Derek Thompson, a UFC employee who was loved by many for his work ethic and human qualities, has tragically died. He was 40.
Thompson’s sudden death has shocked the UFC world, sparking hoards of tributes from all those who knew and loved him.
The UFC announced the news of his passing in a post shared on social media as well as an in-memoriam segment aired during their latest event in Edmonton. No cause of death was disclosed.
“We lost two members of our UFC family this week. Our hearts go out to the Thompson and Kelly families during this difficult time,” a post from the UFC said, referring to the passing of Thompson and Matt Kelly, another employee.
We lost two members of our UFC family this week.
Our hearts go out to the Thompson and Kelley families during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/eFBqC3eCZd
— UFC (@ufc) November 3, 2024
Derek Thompson was born in Miami in 1984. He grew up in Hyannis Massachusetts. Thompson was a hardworking, dedicated and exceptional UFC behind-the-scenes production employee, according to tributes left in his memory. UFC on-air talent, Megan Olivi, in an outstanding tribute, noted he was hardworking and professional as they flew around the world putting on multiple UFC events. Olivi added that she enjoyed their time together as well as they often shared meals and sang together.
She wrote: “It’s hard to find the words to describe the loss of these two. Derek was our gentile giant. We flew to + worked so many events together. We quoted old school lyrics, I tried to convince him to come to Pilates, and we share some great meals in whatever city we were in.”
Another amazing tribute was shared by former fighter Michael Bisping, who said of the Miami-born Thompson: “Derek was always the source of a smile and warmness. Rest In Peace. My heart goes out to all your friends, family and UFC family. Truly a sad day.”
Ariel Helwani, Daniel Cormier and other big names in the industry all shared their tributes to Thompson. He was remembered for his warm smile, work ethic and personable charm.
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Ariel Helwani, who worked with the UFC for years before a fall-out with Dana White, also praised Derek. He hailed him for being a special and happy soul, a ‘great guy’ who always had a helping hand to lend others.
“Derek was a very special soul. Always happy. Always smiling. Always willing to help. A true pleasure to work with. Just a great guy. Shocked to hear this news. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. 🙏” Helwani wrote.