Aside from regular faces like the promoters, fighters and referees at numerous MMA events, one man normally visible is Jacob Duran.

Known throughout the industry as “Stitch”, he has built a trust with the fight community and is respected for what he does and has the utmost respect in return for the sport he loves.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Duran was first exposed to martial arts in 1974 while stationed in Thailand. There he began training kickboxing and continued to do so after his enlistment was done in 1976.

“When I came back I got into taekwando and working with those guys and can remember touching up some of the higher ranks. Some of those guys didn’t rely on kicks and leg kicks; training in Thailand and everything, I knew what leg kicks could do in a fight and proved it that way.”

After a few amateur fights, Duran was asked to help some of the other guys he trained with and this began the early stages of his career today.

“We all went to help each other, just to be there and corner and save each other some money. I helped guys out in their boxing matches and other fights and have stuck with it.”

Being a part of boxing in its heyday and with MMA from the beginning until now, the California-native has seen all aspects of the fight game.

“I have cornered guys in a boxing match that have told me – ‘I’m taking the dive, I don’t get paid enough for this crap’ I am not the one fighting so what they do is their decision. In MMA, I do not see that happening – these guys train and have that respect for each other; most of them are the nicest guys you could meet. They may want to kill each other before the fight but are picking each other up and hugging afterwards.”

Clarifying the myth that MMA fighters are not all paid and boxers bring in so much of the purse, when asked if he thought the trend will shift he clarified the situation, “the myth is that boxers get so much money and that is not the case. Example, a decent 8 or 10 round fighter might get between four to six thousand; out of that money he has a lot of people to pay (including me in his corner) some of these kids are barely making a thousand dollars to fight, I will corner them for free, its not fair to them.”

“When you look at a B-level UFC guy on the prelims, a fight nobody sees on TV, that guy is getting four thousand just to show. He may have a few sponsors that also help him with money. A lot of your MMA fighters are also college educated and have that where some of these kids boxing don’t even finish high school.”

What was on the line in the James Toney v. Randy Couture match?

A lot was on the table. Two guys were out there to prove who and what was better for fighting. Numerous of my boxing buddies were saying ‘oh man, one punch and I’ll drop him’ I laughed and said no you won’t. First of all, not many people have one punch power. Second, the technique is what played the part. A boxer has two weapons to come at you; MMA has multiple to come at you.

If the fight had stayed on the feet, do you think the outcome would have been different?

No. James Toney has the punching power but you have to look at his knockout ratio and finishing percentages. Randy has been in there and knows how to move, how to read and get out of trouble, I think Randy would have utilized that and still come out victorious. Besides, there were kicks and knees that could have been used and that would have been another factor a boxer is not ready for.

GSP vs Nick Diaz - two guys with great hands and GSP is working with Freddie Roach again, who do you see winning?

That is a great question. I think what you have first with the match is someone who is very hungry and not scared of anyone in Nick, He is the guy who will come at you and not stop until one of you is done. I think that Nick has the mindset and skillset to upset GSP.

GSP is a great fighter in the sense he is winning and retaining his championship. He is not finishing fights when he can and plays it safe. I think that he has the capability to win but mentally he needs to finish the fight. I think they match up greatly and am excited for it to happen.

Will training with Freddie Roach play a factor?

I do not think so, if anything it may not be the best thing for an MMA guy. The styles that Freddie is showing him are tailored for a boxer, not MMA. The positioning, timing and everything needed to pull those combos off are not based in the feet or moving of MMA. I am sure Georges’ hands are better and has learned stuff but he is not a boxer only.

With your cornering experience, would you ever consider becoming an MMA judge?

NO! Heck no! I do not want that responsibility at all. I remember one time after a fight; Steve Mazagatti came and told me ‘I should have been a cutman.’ It is one of those things that, I respect the refs and judges and their decisions are theirs. May not always be right but that is there call.

I was working a fight with Pete Sell and he got knocked out, it was quick. The doctor is talking to him and he is upset, I ran over there with the doc and said ‘Drago – it’s Stitch. You got knocked out.’ He looked at me and said, I believe you, not the doctor. Stuff like that makes me love my job. These guys trust me and I am straight with them.

In your years of this, what is the best fight and worst injury you have ever seen?

Best fight was Chuck and Wanderlei. That was a fight where, every punch thrown you could feel it. I mean, they were going at it the whole time.

Corey Hill was the worst injury I have ever seen. When his leg snapped we all jumped, the thing of it is though – when they were wheeling him out of the tunnel and stayed with him, he tells me ‘Almost had him, Stitch.’ That kid is a warrior in my book.

For those who would like to know more about Stitch, visit his website and be sure to pick up a copy of his autobiography, From the Fields to the Garden: the Life of Stitch Duran.

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