Johnny Toetags
02-12-2006, 03:08 PM
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DIN THOMAS
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/toetags/dinint.jpg
Din talks motivation, the ATT and his next fight...
Our very own co-administrator Tyler Horton tracked down the elusive Din Thomas lately to discuss a variety of things including where he's been, and more importantly - what he's been up to. Continuing our MFC coverage, we now bring you our 1 on 1 with Dinyero!
Read on...
--
TH- What is your training background Mr. Thomas? Who or What influenced
you to become a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter?
Din Thomas- I never really intended to become a MMA fighter. It just happened. I started to train back in ‘94/’95 because of the UFC. One thing led to another and I was fighting in it.
There were many guys through the years that have motivated me. Roy Jones, Erik Morales, Bernard Hopkins, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and some other have all motivated me at some point or another. They perform their skill with so much passion when they are at their peak. That is the way I try to live my life. Whatever I do, I try to commit to it 100% and I do it passionately. I have taken fights where I wasn’t totally committed and the outcomes were unfavorable.
As I was saying, everything that I want to do and I am able to commit 100% I am at least well above average. I used to cut hair as a youngster. There wasn’t a man on the planet that could out-fade me. I’m going to shine one way or another. It just so happens that the last 7 years or so, I have been fighting. Wait till you see what more I can do…
TH- How's are things going down at the American Top Team? Who should we
watch for coming out of ATT soon or in the near future?
DT- ATT right now is like the super Walmart of Mixed Martial Arts in South
Florida, except with top quality of course. We are everywhere. I can’t speak on specifics for any other academy except mine that I run in Port St. Lucie, Fl. Things are going well for me and my squad. We are looking into opening another spot on the other side of town. The growth has been overwhelming. But damn, if it ain’t expensive to run a proper academy.
We have a few guys coming out of my place. Foremost would be Mario Rinaldi. He is a super heavyweight. I would say he would have to be one of the most special athletes that Top Team has seen in a long time. Not only is he physically gifted and talented, he is one of the hardest working guys around. It’s rare that you find a person that has talent AND works hard. One normally doesn’t complement the other. People sometimes don’t understand that hard work is what separates the men from the boys. Most people would be successful if they could just push themselves to do it. With Mario, he knows how. He’s very self motivated.
Additionally, I have a few guys being worked on in the lab: Niko Collela, Sean Mason, and Dan Donaldson.
TH- We'll be watching for those names, then. In the 7 years your career has spanned, who was your hardest opponent, and which fight is your most memorable?
DT- Mishima was the hardest fight I had. That guy was better skilled than
me at the time. I just happened to be smarter, thus making me a better fighter. I was able to finish him because I fought an intelligent fight.
My most memorable fight happened to be BJ Penn. He caught me
slipping. At this point, my name doesn’t even deserve to be mentioned
in the same sentence with his. But after this years over, if things go according to plan, it will.
TH- We certainly hope so! Throughout your career you have traveled the globe to fight with many bouts in both the United States and Japan. In terms of fans, whom do you think are the most knowledgeable? Do the Japanese appreciate all aspects of MMA more to you, especially the ground game?
DT-This question is a no brainer. The Japanese fans are much more
knowledgeable. But things are changing. As time goes on Americans
are becoming more knowledgeable and the Japanese people are starting
to want to see slugfests.
TH- Sort of ironic, isn't it? What are your thoughts when it comes to the 155 division coming back in the UFC? Do you see yourself stepping back into the octagon if this happens?
DT- I think its great that the UFC reinstates the 155lbs division. Hell,
most people hold me partially responsible for them putting it on hold
(I truly don’t believe that). This goes back to what I was saying
about my commitment. I didn’t impress with my performances because I
wasn’t totally committed. When I prove my worth in some other events,
I know I could be charismatic enough to step back into the octagon.
TH- What are your thoughts on the quality of fighters in the UFC
compared to fighters in Pride overall? Does any division in either organization just stand out as a notch above to you?
DT- Generally speaking, the talent level in Pride is a lot deeper than in
the UFC. This doesn’t mean that Arlovski or Franklin couldn’t be Pride champions. What I’m saying is if you took the 10th best guy in Pride and fought the 10th best guy in UFC, the Pride guy would probably be better, especially in the heavier weights. When you talk about the lower weights, it’s incomparable because the weight limits aren’t the same. The UFC is 170 and Pride is 161.5.
Regardless, at the end of the day, it’s truly not about who is the best fighter. It’s about who is the best entertainer that can fight.
TH- How does you feel about those affiliated with Matt Serra and the drama that's taken place on the internet with them?
DT- I don’t have a problem with Matt Serra. His students are very supportive of him and I can respect that. The beef that we had is old news and I forgot about it the moment it was taken off the message boards. I had some recent beef with some other clowns regarding Dave Gardner and Nick Thompson. This had to do with the fact that I was ducking one or both of them. Some suggested that I was afraid to lose and hurt my career. My career wouldn’t be affected by a win or a loss to either of those guys. Losing a fight has nothing to do with why I chose or don’t chose to fight. Its matter of whether I feel like committing to the training vs how much money is involved vs how fun will the fight be. If things aren’t in order, then I don’t fight – bottom line. As soon as I'm done with this statement, this will be old
news as well.
Either way, it’s the guys that don’t fight that do all the talking. It’s because their lives are so one dimensional that watching fights is what rotates their world. Since I fight, they just assume that my life is as one dimensional as theirs and suggest that I have to fight and beat so and so to be happy. I’m here to silence the lambs. The world won’t stop spinning for me if I never stepped foot in another ring or cage.
TH- Interesting. A question that I posed to Charles Mccarthy in the interview I did with him was did he think Mixed MMA/Boxing shows could be successful
in cross promoting to each sports respective fan bases. Charles thought it would be a difficult thing to achieve. Having yourself fought in a mixed show in your last bout against Dwayne Shelton, how did the boxing fans in the crowd enjoy not only your match, but the other two MMA matches on the show as well? Do you think the cross promotion can be successful?
DT- It’s too early to make a judgement. I’m not sure that it would work
on a considerable scale. Boxers look at MMA guys like we are crazy and still unskilled in the punching department. As time goes on, I think MMA will overtake boxing as the #1 spectator combat sport. It would be wise for boxing to start to appreciate MMA.
The reason I think MMA will overtake boxing is simple. I think Americans are
really starting to identify with MMA’s heros. Go to any public sports bar that plays the UFC. The people love Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Rich Franklin, and Matt Hughes. They only tolerate and or respect James Toney, Floyd Mayweather, Bernard Hopkins, or Antonio Tarver.
TH- That's a very good point - MMA hero's are by their very nature more modest and identifiable. So, you are fighting in the next MFC event in Atlantic City on March 4th. How does it feel to be returning to Atlantic City to fight? And what are you expecting out of your opponent Ryan Healy that evening?
Is he bringing anything to the ring that you have not seen before technique/power wise?
DT- I’ve seen him fight firsthand. I don’t think he will be able to shock me with anything. He’s a good boxer so he has a puncher’s chance. But I’ve been in the ring with the best guys on the planet. I’m just looking to have a good clean fight, maybe go to a club with Ryan afterwards and get real drunk.
TH- (laughs) I have a few word association phrases/names id like to get your
thoughts on briefly as well...
The Ultimate Fighter – Free advertising for my academy. We love
you Dana White. Also, I had the chance to spend a stint with a few of
the guys from the show. What up Sam Hoger, Seth P., and Josh
Koscheck. But Chris Leben has to be one of the most misunderstood
guys of the group. He was a cool cat to be around.
BJ Penn – You talented son of a bitch. Before I die, I’m going to
track you down.
Best freestyler in MMA- I'm going to apologize to my people out there for my wack freestyle on one of the shows. I was out of touch for a moment. But Im back. In fact, look for my album to drop before the years end.
Dream fight/match up- My wife and my girlfriend.
TH- Mr Thomas, I and all of BloodyKnux.Com thank you for taking the time to answer these questions from our readers today. Good luck with the fight!
Discuss this Interview HERE. (http://www.bloodyknux.com/forum/showthread.php?p=326873#post326873)
- Tyler Horton (http://www.bloodyknux.com/forum/member.php?u=5).
*NOTE*-I also wish to thank our members Jim Kirkland, Edwin, Denise, Michael, Jason Heusel and Chris Zacher for contributing questions to this interview. Without our members participation, nothing you see here at BloodyKnux.Com would be possible today.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/toetags/dinint.jpg
Din talks motivation, the ATT and his next fight...
Our very own co-administrator Tyler Horton tracked down the elusive Din Thomas lately to discuss a variety of things including where he's been, and more importantly - what he's been up to. Continuing our MFC coverage, we now bring you our 1 on 1 with Dinyero!
Read on...
--
TH- What is your training background Mr. Thomas? Who or What influenced
you to become a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter?
Din Thomas- I never really intended to become a MMA fighter. It just happened. I started to train back in ‘94/’95 because of the UFC. One thing led to another and I was fighting in it.
There were many guys through the years that have motivated me. Roy Jones, Erik Morales, Bernard Hopkins, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and some other have all motivated me at some point or another. They perform their skill with so much passion when they are at their peak. That is the way I try to live my life. Whatever I do, I try to commit to it 100% and I do it passionately. I have taken fights where I wasn’t totally committed and the outcomes were unfavorable.
As I was saying, everything that I want to do and I am able to commit 100% I am at least well above average. I used to cut hair as a youngster. There wasn’t a man on the planet that could out-fade me. I’m going to shine one way or another. It just so happens that the last 7 years or so, I have been fighting. Wait till you see what more I can do…
TH- How's are things going down at the American Top Team? Who should we
watch for coming out of ATT soon or in the near future?
DT- ATT right now is like the super Walmart of Mixed Martial Arts in South
Florida, except with top quality of course. We are everywhere. I can’t speak on specifics for any other academy except mine that I run in Port St. Lucie, Fl. Things are going well for me and my squad. We are looking into opening another spot on the other side of town. The growth has been overwhelming. But damn, if it ain’t expensive to run a proper academy.
We have a few guys coming out of my place. Foremost would be Mario Rinaldi. He is a super heavyweight. I would say he would have to be one of the most special athletes that Top Team has seen in a long time. Not only is he physically gifted and talented, he is one of the hardest working guys around. It’s rare that you find a person that has talent AND works hard. One normally doesn’t complement the other. People sometimes don’t understand that hard work is what separates the men from the boys. Most people would be successful if they could just push themselves to do it. With Mario, he knows how. He’s very self motivated.
Additionally, I have a few guys being worked on in the lab: Niko Collela, Sean Mason, and Dan Donaldson.
TH- We'll be watching for those names, then. In the 7 years your career has spanned, who was your hardest opponent, and which fight is your most memorable?
DT- Mishima was the hardest fight I had. That guy was better skilled than
me at the time. I just happened to be smarter, thus making me a better fighter. I was able to finish him because I fought an intelligent fight.
My most memorable fight happened to be BJ Penn. He caught me
slipping. At this point, my name doesn’t even deserve to be mentioned
in the same sentence with his. But after this years over, if things go according to plan, it will.
TH- We certainly hope so! Throughout your career you have traveled the globe to fight with many bouts in both the United States and Japan. In terms of fans, whom do you think are the most knowledgeable? Do the Japanese appreciate all aspects of MMA more to you, especially the ground game?
DT-This question is a no brainer. The Japanese fans are much more
knowledgeable. But things are changing. As time goes on Americans
are becoming more knowledgeable and the Japanese people are starting
to want to see slugfests.
TH- Sort of ironic, isn't it? What are your thoughts when it comes to the 155 division coming back in the UFC? Do you see yourself stepping back into the octagon if this happens?
DT- I think its great that the UFC reinstates the 155lbs division. Hell,
most people hold me partially responsible for them putting it on hold
(I truly don’t believe that). This goes back to what I was saying
about my commitment. I didn’t impress with my performances because I
wasn’t totally committed. When I prove my worth in some other events,
I know I could be charismatic enough to step back into the octagon.
TH- What are your thoughts on the quality of fighters in the UFC
compared to fighters in Pride overall? Does any division in either organization just stand out as a notch above to you?
DT- Generally speaking, the talent level in Pride is a lot deeper than in
the UFC. This doesn’t mean that Arlovski or Franklin couldn’t be Pride champions. What I’m saying is if you took the 10th best guy in Pride and fought the 10th best guy in UFC, the Pride guy would probably be better, especially in the heavier weights. When you talk about the lower weights, it’s incomparable because the weight limits aren’t the same. The UFC is 170 and Pride is 161.5.
Regardless, at the end of the day, it’s truly not about who is the best fighter. It’s about who is the best entertainer that can fight.
TH- How does you feel about those affiliated with Matt Serra and the drama that's taken place on the internet with them?
DT- I don’t have a problem with Matt Serra. His students are very supportive of him and I can respect that. The beef that we had is old news and I forgot about it the moment it was taken off the message boards. I had some recent beef with some other clowns regarding Dave Gardner and Nick Thompson. This had to do with the fact that I was ducking one or both of them. Some suggested that I was afraid to lose and hurt my career. My career wouldn’t be affected by a win or a loss to either of those guys. Losing a fight has nothing to do with why I chose or don’t chose to fight. Its matter of whether I feel like committing to the training vs how much money is involved vs how fun will the fight be. If things aren’t in order, then I don’t fight – bottom line. As soon as I'm done with this statement, this will be old
news as well.
Either way, it’s the guys that don’t fight that do all the talking. It’s because their lives are so one dimensional that watching fights is what rotates their world. Since I fight, they just assume that my life is as one dimensional as theirs and suggest that I have to fight and beat so and so to be happy. I’m here to silence the lambs. The world won’t stop spinning for me if I never stepped foot in another ring or cage.
TH- Interesting. A question that I posed to Charles Mccarthy in the interview I did with him was did he think Mixed MMA/Boxing shows could be successful
in cross promoting to each sports respective fan bases. Charles thought it would be a difficult thing to achieve. Having yourself fought in a mixed show in your last bout against Dwayne Shelton, how did the boxing fans in the crowd enjoy not only your match, but the other two MMA matches on the show as well? Do you think the cross promotion can be successful?
DT- It’s too early to make a judgement. I’m not sure that it would work
on a considerable scale. Boxers look at MMA guys like we are crazy and still unskilled in the punching department. As time goes on, I think MMA will overtake boxing as the #1 spectator combat sport. It would be wise for boxing to start to appreciate MMA.
The reason I think MMA will overtake boxing is simple. I think Americans are
really starting to identify with MMA’s heros. Go to any public sports bar that plays the UFC. The people love Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Rich Franklin, and Matt Hughes. They only tolerate and or respect James Toney, Floyd Mayweather, Bernard Hopkins, or Antonio Tarver.
TH- That's a very good point - MMA hero's are by their very nature more modest and identifiable. So, you are fighting in the next MFC event in Atlantic City on March 4th. How does it feel to be returning to Atlantic City to fight? And what are you expecting out of your opponent Ryan Healy that evening?
Is he bringing anything to the ring that you have not seen before technique/power wise?
DT- I’ve seen him fight firsthand. I don’t think he will be able to shock me with anything. He’s a good boxer so he has a puncher’s chance. But I’ve been in the ring with the best guys on the planet. I’m just looking to have a good clean fight, maybe go to a club with Ryan afterwards and get real drunk.
TH- (laughs) I have a few word association phrases/names id like to get your
thoughts on briefly as well...
The Ultimate Fighter – Free advertising for my academy. We love
you Dana White. Also, I had the chance to spend a stint with a few of
the guys from the show. What up Sam Hoger, Seth P., and Josh
Koscheck. But Chris Leben has to be one of the most misunderstood
guys of the group. He was a cool cat to be around.
BJ Penn – You talented son of a bitch. Before I die, I’m going to
track you down.
Best freestyler in MMA- I'm going to apologize to my people out there for my wack freestyle on one of the shows. I was out of touch for a moment. But Im back. In fact, look for my album to drop before the years end.
Dream fight/match up- My wife and my girlfriend.
TH- Mr Thomas, I and all of BloodyKnux.Com thank you for taking the time to answer these questions from our readers today. Good luck with the fight!
Discuss this Interview HERE. (http://www.bloodyknux.com/forum/showthread.php?p=326873#post326873)
- Tyler Horton (http://www.bloodyknux.com/forum/member.php?u=5).
*NOTE*-I also wish to thank our members Jim Kirkland, Edwin, Denise, Michael, Jason Heusel and Chris Zacher for contributing questions to this interview. Without our members participation, nothing you see here at BloodyKnux.Com would be possible today.