Twitter reacts to UFC no longer using Stitch as cutman

Cutman Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran started working for the UFC in 2001, and unheralded though the position is, was hugely respected by the fighters that he worked on, as well as countless fans. Duran, an independent contractor, says the world’s dominant league will no longer be using his services, after he complained about the lack of compensation for wearing Reebok apparel.

Jacob Stitch Duran @StitchDuran

•The UFC just let me go because I spoke out about the Reebok deal. Got to look for a new job!

•As a farm worker, my family fought for fair conditions. This is no different. Thank you for your support.

Reebok denied all responsibility.

Reebok @Reebok

UFC fans: We have no input on decisions of UFC employment or fighter compensation. Our focus is providing the best gear for fighters & fans.

There was an unprecedented outpouring of fighter support for Duran.

Dylan Andrews @dylanthevillian

Hands down the nicest man i ever meet @StitchDuran in the @ufc sad news

Charlie Brenneman @SpaniardMMA

Gotta say @StitchDuran was top 3 nicest ppl I met during my @ufc tenure. He’ll find success wherever he goes. Ps his book was great

Mike Brown ‏@mikebrownmma

@StitchDuran best cutman in the game.

Will Brooks @illwillbrooks86

making a deal with Reebok is a business decision, firing a guy for expressing his opinion isn’t

Derek Brunson @DerekBrunson

•Nooooo not Stitch, that was my guy! ??

•FREE STITCH

Efrain Escudero @effyescudero

Damn I can’t believe it @StitchDuran were family vato

Rich Franklin @RichFranklin

The @ufc won’t be the same without you @StitchDuran. Thanks for all of your help during my career!

Brandon Gibson @SixGunGibson

A good cut man in the corner is a valuable part of the team during a fight. I’ve seen the best at work, and there are very few of them.

TJ Grant @TJ_Grant

First no @BurtWatson4real now no @StitchDuran. That’s a tough loss for the fighters back stage. Only those who have fought or cornered cankKnow what a positive impact they can have on a fighters mind frame. Glad I had the opp to be a part of the UFC while they were there.

Dan Hardy @danhardymma

So sad to hear that @StitchDuran will no longer be around during fight week. It’s the end of an era. The golden age of MMA has passed.

TheOnceAndFutureKing @BensonHenderson

Dang, @StitchDuran, big ups for your bravery in speaking your mind…sorry to hear about how it all played out…

Angela Hill @AngieOverkill

nooooo! You were the best, always gave me confidence when the odds were stacked against me. Your presence will be missed.

Anthony Johnson @Anthony_Rumble

Soooo we the fighters are assed out because @StitchDuran spoke his mind? Smfh when one door closes another opens. Much respect to you Stitch

Sarah Kaufman @mmasarah

I’m always behind, but just heard about Stitch. Don’t have a bad thing to say about him. Hope he’s back keeping us fighters healthy, soon!

Joe Lauzon ‏@JoeLauzon

I did a quick blog post about the Stitch stuff. http://www.joelauzon.com/2015/07/22/know-your-audience/

Randa Markos @randamma

@StitchDuran ?????? wtf just heard the news. I will always keep the “Quiet Storm”

Big John McCarthy @JohnMcCarthyMMA

So sad 2 see this happen. @StitchDuran is a great and proud man & I love him to death. He’s the best of the best

Cole Miller @colemillerATT

Just saw @StitchDuran @StitchPremium is no longer with the UFC. Sucks to see the best cut man in the game won’t be able to keep me safe.

Peggy Morgan @peggymorganmma

How the fuck can the UFC fire @StitchDuran??? I hope he’ll still be working for @InvictaFights!

Ramsey Nijem @RamseyNijem

Sad 2 hear @StitchDuran thanks for taking care of me physically and emotionally since day 1 for me in the UFC hope the best for u #legend

‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings @RowdyBec

Sad to see @StitchDuran go ?? I guess we better work on our head movement ?? #bestinthebusiness #Stitch

Diego Sanchez UFC @DiegoSanchezUFC

@StitchDuran it was always a honor sharing the cage with you God bless you and your family. #willbemissed

Pete Spratt @IamPeteSpratt

My man @StitchDuran wrapped me for my biggest victory in my career @ufc 42! Much respect the best cut man greater person!

Aljamain Sterling @FunkMaster_UFC

Is there more to this story on Stitch? Bc my boy was that guy! Wrapped hands like a boss and one of the best at his job.

Stefan Struve ‏@StefanStruve

Gonna miss you around my friend! @StitchDuran “If he gets a good surgeon he’s gonna be alright” thnx for keeping me in that Fight, much love

Miguel Angel Torres @MiguelTorresMMA

Thats messed up, having an opinion now gets you fired. He should of blamed it on the coco so he could keep his job like some other folks. Just nod your heads and listen to what the man in the box in your living room or in your hands says and agree or else.

Terrion Flash Ware @flashmma

This is bullshit first @BurtWatson4real and now @StitchDuran is gone to before I get to the UFC I feel like I’m gonna be missing out smh

Chris Weidman @ChrisWeidmanUFC

Sooo disappointed to hear about @StitchDuran !! He’s the man and was my go to guy. Wrapped me for all my championship fights!

Bryan Hamper ‏@BryanHamper

Fighters could always hire @StitchDuran as a corner, license him with the State to provide your own cut man. There’s always a way!

The UFC has not yet offered a statement on what happened.