Seconds Out: The Influence of Cutmen in MMA

4 April 2025

When we think about the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), our minds immediately drift to the fighters—the warriors inside the cage who deliver knockout punches, execute slick submissions, and embody the primal essence of combat. But behind every successful fighter is a team working tirelessly to keep them in the best shape possible. Among these unsung heroes is a crucial figure often overlooked but necessary for the fighter’s longevity and success: the cutman.

Cutmen play an essential role in the MMA scene, helping fighters withstand the brutality of the sport. Without cutmen, MMA could look a whole lot different. Their work might not be as glamorous or headline-grabbing as the main event, but make no mistake—cutmen are a vital cog in the MMA machine.

So, what exactly do cutmen do, and why are they so important? Let's dive into the world of cutmen in MMA and explore their influence on the sport.

What Exactly is a Cutman?

Before jumping into the nitty-gritty, let's clarify who a cutman is and what they do. A cutman is a specialized member of a fighter’s corner whose primary job is to manage physical damage during the fight. Their focus is on cuts, swelling, and other injuries that could potentially stop the fight.

In MMA, cuts and bruises are part of the game. Fighters are constantly exposed to punches, elbows, kicks, and knees, all of which can lead to nasty cuts above the eyes, swollen cheeks, and noses that look like they've been through a car wreck. A cutman’s job is to minimize the damage, allowing the fighter to keep going without the fight being stopped by the referee or a doctor.

Think of them as battlefield medics. They don’t patch up injuries for long-term healing but instead provide quick fixes that allow the fighter to survive the battle at hand.

The Role of a Cutman in MMA

1. Stopping Bleeding

One of the most common issues a fighter faces during a match is bleeding, particularly from cuts around the eye area. Blood streaming into the eyes can limit vision, making it harder to defend against strikes. Not to mention, significant bleeding can prompt a doctor stoppage, forcing the fight to end prematurely.

Enter the cutman. Armed with a toolkit that includes adrenaline (epinephrine), gauze, and a mixture of other substances, the cutman works during those all-too-short 60-second breaks between rounds. Their goal is to reduce bleeding enough so that it doesn’t impair the fighter’s performance or lead to a stoppage by the referee.

2. Controlling Swelling

Another major concern is swelling, especially around the eyes. A fighter with a swollen eye may struggle to see incoming strikes, putting them in a vulnerable position. Swelling can also be a red flag for the doctor, leading to a potential stoppage.

The cutman’s tool of choice here is the famed enswell—a cold, metal device that looks like a mini-iron. By pressing the enswell against the swollen area, the cutman can help reduce immediate swelling and keep the fighter in the game.

3. Preventing Fight-Stopping Injuries

Ultimately, the cutman’s role is to keep the fighter in the fight. They aren’t miracle workers, but they do everything they can to prevent injuries from becoming so severe that the bout is called off. Whether it’s managing a gash above the eye or dealing with a rapidly swelling cheekbone, a skilled cutman can be the difference between a fighter continuing into the next round or having the fight stopped.

The Science Behind It: How Cutmen Do What They Do

Cutmen might seem like magicians when they stop a river of blood or shrink a ballooning eye in mere seconds. But there’s a science to their craft—one that requires precision and knowledge of human anatomy.

Adrenaline and Other Medications

One of the most frequently used substances in a cutman’s arsenal is adrenaline (also known as epinephrine). When applied to a cut, adrenaline constricts blood vessels, slowing down the flow of blood. It’s a temporary fix, but it can be enough to get a fighter through the next round.

Other substances, such as Avitene or thrombin, are sometimes used to promote blood clotting quickly. These chemicals work to stop bleeding almost instantly, giving the fighter a chance to recover and continue.

The Enswell

The enswell is another critical tool of the trade. It’s a smooth, cold piece of metal that, when pressed against a swollen area, helps reduce inflammation. But it’s not just about pressing it down hard—there’s an art to applying just the right amount of pressure to reduce swelling without causing further damage.

Vaseline

A cutman also uses a generous amount of Vaseline on the fighter’s face before and during the fight. This reduces friction on the skin, making it harder for punches and elbows to cause cuts in the first place. It’s a small touch, but in a sport where an inch can make the difference between victory and defeat, it’s highly significant.

The Relationship Between Cutmen and Fighters

A fighter’s relationship with their cutman is built on trust. When a fighter steps into the cage, they know they’re going to take damage. There’s no avoiding it. But they need to trust that when things get rough, their cutman will be there to patch them up and keep them in the fight.

In many cases, fighters will have the same cutman for years, building a deep bond. A good cutman knows their fighter’s tendencies, their skin type, and where they’re likely to get cut or swell. This knowledge allows them to anticipate problems and deal with issues faster and more efficiently.

Some cutmen even study the opponent’s striking habits, knowing where their fighter is most likely to get hit. This kind of preparation can be the difference between a fight being stopped in the third round or going the distance.

Famous Cutmen in MMA History

While cutmen don’t get the same level of fame as fighters, certain individuals have carved out a reputation for being the best in the business.

Jacob "Stitch" Duran

When it comes to legendary cutmen, Jacob "Stitch" Duran is one of the first names that come to mind. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in MMA, including former UFC champions. Known for his calm demeanor and lightning-fast hands, Stitch has been in the corners of countless fights, helping fighters stay in the game when the going gets tough.

His reputation grew so large that he even had a falling out with the UFC due to contract disputes, leading to an outpouring of support from fighters and fans alike. Stitch’s legacy is a testament to how important cutmen are in the world of MMA.

Don House

Another notable figure in the world of MMA cutmen is Don House. A former boxer himself, House transitioned into the role of cutman and has since worked with numerous MMA fighters, including some of the sport's biggest stars. House's experience as a fighter gives him a unique perspective on the needs of his clients, making him one of the most respected cutmen in the industry today.

How Cutmen Can Influence the Outcome of a Fight

It’s no exaggeration to say that a cutman can save a fighter’s career. Imagine a fighter who is dominating a bout but takes a nasty elbow that opens up a deep cut above the eye. Without a skilled cutman, that fight could easily be stopped, resulting in a loss for the fighter. But with the right treatment, the bleeding can be controlled enough for the fight to continue, allowing the fighter to secure a victory.

In some cases, cutmen have even been instrumental in title fights, keeping champions or challengers in the game long enough to secure a win. It might seem like small potatoes compared to the overall picture, but those few seconds between rounds can change the course of a fighter’s career.

The Future of Cutmen in MMA

As MMA continues to evolve, so too does the role of the cutman. With advances in medical science and technology, the techniques and tools used by cutmen are likely to become even more effective. That said, no amount of technology will ever replace the experience, intuition, and steady hands of a seasoned cutman.

Fighters will always need someone in their corner who can patch them up and send them back into battle, and as long as MMA exists, there will be a place for the cutman.

Conclusion: Unsung Heroes of the Fight Game

Cutmen might not get the same level of attention as fighters or coaches, but their influence in MMA cannot be overstated. They are the unsung heroes who keep fighters in the cage, allowing them to perform at their best despite the inevitable bumps, bruises, and cuts that come with the territory.

Without cutmen, we’d see far more doctor stoppages, fewer legendary wars inside the cage, and many fighters might not have the careers they’ve had today. So the next time you’re watching an MMA fight and see a fighter walk out for another round after a brutal exchange, take a moment to appreciate the cutman in their corner. They might just be the reason the fight is still going.