Din Thomas has seen it all in the world of mixed martial arts.

“Dinyero” - - a seasoned MMA veteran - - is among many of the top fighters who train out of American Top Team in Florida. Thomas is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and holds notable victories over Jens Pulver, Matt Serra, Rich Clementi, and Clay Guida.

MMA City recently caught up with the former UFC lightweight contender and got the opportunity to ask him a few questions; regarding everything from Ultimate Chaos, to his education ambitions.

MMA City - Hey Din, how’s it going?

Din Thomas - Everything is going good. Back on the grind. Nobody grinds like me.

MMA City -  By any chance, did you catch Javier Vazquez’s fight at Ultimate Chaos?

Din Thomas - Actually I didn’t get to see his fight. I didn’t really care for it.

MMA City - What are your thoughts on the current stage of the featherweight division? Who do you feel are the top contenders?

Din Thomas -  I think there are a lot of great fighters at featherweight. Obviously I think that Mike Brown is the best. Jose Aldo is second best. Then I think everybody else just coin-tosses for a spot.

MMA City - Obviously challenging Mike Brown is out of the question. Besides Vazquez, is there anybody else in the division that you would like to fight?

Din Thomas - Well right now, I’m just taking a slight break from it. I’ve been fighting since the late 90’s and the only way to stay young in this game is to pace yourself.  So I’m not even looking at opponents right now. I was hoping toget the Vasquez fight out of the way before I took my hiatus, but it never happened. But I still went through the training camps and the BS prior so it definitely took its toll on me. So instead of preparing to kill my opponents, I’m pursuing other ventures. I have the 1001 Submissions: The DVDs coming out. A movie that I was involved in “Loren Cass” is debuting in New York’s Cinema Village on Friday. I’m involved in another film being shot now called “Natalie, Queen of Scots”. It’s a kids movie. And I’m also producing a movie. We are in the pre-production stages of that now. It takes place 100 years ago…and that’ s about all I can give away.  Haha.

MMA City -  I heard that you’re finishing up school and close to earning your degree. What degree are you pursuing?

Din Thomas - As of right now, I don’t really have time for school. But when I do go back, I will probably major in theater. I know, I know.

MMA City - How are things at American Top Team - Port St. Lucie? Any up-and-coming fighters we should be aware of?

Din Thomas - Definitely. Look out for Mario Rinaldi, Eric Luke, Martin Stoilkov. These guys are made of steel!

MMA City - Thank you for taking the time out and participating in this interview. We at MMA City are truly grateful.

Din Thomas - Not a problem. Sorry I didn’t get it done sooner. I’ve been in Boston for a little while. Kenny Florian invited me to come and help him in his training for BJ Penn. That will be a showdown of showdowns. And a special shout-out to Mark Dellagrotte and all of his Italian cousins.

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Questions/comments? E-mail me at aneely@mmacity.com

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