Robertson On Thomas Apology: 'For TV Purposes And Ratings'

Gillian Robertson said Din Thomas told her team his public apology following UFC 330 was issued for television purposes rather than genuine remorse.

Robertson broke her silence on the controversy in a statement released to The Ariel Helwani Show, addressing Thomas's retirement announcement after her loss to strawberry champion Mackenzie Dern in Philadelphia. Thomas faced immediate backlash for the timing of his decision and later apologized on his Deep Waters podcast, calling his own actions despicable.

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Robertson Questions Sincerity Of Public Apology

The Canadian contender revealed Thomas provided no warning before announcing his retirement on the UFC broadcast. She said he reached out privately later that evening with a voice message around 7:30 p.m., but subsequent comments to her team undermined the gesture. "Me doing that publicly was more so for TV purposes and ratings," Robertson said Thomas told her camp, as reported by both MMA Fighting and Yahoo Sports.

Robertson added there have been private exchanges between her team and Thomas, none of which cleared the air meaningfully. Thomas coached Robertson since she was 15 years old, guiding her through a UFC career that included submission records at flyweight before dropping to strawweight, where she won five straight to earn the Dern title shot.

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The 17-9 fighter said she has no plans to continue the conversation with her longtime coach. "I'm good with everything. The people who sign my checks are cool," she told Helwani. Robertson plans to regroup and return to the gym as soon as possible on the same mission.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Gillian Robertson releases 1st statement since UFC 330 loss, Din Thomas controversy
• MMA Mania — UFC 330’s Gillian Robertson reveals ‘not much weight’ behind Din Thomas apology, issued ‘for TV purposes and ratings’