Stitch Duran Says UFC Release “Was Like A Slap In The Face”
Jacob “Stitch” Duran had spent 15 years as a cutman for the UFC, easily becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the promotion, as well as other combat sports.
However, after criticizing the UFC – Reebok deal in 2015, Stich’s tenure with the UFC would come to an end, which he said “was like a slap in the face.”
“That was like a slap in the face, but I knew I put myself in that situation,” Duran said on Hablemos MMA (via Danny Segura of MMA Junkie). “But, being a Latino, I needed to fight for my rights.”
Stich rebounded well, as he has remained a cutman for a multitude of other MMA and boxing promotions, while also acting in several feature films. Duran has had five-plus years to reflect on his decision to criticize the UFC – Reebok deal and Stitch is at peace with the whole situation.
“No, I was very at peace (with my decision),” Duran said. “When that happened, I was thinking, ‘OK, well, what am I going to do now? Where am I going to go?’ But with all the support I got, and many people around the world reaching out, that gave me the energy and the confidence that I did the right thing, so I’m happy. People ask me, ‘Hey have you seen Dana?’ and I’m like, ‘No, I haven’t seen him.’ ‘And if you see him, what are you going to say?’ If I see Dana, I’ll shake his hand and thank him for letting me go because everything is going much better than before.”
The UFC – Reebok deal comes to an end in March of 2021, as the UFC will reportedly move onto a new uniform partnership with Venom.
Fightful has all of your MMA needs covered. Follow us on Twitter for updates, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, lists, news updates and predictions.
