JACOB ‘STITCH’ DURAN isn’t holding any grudges in the wake of his unceremonious UFC exit, it seems.
The well-known cutman was fired by the organisation last week because of his criticism of the new Reebok kit deal.
Duran wasn’t happy that the agreement meant he lost his own sponsorship deals, which he says made up the majority of his income.
Speaking on Off The Ball tonight, Duran says he understands why fighters like McGregor haven’t been in contact.
“[I] understand you know. I’m in a position where I kind of brought it out and everybody at this point has to be somewhat politically correct. So, everybody clashes but I tell you what, I bet I’m the conversation at a lot of tables. People are drinking their pints and I’m sure I’m the conversation there. I’m sure I’m the conversation in Dana’s office,” he said
“The bottom line is that’s the reality of what’s happening.”
And the veteran cornerman says the Dubliner is the real deal.
“The first time I met him and John [Kavanagh] was in I think Stockholm, Sweden – that was the first time he fought in the UFC,” he told Joe Molloy.
“And I was just totally impressed by him. I walk into the dressing-room and I said you know what — and I’ve always said — the Irish are the Mexicans of Europe because you guys can fight. You guys were born to fight like us.
“And he’s a total talent no doubt about it. And when I saw John in the dressing-room, the first thing he brought up was ‘we’re the Mexicans of Europe’. So yeah he’s a big stud, no doubt about it.”
Last week, Dana White did not hold back when asked if there would be any potential return for Duran, saying that he and the cutman were never friends.
“We weren’t friends. We’re not friends and no, he shouldn’t have been expecting a call from me. And if he’s my friend, why didn’t he reach out to me? If we were such good friends and all that. So that’s that,” he said.
