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[Gmunit]

http://www.thefightnetwork.com/news_detail.php?nid=5538

THOMAS’ CHARGES DROPPED



UFC Lightweight Cleared of Third-Degree Felony in Wake of Oct. 30 Arrest

By Brian Knapp (bknapp@thefightnetwork.com)

Prosecutors in Fort Pierce, Fla., today decided to drop felony charges against UFC lightweight contender Din Thomas, according to a REPORT in the Palm Beach Post. The 31-year-old had been accused of violating a Florida statute that governs “prohibited competitions,” a third-degree felony.

Based out of the America Top Team, Thomas was arrested on Oct. 30 for allegedly running illegal mixed martial arts matches at a warehouse in Port St. Lucie, Fla. An arrest warrant filed by Officer Brian Kenny stated that the event in question had taken place on Oct. 19. Kenny, along with another officer, observed the bouts in an “octagonal” ring. Thomas told the officers no medical staff was present, according to the warrant application.

Thomas (20-7) last competed at UFC Fight Night 11 in September, as he submitted to a rear-naked choke from Kenny Florian. The Floridian suffered a career-threatening knee injury in the bout, just before Florian cinched in the fight-ending choke. Thomas had won three consecutive fights previously, a stretch that included an impressive unanimous decision victory over Clay Guida.

A nine-year veteran of the MMA circuit, Thomas owns victories over former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver and current UFC welterweight title holder Matt Serra. After a nearly four-year-long hiatus from the UFC, Thomas appeared on season four of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series and re-established himself inside the Las Vegas-based promotion.

POSTED -- 11/30/07

I gave him a hard time about it, Sorry Din

[Steel]

Yet, the media will probably still persecute him for it.

I have to check out that fight w/ Serra again.

[BigBanda]

Good to hear. I figured it was something that the media was making out to be more than what it really was.

[Gmunit]

Originally Posted by BigBanda

Good to hear. I figured it was something that the media was making out to be more than what it really was.

but just because they dropped the charges doesn't necessarily mean he didn't do anything wrong

[Jellypig]

thank god.

[jcmichaels42]

Originally Posted by Gmunit

I gave him a hard time about it, Sorry Din

heh, yeah me too.

[BigBanda]

Originally Posted by Gmunit

but just because they dropped the charges doesn't necessarily mean he didn't do anything wrong

yeah true but were they saying they were fighting for money? i dont believe they did.

I think it was nothing more than a "smoker". Those unfamiliar... it is basically an event in which different schools and gyms pair up and have their students test themselves with exhibition bouts (no winner or loser). It's just a real good way to test your skills against different competition.

Lately they have been cracking down on them though from what I've heard and read. I know the CSAC has issued some cease and desist orders to prevent smokers from happening. So it is possible thats all it was since these really arent sanctioned events.

[lilp86]

This is great news. I knew they wouldnt be able to charege him for this now hopefully he can get back to 100% and get back in the cage
WAR Din

[AJL416AZ]

why would Din be running anything shady? hes not the mob or anything, fuck. everything i heard described a smoker, everyone has those.
a few MMA or kickboxing matches with his own fighters

[Bran]

awesome