Tag: Din Thomas

Is Size Really Everything? Laura Sanko Thinks Length Might Be the Real Key

Is Size Really Everything? Laura Sanko Thinks Length Might Be the Real KeyLaura Sanko doesn’t see Jon Jones’ size making that much of a difference against Stipe Miocic. Length on the…

Is Size Really Everything? Laura Sanko Thinks Length Might Be the Real Key

Laura Sanko doesn’t see Jon Jones’ size making that much of a difference against Stipe Miocic. Length on the other hand is a different story.

On November 16, ‘Bones’ will put his undisputed heavyweight world title on the line for the first time when he headlines the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden. Standing in Jones’ way of adding another successful defense to his resume will be Miocic, the promotion’s first and only two-time heavyweight titleholder.

Laura Sanko

It will be Jones’ second time competing as a heavyweight, the first coming at UFC 285 in March 2023 when he scored a quickfire submission victory over Ciryl Gane to claim the vacated crown. ‘Bones’ weighed 248-pounds for that bout. If he tips the scales similarly for Saturday’s scrap in NYC, he’ll likely have a slight size advantage over Miocic who usually weighs in at 230-240.

However, Jones’ real advantage will be with his length. At least, that’s what color commentary Laura Sanko thinks.

“Yeah, I always tell people, size isn’t as big of an advantage as you think it is… but length is,” Sanko told Din Thomas while the two broke down the UFC 309 headliner.

Jones’ reach measures at 84.5 inches which is the second-longest in the UFC.

Din Thomas Agrees with Laura Sanko’s assessment of Size vs. Length

Din Thomas agreed with Sanko’s statement, suggesting that if Miocic has any chance of winning, it’ll be by making the most of his 80-inch reach via distance management and keeping ‘Bones’ at bay with combinations.

“It’s a huge advantage,” Thomas added. “And this is why I’m saying Stipe is gonna have to do his job on his feet because he can cover up some of that distance in and out, side to side, creating angles, seeing if he can catch Jon slipping. I mean, he’s gonna have to. And he’s gonna have to throw in combinations. But I think he’s got a skill set that ages well, as long as he’s been active and moving his body.”

Laura Sanko

Sanko also pointed out that Jon Jones has fought someone similarly statured on two separate occasions, given us a potential indicator of how ‘Bones’ could handle his matchup against Miocic.

“I agree,” Sanko said. “And part of that is because this is the fight where the length that you’re talking about is the least pronounced. Stipe is taller and longer than Alexander Gustafsson, and that’s the closest one to it. Alex Gustafsson is 6’5,” Stipe 6’6.”

Laura Sanko

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 […]

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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.

Continue Reading Din Thomas: ‘No One’ Has Earned Their Shot As Much As Belal Muhammad In UFC History at MMA News.

Din Thomas wants to see UFC standout Jean Silva fight Ilia Topuria after bagging two KOs in two weeks

Din Thomas wants to see UFC standout Jean Silva fight Ilia Topuria after bagging two KOs in two weeksDin Thomas is high on Jean Silva. Maybe a little too high. Two weeks removed from his second-round knockout…

Din Thomas wants to see UFC standout Jean Silva fight Ilia Topuria after bagging two KOs in two weeks

Din Thomas is high on Jean Silva. Maybe a little too high.

Two weeks removed from his second-round knockout of Charles Jourdain at UFC 303, ‘Lord Assassin’ returned to the Octagon in The Mile High City for a short-notice scrap with heavy-handed Denver native Drew Dober.

Silva’s impressive speed was on full display from the get-go, peppering Dober with his left hand before busting open his opponent with a couple of perfectly timed spinning back elbows.

Jean Silva

Despite being in the driver’s seat from the opening bell, Dober never once took his foot off the gas. Unfortunately, Dober’s cut continued to widen as the fight went on, forcing referee Herb Dean and the cageside physician to intervene and bring a stop to the contest.

Dober was understandably frustrated, but the stoppage was understandable as he had sustained one of the worst cuts in recent memory. Or at least the worst one since Mayra Bueno Silva’s nasty gash two weeks prior.

With two impressive finishes in the span of two weeks, things are looking up for Jean Silva. Though he has yet to break into the featherweight top 15, former fighter turned analyst Din Thomas doesn’t care. He wants to see ‘Lord Assassin’ fight 145-pound champ Ilia Topuria right now.

“Man, I mean, Jean Silva is something else; he is absolutely nasty,” Thomas said during the UFC Denver post-show. “I was watching the fight next to Mick Maynard, the matchmaker, and I’m sitting there saying if this guy can make 145, let’s just put him in there with Ilia Topuria now. Yeah. He looks the part. His striking looks the part” (h/t MMA Mania).

Jean Silva

Jean Silva has a long way to go

Kamaru Usman, who was also on post-fight duties in The Centennial State, quickly zapped Thomas back to reality, telling the one-time Fight of the Night winner to quit it with the title talk.

As exciting as Silva has looked over the last couple of weeks, we can’t forget that he’s still a rookie inside the Octagon, having only competed three times thus far. Not to mention he failed to make weight for his featherweight scrap with Jourdain in Las Vegas.

Din Thomas wants to see UFC standout Jean Silva fight Ilia Topuria after bagging two KOs in two weeks

Din Thomas wants to see UFC standout Jean Silva fight Ilia Topuria after bagging two KOs in two weeksDin Thomas is high on Jean Silva. Maybe a little too high. Two weeks removed from his second-round knockout…

Din Thomas wants to see UFC standout Jean Silva fight Ilia Topuria after bagging two KOs in two weeks

Din Thomas is high on Jean Silva. Maybe a little too high.

Two weeks removed from his second-round knockout of Charles Jourdain at UFC 303, ‘Lord Assassin’ returned to the Octagon in The Mile High City for a short-notice scrap with heavy-handed Denver native Drew Dober.

Silva’s impressive speed was on full display from the get-go, peppering Dober with his left hand before busting open his opponent with a couple of perfectly timed spinning back elbows.

Jean Silva

Despite being in the driver’s seat from the opening bell, Dober never once took his foot off the gas. Unfortunately, Dober’s cut continued to widen as the fight went on, forcing referee Herb Dean and the cageside physician to intervene and bring a stop to the contest.

Dober was understandably frustrated, but the stoppage was understandable as he had sustained one of the worst cuts in recent memory. Or at least the worst one since Mayra Bueno Silva’s nasty gash two weeks prior.

With two impressive finishes in the span of two weeks, things are looking up for Jean Silva. Though he has yet to break into the featherweight top 15, former fighter turned analyst Din Thomas doesn’t care. He wants to see ‘Lord Assassin’ fight 145-pound champ Ilia Topuria right now.

“Man, I mean, Jean Silva is something else; he is absolutely nasty,” Thomas said during the UFC Denver post-show. “I was watching the fight next to Mick Maynard, the matchmaker, and I’m sitting there saying if this guy can make 145, let’s just put him in there with Ilia Topuria now. Yeah. He looks the part. His striking looks the part” (h/t MMA Mania).

Jean Silva

Jean Silva has a long way to go

Kamaru Usman, who was also on post-fight duties in The Centennial State, quickly zapped Thomas back to reality, telling the one-time Fight of the Night winner to quit it with the title talk.

As exciting as Silva has looked over the last couple of weeks, we can’t forget that he’s still a rookie inside the Octagon, having only competed three times thus far. Not to mention he failed to make weight for his featherweight scrap with Jourdain in Las Vegas.

Din Thomas questions Jake Paul’s motives following comments on Kamaru Usman & Luke Rockhold: ‘Whose side are you actually on?’

Din ThomasDin Thomas has questioned the real intentions of Jake Paul after the undefeated boxer made jokes at the expense of Kamaru Usman and Luke Rockhold following the pair’s respective matchups at UFC 278. As someone who proactively promotes issues such as fighter pay and shows concern for the welfare of the athletes, it appears as […]

Din Thomas

Din Thomas has questioned the real intentions of Jake Paul after the undefeated boxer made jokes at the expense of Kamaru Usman and Luke Rockhold following the pair’s respective matchups at UFC 278.

As someone who proactively promotes issues such as fighter pay and shows concern for the welfare of the athletes, it appears as if Paul has now come full circle to disregard the two men after they competed last weekend in the co-main and main event of UFC 278.

‘The Problem Child’ took to social media to disrespect Usman with a series of tweets he posted online after Usman was knocked out by Leon Edwards stunning head kick late in the fifth round.  Then prior to this he had taken aim at both Rockhold and his opponent Paulo Costa claiming the pair put on an embarrassing display for the sport despite many fans applauding Rockhold for the determination he showed in his final octagon outing.

Din Thomas says Jake Paul is ‘not standing up for fighters’

Speaking to MMA Fighting, Din Thomas like many was confused by the comments Paul had made, especially given the awareness he has previously brought upon trying to improve these same competitors’ wellbeing.

“It’s very contradictory, right? Whose side are you actually on? He’s in a position where he might be the most popular fighter around. He and Conor might be the most popular fighters, and he’s done a lot for combat sports. You can’t take that away from him. He’s done a lot for combat sports — for women, for men, boxing, all of that — he’s brought a lot of attention to combat sports, and to the fighters, but a lot of times, it’s for the wrong reasons.”

“On one hand, you’re trying to get everybody paid, you cancel your show but you still pay your fighters half the money, that’s a good thing. A lot of promoters wouldn’t have done that, but he did — I guess maybe to save face, but he’s got the money. But the reality is, in terms of standing up for fighters, he’s not standing up for fighters.

“When you go on there and you rip a guy like Usman, and then you’re ripping legends like Luke Rockhold, dude, what are you doing?”

“You just came out [in the game], you’re 24 years old. I’ve been fighting longer than he’s been alive and he’s dogging people, he’s dogging fighters.”

Given his platform Din Thomas believes Paul truly could benefit athletes competing within the sport, however, he should be advocating for those dreaming of making it into the top promotions such as the UFC.

“If you really want to help and you think fighter pay is bad, continue to run your shows, and continue to pay fighters more,” Thomas said. “In the grand scheme of things, in the world of MMA, not the world of UFC, but the world of MMA, UFC fighters are fine. They are doing just fine, and most of them are happy. Maybe a couple of them aren’t, but most of them are happy, most of them are lucky, and most of them are blessed to be in the position they’re in.

Because when you’re not in the UFC and you’re still putting your body on the line, still training like you’re fighting in the UFC and your health is still on the line, and the risk is still the same in these other organizations, you ain’t making no money.”

“That’s who Jake Paul needs to help, not the UFC guys. Don’t go to the UFC guys and say they need help. UFC I see guys at the [Performance Institute] getting free food, free medical care, free resources, they get taken care of.”

“ It’s these guys at these other shows that are making $1,000 a fight, or still getting beat up for a couple hundred bucks, those are the ones Jake Paul needs to take care of. Don’t worry about the UFC guys, or dog them, worry about the guys on the regional scene, or these under shows that are making no money.” (Transcribed by MMAFighting)

A vast majority of the followers within the sport questioned Jake Paul’s real intentions on whether he was highlighting such as issue for his own personal gain, now it would be fair to say you can add Din Thomas to that list too.

Do you agree with Din Thomas’ comments?

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…

Continue Reading Jake Paul Blasts “Dumb F**k” Din Thomas In Response To Doubts at MMA News.

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.

“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?

Continue Reading Jake Paul Blasts “Dumb F**k” Din Thomas In Response To Doubts at MMA News.