From the Fields to the Garden: The Life of Stitch Duran

by Stitch Duran, Bas Rutten (Introduction), Zac Robinson (Contributor)

From a humble beginning in a dirt-poor migrant camp where he picked cotton and fruit with dreams of playing baseball and seeing the world, to being stationed in Thailand as a member of the United States Air Force, to the quiet of the locker room before a big fight, to the center of the cage in the middle of chaos, to the stadiums of Japan, to the arenas of Las Vegas, and ultimately to the lights of Madison Square Garden as the most famous cutman in combat sports ... this is THE LIFE OF STITCH DURAN. The brawl after UFC 38 in London ... Stitch was there. Tito Ortiz and his I just killed Kenny shirt ... Stitch was there. Mike Tyson and Bob Sapp squaring off after Sapp beat Kimo Leopoldo ... Stitch was there. Marvin Eastman's cut ... Stitch was there. The Inoki slap ... Stitch was there. Vodka with Fedor after victory ... Stitch was there. Pride 28 and Wand's big knees ... Stitch was there. Shadow boxing in a Japanese restaurant with Wladimir Klitschko, TUF 1 Finale, Randy's first retirement, Pride Final Conflict Resolution, Diaz/Gomi at Pride 33, GSP/Serra at UFC 69, Gonzaga/Cro Cop at UFC 70, Chuck/Wand at UFC 79, Corey Hill's leg break, and Rocky VI ... yep, Stitch was at every one of them, too. And not only was Stitch there, Stitch had an impact. In the world of combat sports, Stitch has impacted a lot of people, and a lot of fights - all of which can be found in this book, the story of how he made it FROM THE FIELDS TO THE THE LIFE OF STITCH DURAN. ** Praise for The Life of Stitch Duran ** "Stitch is fast becoming an icon to both MMA and boxing ... he is admired by his fans and his peers. When the blood flows, Stitch knows just what to do." - Bruce Buffer ** "Stitch's tape jobs are so pretty you almost hate to punch someone in the face with them! His experience and expertise in the fight game is a rare commodity." - Randy Couture

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Biography

298 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2010

Reviews

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book not only is the biography of the most famous cutman in the business. It is also a history lesson of some of the most important moments in boxing and MMA. Pretty much every milestone is covered from his unique perspective. If you're a Martial arts fan, read it!

[Jason Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a boxing/mma/ufc fan you know who Stitch is, and you need to read this book!

[Andres Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on Stitches life and on MMA.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book if you enjoy MMA and/or boxing. Stitch Duran is always said to be a likable fellow and, having heard him in multiple interviews, I would have to agree. This book is not the most well written tome I've ever laid my hands on, but I was reading it for the stories about Stitch's life and career, not for the writing itself.

If you don't know who Stitch is or have no interest in mixed martial arts or boxing, this book probably won't grab your attention. But if you're like me and you enjoy combat sports, you should get this one. You'll very likely enjoy it.

[Gary F · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book that take you on a journey of a man who has risen from the migrant fields to the top of his profession. Really well written and heartfelt in addition to being just plain entertaining. Very highly recommended!

[Miranda Moberg Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for those that love MMA as told by the man who made the unlikely rise from cotton fields to the best cutman in the business. The book is told in a series of short stories, and "Stitch" is clearly one endearing man that every fighter wants in his corner for good reason.

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read, I will write a review soon.