'Stitch' Duran busy as ever, says Bellator interested in cutman services

There appears to be no shortage of work for Jacob “Stitch” Duran after his controversial exit from the UFC.

The veteran cutman told MMAjunkie Radio that he’s booked to work events for WSOF, GLORY and several Japanese shows in addition to work in boxing, where he’ll be working Andre Berto’s corner for a fight with undefeated superstar Floyd Mayweather on Sept. 12.

“I’m fine,” he said. “I’m going forward. My challenges come as I get these offers.”

According to Duran, he was in Newark, N.J., for a recent event and was approached by executives from Spike TV, who told him “‘Stitch,’ we want you” for work in Bellator, Duran said. He also mentioned interest from boxer Amir Khan, who is segueing into MMA promotion. (Bellator President Scott Coker told MMAjunkie he hadn’t spoken to Duran “in a while” but added the cutman frequently works events as an independent contractor.)

Duran also mentioned the possibility of a return to the UFC was “extremely high” if fighters independently paid for his services, as the promotion clarified after releasing him from an exclusive contract.

“But my question if it does happen … is what kind of backlash would these guys get for bringing me on under all these things that are happening,” Duran said.

An interview about the UFC’s deal and subsequent loss of income provided the catalyst for Duran’s firing, though the promotion has claimed the two are unrelated. UFC President Dana White, meanwhile, blasted Duran in interviews while explaining the decision to fire the cutman.

After a bit of drama, Duran said he’s marching on.

When WSOF 23 takes place Sept. 18 in Phoenix, for example, Duran said he’ll be there with his Q-tips and his enswell.

“I personally want to thank Dana White for launching the next phase of my career,” he said.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show, available on SiriusXM channel 93, is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.