Megan Olivi, Ariel Helwani, and others pay heartfelt tribute to deceased UFC crew members Derek Thompson and Matt Kelly
UFC analyst Megan Olivi, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, and many MMA figures recently offered their condolences after the demise of UFC crew members Derek Thompson and Matt Kelly. The UFC broadcast team at UFC Edmonton announced the news of Thompson and Kelly's passing away.
The UFC returned to Edmonton, Canada, this past Saturday for the first time since 2019. The fight night event took place at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada.
As MMA fans anticipated the matchups on the card, they were met with the devastating news on X.
Olivi rushed to the comments section and expressed her grief, writing:
''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.''
She added:
''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 another X post, Olivi wrote:
''I am praying for both of their families and all of their friends. They are missed so much already by so many. May they rest in peace and glory. Our hearts are truly crushed.''
UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad also shared his reaction under the post.
Ariel Helwani also took to X and offered his support to Thompson's family, writing:
''Derek Thompson’s sudden passing was mentioned on the UFC broadcast earlier. 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.''
UFC welterweight veteran Michael Chiesa also expressed his grief on X, writing:
"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."
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