Brian Stann

Brian Stann

Stann being awarded his Silver Star in 2006
Birth name Brian Michael Stann
Born September 24, 1980
Tokyo, Japan (Yokota Air Base)
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service 2003-2008
Rank Captain
Unit 2nd Mobile Assault Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines
Battles/wars 2003 Invasion of Iraq, Operation Matador
Other work Professional Mixed martial arts
Brian Stann
Born Brian Michael Stann
September 24, 1980
Tokyo, Japan
Other names The All-American
Nationality American
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight 206 lb (93 kg; 14 st 10 lb)
Division Middleweight (185 lb)(2010-2013)
Light Heavyweight (205 lb)(2006-2010,2013)
Reach 74 in (188 cm)
Fighting out of Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Team Jackson's Submission Fighting
Rank

     Purple Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

     Black Belt in MCMAP
Years active 2006 – 2013
Mixed martial arts record
Total 18
Wins 12
By knockout 9
By submission 1
By decision 2
Losses 6
By knockout 2
By submission 2
By decision 2
Website http://www.brianstann.com/
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: October 11, 2011

Brian Michael Stann (born September 24, 1980) is a retired American mixed martial artist and U.S. Marine who competed as a Middleweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is a former WEC Light Heavyweight Champion. Stann is President and CEO of Hire Heroes USA, a non-for-profit organization that helps U.S. military veterans.[1] He is also a commentator for both the Ultimate Fighting Championship [2] and the ACC football games on Fox Sports Net.[3]

Background

Stann was born at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan, and grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Scranton Preparatory School and subsequently enrolled in the United States Naval Academy in 1999 (Class of 2003). He played football for the Midshipmen as a middle linebacker while at the Naval Academy.[4] Upon graduation, he was assigned as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Captain.[5]

On May 8, 2005, then Lieutenant Stann was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, and he commanded the 2nd Mobile Assault Platoon. His unit was ambushed by insurgents during Operation Matador while trying to secure Ramana Bridge, near Karabilah. Stann and his Marines held out for six days under heavy attacks while coordinating air and tank support that eventually allowed them to be relieved on May 14, 2005.[6] All 42 Marines in Stann's platoon survived. The following March, Stann was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest award for valor in combat.[7] Part of the citation reads: "Second Lieutenant Stann personally directed two casualty operations, three vehicle recovery operations and multiple close air support missions under enemy small arms, machine gun and mortar fire in his 360-degree fight."[6] This mission was shown on the episode, "Iraq's Most Wanted" on the History Channel show, Shootout!, in which Stann was interviewed. His actions were noted by President George W. Bush during one of his speeches. He left active duty in the Marine Corps as of May 2008. Captain Stann was also the commanding officer in the 8th Marine Regiment Headquarters Company while continuing to fight in the WEC.

Marine Corps officials have stated that they continue to use Stann's story as a recruiting tool, and he attributes his success in mixed martial arts to the foundation he learned fighting at the Marine Corps Martial Arts Center for Excellence in Quantico, Virginia. "He has been an ideal spokesperson and role model", said Lt. Col. Mike Zeliff, assistant chief of staff for advertising with Marine Corps Recruiting Command.[8]

Mixed martial arts career

Stann began his fighting career in 2006, while still serving on active duty, and used accumulated leave to take time for training and fights.[9]

World Extreme Cagefighting

On March 26, 2008, Stann defeated Doug Marshall via KO to become the WEC Light Heavyweight champion. With this victory, Stann's MMA record reached 6–0, with five victories in the WEC.

In August 2008 Stann lost his title in his first defense in a rematch against Steve Cantwell.[10]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In 2008, Zuffa announced plans to shut down the WEC's 185-lb and 205-lb weight classes, and bring all of those fighters to the UFC by 2009, leaving the WEC to concentrate on lighter weight classes.[11]

Stann was scheduled to make his UFC debut on December 10, 2008, at the UFC: Fight For The Troops show, to be held at the Army base of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, but sustained a foot injury and was forced to withdraw from the card.[12] Instead, he faced Krzysztof Soszynski at UFC 97 in Montreal, Canada, on April 18, 2009. In the first round, Soszynski locked Stann in a kimura, forcing him to tap out for the first time. Stann later stated in an issue of UFC Magazine, that due to previous military commitments, he did not have time to prepare for the "grappling-based" aspect of the fight and was why he lost (which was evident during the fight, doing what most ground-fighting coaches tell fighters not to do, and that was flip your hips away from your opponent in an attempt to get up, as it can leave a fighter open for easily set-up submission attempts).

On September 16, 2009, at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard, Stann once again faced Steve Cantwell in a rubber match. Stann would go on to defeat Cantwell via unanimous decision. This would also be the first time he would fight to a decision in his professional career.

Stann defeated UFC newcomer Rodney Wallace on December 5, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale by unanimous decision.[13]

Stann then faced UFC newcomer Phil Davis on February 6, 2010, at UFC 109[14] and lost via unanimous decision. Following the fight, Stann then revealed he would drop to the 185 lbs. Middleweight division.

Stann then made his Middleweight debut against Mike Massenzio on August 1, 2010, at UFC on Versus 2.[15] Stann claimed his first ever submission victory, catching Massenzio in a triangle choke midway through the final round, in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors.

Stann then fought in the co-main event of UFC 125 on New Years Day. He defeated Chris Leben with a first-round TKO stoppage. He floored Leben with a right and knocked him down again with body punches. Finally he delivered a knee which sent Leben down as the referee stopped the fight at 3:37 of the opening round. With this win he became the second man to defeat Leben by way of strikes, the first being former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva.

Stann was scheduled to face former Pride Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva on May 28, 2011, at UFC 130.[16] However, Silva voiced his reluctance to face Stann and was replaced by former Sengoku Middleweight Champion Jorge Santiago. Stann defeated Santiago via TKO in the 2nd round after a right to the temple sent Santiago down and numerous strikes forced a stoppage.[17]

Stann then fought Chael Sonnen on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136[18] where he was defeated via second round submission.

Stann faced Alessio Sakara on April 14, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV: Gustafsson vs. Silva.[19] After knocking down Sakara early with knees from the clinch Stann threw down some heavy ground and pound delivering some short elbows and hammerfists that knocked Sakara out. Stann was awarded the victory at 2:26 of the first round. After the fight, Stann was praised by many MMA media outlets for the stoppage of Sakara. After Stann delivered the knockout blow, he sat up and motioned to the ref that Sakara was out, instead of delivering unnecessary blows before the ref could jump in and stop the fight. Stann's actions were highly praised by many, with UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones saying that Brian Stann was "good for the sport." UFC president Dana White also issued his praise for Stann's performance.[20]

Stann was expected to face Hector Lombard on August 4, 2012 at UFC on Fox 4.[21] However, Stann was forced out of the bout citing a shoulder injury.[22]

Stann faced Michael Bisping on September 22, 2012 at UFC 152 and lost by unanimous decision.[23]

Stann faced Wanderlei Silva in a light heavyweight bout on March 3, 2013 at UFC on Fuel TV 8.[24][25] Stann lost the fight via KO in the second round in a bout that featured back and forth action, and earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.[26][27]

Retirement

On a special edition of the MMA Hour on July 11, 2013, Stann announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.[28]

Personal life

Stann and his wife [29] have a daughter. They currently reside in Johns Creek, Georgia.[30][31] The couple had their second daughter, DeAnna on November 30, 2009.[32]

In the fall of 2010, Stann published his memoir "Heart for the Fight: A Marine Hero's Journey from the Battlefields of Iraq to Mixed Martial Arts Champion" (Zenith Press). Written with military historian John R. Bruning, "Heart for the Fight" details Stann's experiences as a youth growing up in Scranton, PA, playing football for the U.S. Naval Academy, serving as a decorated Marine in Iraq, and becoming WEC Light Heavyweight Champion.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

United States military

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 12–6 Wanderlei Silva KO (punches) UFC on Fuel TV: Silva vs. Stann March 3, 2013 2 4:08 Saitama, Japan Light Heavyweight Bout; Fight of the Night
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 12–5 Michael Bisping Decision (unanimous) UFC 152 September 22, 2012 3 5:00 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 12–4 Alessio Sakara KO (punches) UFC on Fuel TV: Gustafsson vs. Silva April 14, 2012 1 2:26 Stockholm, Sweden
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 11–4 Chael Sonnen Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC 136 Oct 8, 2011 2 3:51 Houston, Texas, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 11–3 Jorge Santiago TKO (punches) UFC 130 May 28, 2011 2 4:29 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 10–3 Chris Leben TKO (knee & punches) UFC 125 January 1, 2011 1 3:37 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 9–3 Mike Massenzio Submission (triangle choke) UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko August 1, 2010 3 3:10 San Diego, California, United States Middleweight debut; Fight of the Night
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 8–3 Phil Davis Decision (unanimous) UFC 109 February 6, 2010 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 8–2 Rodney Wallace Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale December 5, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 7–2 Steve Cantwell Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard September 16, 2009 3 5:00 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 6–2 Krzysztof Soszynski Submission (kimura) UFC 97 April 18, 2009 1 3:53 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 6–1 Steve Cantwell TKO (punches) WEC 35 August 3, 2008 2 4:01 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lost WEC Light Heavyweight Championship
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 6–0 Doug Marshall KO (punches) WEC 33 March 26, 2008 1 1:35 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won WEC Light Heavyweight Championship
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 5–0 Jeremiah Billington TKO (punches) WEC 30 September 5, 2007 1 3:07 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 4–0 Craig Zellner TKO (punches) WEC 28 June 3, 2007 1 4:57 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 3–0 Steve Cantwell TKO (punches) WEC 26 March 24, 2007 1 0:41 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 2–0 Miguel Cosio TKO (punches) WEC 21: Tapout June 15, 2006 1 0:16 Highland, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 1–0 Aaron Stark TKO (punches) SF 14: Resolution January 6, 2006 1 3:14 Portland, Oregon, United States

References

  1. ↑ Leadership Profiles Hire Heroes USA website. Retrieved 2013-01-02.
  2. ↑ http://www.mmaweekly.com/recently-retired-fighter-brian-stann-takes-over-joe-rogans-duties-at-ufc-163
  3. ↑ MMAWeekly.com Staff (10 July 2013). "Brian Stann Expands Broadcast Career from UFC to Include Fox Football Coverage - Yahoo Sports". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 25 September 2013.
  4. ↑ Cpl. Athanasios L., Genos (March 27, 2006). "Former Navy Football Player Awarded Silver Star". 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune: United States Naval Academy. Retrieved 2009-10-26.
  5. ↑ "biography". Brianstann.com. Retrieved 2013-11-05.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Genos, Cpl. Athanasios L. (2006-03-14). "Lieutenant awarded Silver Star, credits it to his Marines". 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune: United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-10-26.
  7. ↑ Schogol, Jeff (June 14, 2008). "Capt. Brian Stann: Heroes in the War on Terror". Stars and Stripes. DefenseLink. Retrieved 2009-10-26.
  8. ↑ Former Marine captain is ready for UFC debut - Marine Corps Times
  9. ↑ Zillgitt, Jeff (March 26, 2008). "Marine aims to add WEC title to Silver Star". USA Today. Marine Corps Times. Retrieved 2009-10-26.
  10. ↑ "Brian Stann". MMA on Tap. Retrieved 2013-11-05.
  11. ↑ "WEC SHUTS DOWN 205 & 185-POUND WEIGHT CLASSES". MMAWeekly.com. September 26, 2008. Retrieved 2011-07-25.
  12. ↑
  13. ↑ "UFC newcomer Rodney Wallace meets Brian Stann at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2009-10-18.
  14. ↑ "Phil Davis vs. Brian Stann added to UFC 109". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2009-12-28.
  15. ↑ "Brian Stann vs. Mike Massenzio In The Works For UFC On Versus 2". heavy.com. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
  16. ↑ "Wanderlei Silva Returns Against Brian Stann at UFC 130". fifthround.com. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  17. ↑ "Jorge Santiago's UFC deal official, meets Brian Stann at UFC 130". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2011-02-23.
  18. ↑ "Middleweights Chael Sonnen vs. Brian Stann targeted for UFC 136 in Houston". mmajunkie.com. 2011-07-06.
  19. ↑ "Brian Stann vs. Alessio Sakara slated for UFC on FUEL TV 2 in Sweden". mmajunkie.com. January 5, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Brian Stann knocks out Alessio Sakara then stops fight : Sports". Primal Habits. Retrieved 2013-11-05.
  21. ↑ "Hector Lombard vs. Brian Stann targeted for UFC on FOX 4 in Los Angeles". mmajunkie.com. April 29, 2012.
  22. ↑ Helwani, Ariel (June 6, 2012). "Brian Stann Out of UFC on FOX 4 Main Event". mmafighting.com.
  23. ↑ Mrosko, Gene (July 14, 2012). "Michael Bisping vs Brian Stann booked for UFC 152 on Sept. 22 in Toronto". mmamania.com.
  24. ↑ Martin, Damon (December 12, 2012). "Brian Stann vs. Wanderlei Silva Headlines UFC on Fuel 8". mmaweekly.com.
  25. ↑ "UFC on FUEL TV 8 headliner Brian Stann says 205-pound bout a onetime thing". mmajunkie.com. December 13, 2012.
  26. ↑ "UFC on Fuel TV 8 results recap: Wanderlei Silva vs Brian Stann fight review and analysis". mmamania.com. March 3, 2013.
  27. ↑ John Morgan (March 3, 2013). "'Heartbroken' Brian Stann admits over-aggression led to UFC on FUEL TV 8 loss". mmajunkie.com.
  28. ↑ Matt Erickson (July 11, 2013). "UFC middleweight Brian Stann retires from MMA to focus on broadcasting, family". mmajunkie.com.
  29. ↑ September 22, 2012 (2012-09-22). "VIDEO: Teressa Ruspi Stann is MMA Brian Stann's Wife (Bio, Wiki)". Slimcelebrity.com. Retrieved 2013-11-05.
  30. ↑ "Brian Stann: A Future Star in MMA? - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog". Sports.aol.com. Retrieved 2013-11-05.
  31. ↑ Brian Stann on Myspace
  32. ↑ "Stann going for KO victory Saturday night against Wallace". The Times and the Democrat.com. 2009-12-03. Retrieved 2009-12-06.
  33. ↑ http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/6/27/4469526/wanderlei-silvas-win-over-stann-is-best-fight-thus-far-in-2013

External links

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.


Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Doug Marshall		 6th WEC Light Heavyweight Champion
March 26, 2008 – August 3, 2008 		Succeeded by
Steve Cantwell