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Coach apologizes to Gillian Robertson for ‘despicable’ decision at UFC 330

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Coach apologizes to Gillian Robertson for ‘despicable’ decision at UFC 330

Din Thomas owned his mistake after UFC 330.

On Saturday night, Thomas served double duty at the UFC event, working both as an on-air analyst and cornering Gillian Robertson in her strawweight title bid against Mackenzie Dern in the co-main event. Unfortunately, the latter didn't go so well, as Robertson lost a lackluster decision to Dern. But things got worse afterward, when Thomas announced during the UFC 330 post-show that he was retiring from cornering fighters, in a manner many felt was disrespectful to Robertson.

On Monday, Thomas, who hosts the UFC's Deep Waters show on YouTube, addressed the controversy at the start of their show, apologizing to Robertson for his behavior.

“We know how this is: it's an emotional rollercoaster,†Thomas said. “You're dealing with the same insecurities, the same highs and lows. Everything leading up to it, you have to deal with all that stuff. It's an emotional rollercoaster. And I've been very vocal about this, that it's not my favorite thing to do. I've tried to quit time and time before. When Tyron Woodley got knocked out by Jake Paul, I was like, ‘Yo, it's my last time doing this. It's my last time doing this; I'm not doing this no more.'

“But I took on Gillian, and I have to say, Saturday night was the most inappropriate time to bring up the fact that I did not want to corner again. It was completely irresponsible. It was despicable. I shouldn't have done it. I should have waited until maybe even today. I should have waited to a different time than take away her moment.â€

A respected former fighter and coach, Thomas has worked with Robertson since the beginning of her career, and especially because of that, he says that Robertson deserved better.

“This is a young lady that I've worked with for her entire career,†Thomas said. “The last seven years, it's just been me and her, working endlessly, just together — travelling, working together. They don't understand that we've been working endlessly, time and time again, together.

“I remember her coming to me crying, ‘I would like to win two in a row, three in a row.' And she went on this amazing run; she's broken records, and I, selfishly, stole her moment that night. Instead of congratulating her on her run, I stole her moment. And I want to apologize to her for that, because I stole her moment. I was completely wrong. I'm ashamed; I'm embarrassed. But I'm not too big to say I'm sorry.

“And for her, Gillian, I love you. I got your back. I've always had your back. This is not the end. I've always had your back, and I want you to know I'm always here for you. I'm always going to support you, and whatever you need, I'm always here for you. The same way I've been for you for the last seven years when it was just us. …

“It's been eating at me all weekend. I wish I could have did it sooner, but I couldn't. I didn't have the chance to. So, Gillian, I'm sorry. I hope you accept my apology. If it takes however long, that's how long it takes. But I'm sorry for stealing your moment, and I'm proud of you. Not only for what you've done in terms of your run, winning five in a row, getting a title shot, but even that night, coming back and winning the last round. Being able to do that in a title fight. So, I'm sorry. I hope you accept my apology. From the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry.â€

And while he makes no excuses for his actions, Thomas suggested that this whole incident happened because he was still hurting from Robertson's loss, and then had to go on air.

“In my head, I'm thinking, ‘I'm just trying to get the hell out of here. I don't want to do this no more. I'm sick of this!'†Thomas said. “… I'm heartbroken, but I've got to get on the desk and be objective, as well. And at the same time, I'm thinking to myself, ‘Man, I don't even like cornering. I just want to go home. I'm trying to get out of here. This is a wrap.' So, it's a tough spot. But again, I'm still wrong. I shouldn't have done that.â€

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Renato Moicano hails Raoni Barcelos as ‘warrior’ after UFC Vegas 121

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Renato Moicano hails Raoni Barcelos as ‘warrior’ after UFC Vegas 121
Renato
“Money†Moicano believes Raoni
Barcelos embodies the Brazilian fighting spirit.

Barcelos (22-6) took on one of the hottest prospects in the

Ultimate Fighting Championship, Raul Rosas
Jr. (13-1), in the main event of
UFC Vegas 121 in Las Vegas. Barcelos was ahead on the
scorecards entering the final round, but suffered a concerning
stoppage loss.

Moicano praises Barcelos after his stoppage loss to Raul Rosas
Jr.

Their brutal back-and-forth war was seemingly up for grabs heading
into the final frame. Rosas Jr. started strong, and during a clinch
up against the cage wall, Barcelos suddenly went limp. The former
was declared the winner, while the latter was removed on a
stretcher from the Octagon.

“Moicano†lauded Barcelos for going out on his shield like a
warrior. The UFC lightweight felt proud to be a Brazilian after
watching Barcelos' performance and believes the 39-year-old
bantamweight veteran should be a role model for the coming
generations.

“Raoni Barcelos yesterday showed the essence of what it means to be
a Brazilian fighter, a warrior,†he posted on X. “He left carried
on his shield, but he left with all honor and all glory. Raoni
Barcelos fills me with pride and hope in being Brazilian, not just
in the fight. We have to make these Brazilians be an example for
the young people.â€

Barcelos was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he regained
consciousness. His coach, Davi Ramos,
on Saturday night confirmed that he is responsive and moving
around. He is still under supervision and awaiting test results to
determine the exact issue.

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UFC gives update on Raoni Barcelos after scary stoppage

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UFC gives update on Raoni Barcelos after scary stoppage
The
Ultimate Fighting Championship has provided an update on
Raoni
Barcelos following his concerning loss to Raul Rosas
Jr. at
UFC Vegas 121.

Barcelos was ahead on the scorecards entering the final round.
However, during a wrestling exchange against the Octagon wall, the
Brazilian veteran appeared to go limp, prompting the referee to
stop the fight. He was later taken out of the Octagon on a
stretcher and transported to a hospital. The UFC has since released
an update on his condition.

Raoni Barcelos stable and responsive after UFC Vegas 121 loss
to Raul Rosas Jr.

In a statement released hours after the event, the
UFC said Barcelos was transported to a Level 1 trauma center for
further evaluation. The promotion confirmed that the 39-year-old is
stable and responsive after his coach initially revealed the
same.

“Following his fight tonight, Raoni Barcelos was immediately
transported to a Level 1 trauma center for evaluation,†the
statement read. “The hospital medical team conducted a CT scan and
comprehensive assessment, and he is currently being monitored.
Barcelos is stable, alert and responsive, with full movement. He
will remain under medical supervision. We will provide updates on
his condition as they become available.â€

Barcelos both sustained and dished out significant damage against
Rosas Jr., with their high-paced, back-and-forth bout later earning
Fight of the Night honors.

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MMA

Henry Cejudo targets Dean The Great following Misfits Boxing win over Javon Walton: "It's time for me to put that duck to sleep"

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Henry Cejudo targets Dean The Great following Misfits Boxing win over Javon Walton: "It's time for me to put that duck to sleep"

Henry Cejudo isn't moving on from a showdown with Nurideen “Dean The Great†Shabazz.

Cejudo was expected to face Sabazz this past Saturday, but “Deen The Great†suffered an injury and was removed from the event. “Triple C†ended up facing Javon Walton in Miami, and he earned a split decision victory in the Misfits Boxing headliner. Tony Ferguson competed on that same card, stopping Mahmoud Sebie to retain his middleweight title.

Speaking to Fred Beck of “Fred Talks Fighting,†Cejudo said he's still targeting a clash against Shabazz, and even accused him of ducking (via MMAJunkie).

“First and foremost, I think Deen ‘The Duck' owes me a f*cking fight,†Cejudo said. “That's what he does, and it's time for me to put that duck to sleep. You guys have to stop calling him ‘Deen The Great,' it's ‘Deen The B*tch.' Why don't we call him that? He needs to show up, and we have to throw down because that was the original plan. If he can't do that, then just stream; don't talk your sh*t. You're not a boxer then. If you're not willing to fight, then just stream and have fun kissing your boyfriend Adrien ‘Boner' (Adrien Broner).â€

Since retiring from pro MMA competition, Cejudo has returned to his freestyle wrestling roots under the RAF banner in addition to his influencer boxing stint. The former two-division UFC champion has been staying busy, and he hopes to secure a fight with “Deen The Great†in the near future.

Shabazz had a late 2025 boxing match against Amado Vargas, which resulted in a unanimous decision loss. Whether or not he'll look to rebook a clash against Cejudo remains to be seen.

What do you make of Henry Cejudo dabbling in the world of influencer boxing? Sound off in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM


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