Reebok issues statement in wake of ‘Stitch’ Duran firing

Reebok is distancing itself from the firing of Jacob “Stitch” Duran.

Less than 24 hours after the UFC’s controversial and largely unpopular decision to part ways with the legendary cutman, Reebok issued a statement to UFC fans stating that the apparel company was blameless in any matters regarding “UFC employment or fighter compensation.”

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

— Reebok (@Reebok) July 22, 2015

The statement comes in the wake of Duran’s abrupt release from the post he has held since UFC 33 in 2001.

Duran, renown as the best cutman in the game, revealed this week in an interview with Bloody Elbow that the UFC’s exclusive uniform deal with Reebok caused him to loss his sponsors as well, leaving him with no sponsorship compensation and a base salary that he referred to as “garbage” in a follow-up interview with MMAFighting.com.

A day after the publication of the initial interview, Duran was relieved of his UFC duties.

Duran is widely considered a pioneer of the industry, having worked to establish the UFC’s cutman program and protocols in the early days of Zuffa’s ownership. He called the transition from monthly sponsorship income to nothing “a shocker,” and criticized the UFC for a perceived lack of respect it’s shown he and his contemporaries over recent years.

Duran’s sudden ousting sparked criticism from both fighters and fans.

“Soooo we the fighters are assed out because @StitchDuran spoke his mind?,” tweeted UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson. That sentiment was echoed by former lightweight champion Benson Henderson, “Dang, @StitchDuran, big ups for your bravery in speaking your mind…sorry to hear about how it all played out…”

The role of a cutman is often overlooked, but is an undeniably important role nonetheless — as is evidenced by Duran’s work in preventing the gory battle between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald from a premature stoppage at UFC 189.

Duran said Tuesday that he plans to listen to offers from other MMA organizations in the wake of his release. He also is expected to work with boxer Andre Berto for his Sept. fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., and is the trusted cutman of choice for reigning heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.

Reebok Launch: Dana White interview

Reebok is distancing itself from the firing of Jacob “Stitch” Duran.

Less than 24 hours after the UFC’s controversial and largely unpopular decision to part ways with the legendary cutman, Reebok issued a statement to UFC fans stating that the apparel company was blameless in any matters regarding “UFC employment or fighter compensation.”

The statement comes in the wake of Duran’s abrupt release from the post he has held since UFC 33 in 2001.

Duran, renown as the best cutman in the game, revealed this week in an interview with Bloody Elbow that the UFC’s exclusive uniform deal with Reebok caused him to loss his sponsors as well, leaving him with no sponsorship compensation and a base salary that he referred to as “garbage” in a follow-up interview with MMAFighting.com.

A day after the publication of the initial interview, Duran was relieved of his UFC duties.

Duran is widely considered a pioneer of the industry, having worked to establish the UFC’s cutman program and protocols in the early days of Zuffa’s ownership. He called the transition from monthly sponsorship income to nothing “a shocker,” and criticized the UFC for a perceived lack of respect it’s shown he and his contemporaries over recent years.

Duran’s sudden ousting sparked criticism from both fighters and fans.

“Soooo we the fighters are assed out because @StitchDuran spoke his mind?,” tweeted UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson. That sentiment was echoed by former lightweight champion Benson Henderson, “Dang, @StitchDuran, big ups for your bravery in speaking your mind…sorry to hear about how it all played out…”

The role of a cutman is often overlooked, but is an undeniably important role nonetheless — as is evidenced by Duran’s work in preventing the gory battle between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald from a premature stoppage at UFC 189.

Duran said Tuesday that he plans to listen to offers from other MMA organizations in the wake of his release. He also is expected to work with boxer Andre Berto for his Sept. fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., and is the trusted cutman of choice for reigning heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.


Reebok Launch: Dana White interview