As UFC returned to Edmonton, Canada for the first time since 2019 this past Saturday, the promotion shared a devastating update. During the broadcast, the commentators announced the news of crew member Derek Thompson passing away. UFC posted the news on their social media handles while an in-memoriam segment also aired during the event in Edmonton. Thompson was a beloved member of the UFC production team and his tragic death at the age of 39 has drawn emotional tributes from the MMA community.

Thompson was born in Miami in 1984 and grew up in Hyannis, Massachusetts. According to the details from the broadcast in Edmonton, he worked in the graphics department of the company, and given how the commentary team, which included Daniel Cormier talked about him, Thompson had a close association with many members in the promotion.

According to a tribute by the UFC’s Megan Olivi on X, “Derek was our gentle 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. It’s beyond devastating. His loss is felt by everyone – not just in production but around the company.”

Those watching could see how hard it was for the commentary team to talk about him. Daniel Cormier and Brendan Fitzgerald, visibly shaken, struggled to find the right words, a testament to the impact Thompson had on everyone around him. 

Daniel Cormier had known Thompson for a long time and often spent time together playing FIFA, while traveling together. On his Instagram, DC paid tribute to his friend by uploading videos of them having fun during a FIFA session as well as posing side by side. In the caption, he noted, “Very sad that you’re gone my friend. We will miss you forever. Loved this guy so much, gonna miss our FIFA games, traveling the world, our team dinners and just hanging out. You were a great friend Derek! You’ll be missed.”

Michael Bisping also posted a couple of photos on Instagram where he can be seen with Thompson. Bisping noted, “In loving memory of Derek Thompson. I could not believe the news when I heard of his passing. Derek was always the source of a smile and warmness and only 39 years old. Rest In Peace. My heart goes out to all your friends, family and UFC family. Truly a sad day.”

Noted MMA journalist Ariel Helwani also took to X to pay tribute to Thompson. He described Thompson as “a very special soul. Always happy. Always smiling. Always willing to help. A true pleasure to work with. Just a great guy,” before adding, “Shocked to hear this news. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”

Another tribute on X by veteran Michael Chiesa gives an indication of just how beloved Thompson was in UFC. Chiesa wrote, “A great man was taken from the world too soon. Derek’s happiness was contagious, he was very genuine and he is loved by so many people. I’m grateful to have known him and to have had many memorable times with him. You will be forever missed my friend.”

Fans also poured in tributes and condolences, with one fan writing, “R.i.P 39 is way too young.” Another fan noted, “Yeah you can tell this guy was loved. It’s rare to see that love for backstage staff. Rip.”

Fans also paid attention to the on-air tribute paid by Daniel Cormier as one fan noticed, “Daniel Cormier being a class act when reflecting on the life of his friend Derek Thompson”

In their Instagram post, UFC noted that another of their members, Matt Kelly had also passed away. While the cause of death for Thompson was not revealed, Kelly had been battling a prolonged illness.

Matt Kelly was diagnosed with colon cancer

Apart from paying tribute to Derek Thompson, UFC’s on-air personality Megan Olivi also honored the memory of Matt Kelly, another backstage personality who passed away aged, 54.

In a post on X, Olivi mentioned, “Matt was such a bright light. If you didn’t know he was sick you would have never guessed by the way he carried himself. He was so funny and even though his battle was so tough, the smile never left his face. He made it a joy to work together + I was always so grateful to see him.”

 In 2023, he was diagnosed with colon cancer which affected his abdomen and lungs as well. And early last month, he was reportedly diagnosed with leukemia.

In a promotion where the focus has always been on the high-profile fighters and stars, the outpouring of emotions and tributes for Derek Thompson and Matt Kelly show the love and respect they had backstage.