This Edition of 13 Q’s is with TUF 4 Contestant, Din Thomas.
1.) Thanks for your time Din! What’s new?
Shit. Im hot right now and I know it’s only going to last for 15 minutes. After that 15 minutes is up I can go back to being a jackass. That is until I extend my 15 minutes of course.
2.) Only a handful of episodes into the show, what kind of treatment have you been receiving since TUF 4’s premeire?
It’s overwhelming. I am certainly starting to hear from people that I haven’t heard from in years. It’s very much a shocker for me being that I’ve been fighting for a long time and now after just a few episodes of a TV show do people recognize. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fans. I am a man of the people. But here’s an announcement: Please don’t hold me up for 30 minutes telling me about your cousin that fought in the UFC when he didn’t. It’s insulting the all of the hard working bastards that have fought in the UFC.
3.) What was your experience like on TUF 4 overall?
Filming TUF 4 was a great experience. It’s an experience that I will never forget. People watching will never get the true essence of what it was like by just watching. I got really close with many of whom now are like brothers to me. While there were times when I would get homesick, there were many other times when I would rather have been there than in the real world. Needless to say, I appreciate little things alot more. I also care alot less about the little things that people hold in high regards.
4.) Who are some fighters that you admire or like their style?
I like watching Leo Viera do Jiujitsu. My favorite fighter is Laura D’Auguste.
5.) Where do you currently train, with who, and how often?
I am a member of the American Top Team and run my own academy in Port St. Lucie, Fl. I have a stable of young fighters that include Mario Rinaldi, James Sutcliffe, Dan Donaldson, Sean Mason, John Webster, Eric Novy, Corey Sucher, and Niko Collelo. We beat each other up every day. Paul Rodriguez, Luigi Fiorivante, and Ben Saunders make it down here from Orlando when they can. I also make a my regular trips down to Coconut Creek and train with Aaron Riley, JZ Calvalcante, Marcus Aurelio, Thiago Alves, and Mike Brown.
6.) What has been your biggest accomplishment in life, fighting or at all?
My biggest accomplishment in life is becoming a father. Bustin’ a nut inside a woman was the easy part; but truly being a father to your seed is the wonder. I stay at home with my son, Ethon every day while my wife goes to work. For those that know me, they know that my son is ALWAYS with me.
7.) What bands or groups are some of your favorites right now?
Music is different nowadays. Its really hard to have favorite groups because music now is generally geared to make people dance. Sometimes the art is sacrificed for the entertainment. Therefore, it’s easier to have favorite songs as opposed to groups. A group used to be defined by their album(s). You can sometimes listen to an album now and never really know who’s album it is because it will consist of a collaboration of 15 different artist. Don’t get me wrong, I am not hating on the music of today, nor am I hating on the fact that artists have sacrificed their art in order to entertain. Truthfully, I do get entertained by the music of today. With that said, some of my favorite artists right now are Thicke, Rhymefest, Pharrell, and Ludacris.
8.) What are 3 goals that are on the top of your list right now?
Sometimes I really don’t like to think that too far in advance. I have a few goals that I’d like to achieve but they aren’t that rigid. If you have a one tracked mind then you will inable yourself the flexibility to prosper in other areas. With the exception of getting the UFC belt and opening up my second school, I’d just like to get this interview done.
9.) As fighter, what are your strengths?
My defense and my ability to stay calm. I think my defense is good because I’m able to stay calm. Furthermore, I am able to stay calm because my defense is good.
10.) If you weren’t fighting professionally, what would you be doing for a living?
This is how I differ from most people. Most people are doing a profession for a living. No matter what it is, I will always be living my profession for a doing. I’d probably be trying to make it as an actor.
11.) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I will not cease until I’ve landed on Greece, France, and Africa. The deep history of those places are intrigueing and I must see them with my own eyes. I’d also like to see New Zealand.
12.) What is it that got you into MMA and when?
I got into MMA back in 1995. I was actually going to try to walk on to play college football. I would have probably been like Rudy Rudiger. Well, I had gotten into a little trouble and couldn’t leave. Basically, I needed to do something constructive to make my mark. I was dumbfounded by watching Royce Gracie and just knew that was what I wanted to do. My unyeilding devotion has gotten me this far.
13.) Is there any advice you could give to someone who would like to get into MMA?
I average at least 3 new and totally different people everyday that tell me that they want to be a professional UFC fighter. They tell me this because they have a good parking lot record (one guy told me he was 9-0 with 7 kos). Well, I out of all of those guys that tell me that they will do anything to be a fighter, I have about 4 guys that actually have the dedication to do it. I don’t care how much talent you have, if you don’t have the dedication to be a fighter, you will never be a fighter. You may even have a fight or two, but you will still not be a fighter. I have seen many guys get their asses whipped and never return to the ring again after 1 fight because of their outstanding parking lot record, their ego, and their lack of dedication. If you truly want to be a fighter, don’t expect to be a great fighter in 6 months. You couldn’t get a doctor’s degree in that time. This is no different. Learn to love training for the sake of training. When you’re ready to fight, you can train to fight. And that, my friend, is no fun.
Dig, I gotta run. I want to thank the people at Ifight for giving me the shirt off of their back.
