Issue 185

Respected cutman Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran stresses that when you’re living in the fast lane of the UFC, sometimes you gotta slam on the breaks.

Some say I’m the hardest working man in MMA. I’ve seen what guys like UFC coordinator Burt Watson and Dana White do, so I don’t know about that. I do work hard though. I travel for hours to events almost every week. It takes a toll, but it’s a privilege because I work with the best fighters in the world and the excitement of the event makes these long trips tolerable. Sometimes it’s important to take a step back though.

Months ago I was in Brazil with the UFC, and in Poland with Vitali Klitschko the next week. It was great, but afterwards it was time to take a break and enjoy some family time. I let Burt know that I needed eight weeks off to see my son Daniel play football and recharge.

The previous season I worked almost every weekend. Now I wanted to be a “football dad” and watch him play as many games as I could in his senior year. He’s the team captain and plays linebacker.

My wife Charlotte, daughters Carla and Angela, and I cheered him on to some of the most nerve-wrecking games I’ve ever seen.

It made me think of Keith Jardine’s father when I saw him with tears running down his cheeks when Keith beat Chuck Liddell. I had that same proud father feeling.

Thanks to Daniel’s sixth game being on a Thursday, I got to attend the UFC Fan Expo and UFC 136 in Houston. It was a crazy weekend!

Fans were shoulder to shoulder at every booth. The sponsors had the big-name fighters signing autographs. I was busy Saturday with a signing at firstly the Fighters Only booth and then at Xyience with Jon Jones, Dan Hardy and Krzysztof Soszynski.

Finally, I hit the TapouT booth with another all-star group: Punk Ass, Skrape, Ryan Bader and again Krzysztof, who also played an impressive part in the upcoming movie with Kevin James, Bas Rutten, Mark DelaGrotte, Bruce Buffer, Joe Rogan, Mike Goldberg, Herb Dean and I (can’t forget Salma Hayek and Henry Winkler).

Here Comes The Boom will change Krzysztof’s life. I also did a segment on The MMA Experience with Mike Straka, and explained the purpose of a good wrap and what medications we use. I think I made Mike feel like a fighter for a moment as hundreds of fans looked on.

I’m glad I’d taken the time off to see my son play football, because from the Fan Expo I went straight to the arena to start wrapping and work the 11 fights on the card. The event had an energetic sold-out audience. 

When Chael Sonnen (who fought Brian Stann) began walking to the Octagon the roof nearly came off. Once the fighter arrives I have them remove their shirts and shoes, have them hug their team. Then I apply Vaseline. I told Chael to hug his team, “No!” he said firmly.

I knew then he was ready to fight.

Frankie Edgar on the other hand is a great fighter with a teddy-bear personality. I promised his parents that I’d take care of him like he was my own son. I knew he was going to be in a war with Gray Maynard.

As I applied Vaseline I whispered to Frankie that I’d take care of him for his parents. A confident smile came to his face.

What a fight! The fans were treated to another great scrap with Maynard and Edgar in another epic battle that I was glad to be part of.

My skills definitely came in handy, and after the fight Edgar gave me a hug. “Thanks Stitch,” he said. “It was my honor to take care of you,” I said. “You always do,” he replied. These moments make my job so rewarding.

I then got to go home, rest, and watch my son play his final two games.

I was also able to have two great fighters, Frank Trigg and Vitor Belfort, talk to Daniel’s team for motivation. I’m glad I had the opportunity.

I treat every fighter like my own son, but actually being part of my son’s final season at Green Valley High is priceless.

As a football dad, I had another adrenaline rush like the ones I get working a UFC show. My wife Charlotte and I walked Daniel to the middle of the field as a tribute to the seniors for their last home game as a Gator. It was a special moment, and I’m proud of my son, and proud of what I do for a living.

Even if you love what you do, pace yourself and settle in for the marathon, not the sprint. On occasion take a step back and grab a different perspective. The UFC gave me this opportunity and I’m now back with even more energy and enthusiasm than I had before.