Earlier today we brought you the news that the UFC had fired iconic cut-man Jacob "Stitch" Duran for criticising the UFC's sponsorship with Reebok and no longer allowing him to have his own sponsors on what he wears for UFC events.
The announcement was met with unanimous displeasure in the MMA community, as Stitch is considered not only the best at what he does, but a really nice guy as well, so it was obvious that many would be upset.
That includes fighters on the UFC roster, who have also voiced their displeasure with the decision, starting with UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman.
Sooo disappointed to hear about @StitchDuran !! He's the man and was my go to guy. Wrapped me for all my championship fights!
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 22, 2015
???? @stitchduran ??? https://t.co/reml8CgGUO pic.twitter.com/5YR0TRHbGo
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) July 22, 2015
Soooo we the fighters are assed out because @StitchDuran spoke his mind? Smfh when one door closes another opens. Much respect to you Stitch
— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) July 22, 2015
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 https://t.co/pQBO2K9L00
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) July 22, 2015
@StitchDuran ??? wtf just heard the news. I will always keep the "Quiet Storm"
— Randa Markos (@randamma) July 22, 2015
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.
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) July 22, 2015
There is only one man I want wrapping my hands and handling my corner in the @ufc That is @StitchDuran best cut-man in the business.
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) July 22, 2015
Hands down the nicest man i ever meet @StitchDuran in the @ufc sad news
— Dylan Andrews (@dylanthevillian) July 22, 2015
@StitchDuran sad to see you go brother. My favourite hand wrapper !!!
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) July 21, 2015
@StitchDuran it was always a honor sharing the cage with you God bless you and your family. #willbemissed
— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) July 22, 2015
Damn I can't believe it @StitchDuran were family vato, aqui estamos para lo que sea....
— Efrain Escudero (@effyescudero) July 22, 2015
It remains to be seen if the UFC will release a statement clarifying their stance, or even to acknowledge the service of a man who has become synonymous with the UFC.
The fighters are certainly very disappointed, but if this Reebok deal has taught us anything so far, it's that what the fighters think doesn't really matter.
