The combat sports world is facing a potentially seismic shift as legendary cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran raises concerns over the UFC’s parent company, TKO, and its behind-the-scenes efforts to alter the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act — a law originally designed to shield MMA stars from exploitation.
Duran, one of the most respected voices in combat sports, has emerged as a prominent critic of what he views as an attempt to further entrench promoter control. His warnings come amid revelations that the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) has been in quiet discussions with TKO regarding changes to the Act.
“The system is there to be developed,” Duran said in a recent interview. “But MMA stars have to take a bullet — not just for themselves but for the future of the sport. Education is the key and it’s time for guys to man up.”
Duran has never shied away from confronting power. In 2015, he was fired by the UFC after criticizing its exclusive Reebok deal, which eliminated sponsorship income for cutmen and left many MMA stars scrambling to replace lost revenue. His dismissal became a symbol of the UFC’s tight grip on internal dissent and a warning to those who spoke out.
Now, a new controversy has emerged. Leaked emails show ABC President Mike Mazzulli in contact with TKO about potential amendments to the Ali Act. On Din Thomas‘ podcast, Mazzulli tried to walk back the optics, saying he wasn’t fully briefed on TKO’s intentions.
“As of right now, I have nothing in writing about what TKO wants to do,” Mazzulli said. “But I’ll admit, the leaked email looked like I was in their pocket. That wasn’t my intent.”
The Muhammad Ali Act, passed in 2000, was crafted to protect boxers through transparency in contracts, separation of promoter and manager roles and a federal ID system tracking medical suspensions. Critically, the Act only applies to boxing — not MMA — a loophole long criticized by MMA stars and advocates.
Former UFC MMA star Din Thomas echoed the growing unease:
“If the Act is meant to protect MMA stars from promoters, shouldn’t MMA stars have a seat at the table? It can’t just be promoters saying, ‘We’re making the changes.’”
The timing has intensified scrutiny. Boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya recently cited Ben Askren’s medical emergency — which forced the retired UFC MMA star to rely on crowdfunding for a life-saving lung transplant — as evidence of MMA’s broken compensation structure.
“TKO wants to pay MMA stars whatever they feel like, likely pennies on the dollar,” De La Hoya warned. “This is the same system that leaves them with broken bodies and empty bank accounts.”
Duran’s stance carries weight. With decades in both boxing and MMA and experience working with legends like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Wladimir Klitschko, he has a unique perspective on how MMA stars are treated — and what’s at stake.
“I remember when I started with the UFC. Dana said, ‘As we make money you make money.’ Well, they made a lot of money — I didn’t see any of it,” Duran recalled.
He believes what’s happening now isn’t just another business maneuver — it’s part of a broader effort to weaken MMA star protections in favor of corporate control. And he’s calling on current athletes to stop watching from the sidelines.
“You’re already part of history competing in these big shows,” Duran said. “Now be part of history by standing up and making a change.”
With TKO expanding its footprint into boxing while dominating MMA, the gap in MMA star pay and protections between the two sports has become impossible to ignore. Critics warn that weakening the Ali Act could gut what little leverage MMA stars have left — and deepen the sport’s lopsided power dynamics.
Whether Duran’s warning sparks resistance or fades into another footnote of unrest remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the battle over who controls combat sports — and who pays the price — is far from over.
