulty in order to secure a first shot at gold.

    Muhammad, who currently occupies the #2 spot at 170 pounds, is less than two weeks out from his long-awaited maiden title opportunity, which he’s been calling for and working toward for a number of years.

    “Remember the Name” is set to challenge for Leon Edwards’ belt in the main event of the UFC 304 pay-per-view, which goes down at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27.

    Since eye pokes resulted in a no contest when Muhammad and Edwards first shared the cage back in 2021, the former has won five straight, bringing his overall unbeaten streak to 10.

    After statement wins over Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, and Sean Brady, Muhammad most recently staked his claim with a convincing five-round display opposite Gilbert Burns last May.

    While that result left him as the clear top contender in the eyes of many, Muhammad was left waiting while Colby Covington received his third shot at the undisputed throne.

    Thomas: Muhammad Has Been ‘Cutting His Teeth On Doing Everything He Needs To’

    Speaking while on the ESPN desk to analyse this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Denver, Din Thomas gave his take on the upcoming championship matchup at 170 pounds.

    After stressing the importance of Muhammad not allowing Edwards any breathing room on fight night, Thomas acknowledged the trials and tribulations that have gone into securing this moment for the challenger.

    “He’s gotta go out there and put pressure on Leon. He’s gotta put pressure on him and keep pressure on him for five rounds,” Thomas said. “His body of work over the last few fights, over the last few years, and the improvements that he’s made has shown that he can do exactly that.

    “He’s been training with the Dagestani wrestlers. He’s been cutting his teeth on doing everything he needs to do in order to get this shot,” Thomas continued. “No one has probably earned a shot like he has in the UFC in the history of people deserving shots.”

    Having finally booked his place opposite Edwards inside the Octagon, Muhammad will hope to make the most of the opportunity by leaving hostile territory with the welterweight gold in his possession.

    “Remember the Name” has expressed immense confidence when it comes to his chances of doing so. That’s not just when it comes to having his hand raised, but also stopping the welterweight kingpin before the championship rounds at UFC 304.

  • Jake Paul Blasts “Dumb F**k” Din Thomas In Response To Doubts

    YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has provided a firm response to former UFC lightweight Din Thomas’ doubts over his desire to improve fighter pay.

    Since arriving in the ring in 2020, Paul has certainly made a splash in more ways than one. As well as knocking out former MMA champions Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley, and building an unblemished 5-0 record, “The Problem Child” has made an equally big impact outside the ropes.

    Along with his promotion of Unified Featherweight World Champion Amanda Serrano and female boxing as a whole, the 25-year-old has consistently called out Dana White for the UFC’s fighter pay structure and lack of healthcare benefits.

    While some, including heavyweight king Francis Ngannou and middleweight titleholder Israel Adesanya, have given the nod of approval, others have suggested Paul is simply using a prominent topic in order to advance his own brand in combat sports.

    Joining the latter side at the weekend was former fighter-turned-analyst Din Thomas. Taking to Twitter, the 45-year-old claimed that if Paul really cared about improving remuneration for fighters, he’d be doing more.

    https://twitter.com/DinThomas/status/1503053938911678464

    “Not sure I understand Jake Paul. If he really cared about fighters why don’t he just continue to throw his own events, pay fighters what he wants, and offer them long term health care.”

    Interestingly, Paul has previously put his money where his mouth is. Ahead of his August 2021 clash with Woodley, the Ohio native announced he was spreading money from his own purse across the undercard.

    With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that Paul was quick to respond to Thomas’ claim. In a tweet of his own, the former Disney star unloaded on “Dinyero.”

    “I am doing that dumb fuck.

    “Made the biggest women’s boxing payday happen.

    “Will continue to do more Your bird brain probably doesn’t understand that the movement is bigger than just me tho.

    “Also what kind of parents name their son ‘Din’.”

    While some of Paul’s actions perhaps shows a genuine interest in pushing for improvements, his purchase of UFC stock and offers to the UFC president, which he likely knew would never be entertained, have left many questioning his true goal.

    Thomas Isn’t The First To Doubt Paul’s Intentions

    While the list of personalities supporting Paul’s focus on fighter pay is long, the tally of those criticizing it is equally so, from rising star Paddy Pimblett to veteran Al Iaquinta.

    UFC light heavyweight mainstay Sam Alvey even blasted Paul as a “clown” who’s using the fighter pay debate as a means to help himself.

    Ultimately, whether for attention and publicity or a genuine desire to help, it’s hard to argue that Paul has helped fighters financially. As well as promoting Serrano to what will apparently be a seven-figure fight against Katie Taylor, Paul has also helped fighters in need within the cage.

    After seeing an MMA News article on the financial struggles of Sarah Alpar, “The Problem Child” donated $5,000 to her GoFundMe. The attention he brings to the topic is also considered valuable by many fighters and pundits.

    While doubt still exists, we can expect to learn more about Paul’s true intentions with regards to fighter pay in the coming months and years. But Paul’s current message is simple: “You’ll see.”

    Do you agree with Din Thomas? Is Jake Paul’s push for better fighter pay insincere?