Brian Stann The real "All American"

Brian Stann announces his retirement from MMA

by Tommy Strong @Strong_tea

When I heard the news Brian Stann had retired I was hit with mixed emotions. The first being rather saddened by the news, as I felt he had a lot more to offer to the sport and the fans. But after giving it a few hours for the news to sink in and reflect on his decision, its the sort of honourable thing Stann would do. Knowing he couldn't put his family through any more heartache for the sake of the sport and a few more $$$$ and possibly long term health problems.

Brian Stann in an interview with Ariel Helwani on "The MMA Hour" announced his retirement from MMA. Brian Leaves the UFC with the most precious thing in life that money can't buy, his health intact!
The key decision in making the announcement was wanting to leave the sport with his health in check. Having a young family and wife to support there is only a certain amount of fights you can have like the one he had vs Wanderlei Silva before the damage takes it's toll.

Stann speaking to Ariel Helwani 

"I played football from second grade on and after football I went to Iraq and was involved in several explosions, then there was my eight year MMA career that's a long time. There's only so long that  I can roll the dice and be successful, for me the risk isn't worth it"

Brian isn't just an ordinary MMA fighter, he made his way to MMA via a very successful career in the Military and is a former captain in the US Marines. On May 8th 2005 Stann's unit was ambushed, Stann and his Marines held out for 6 days under heavy attack until air and tank support arrived on May 14th 2005. All 42 of Stann's platoon managed to survive the ordeal! For his courage and bravery, Stann was awarded the "Silver Star' the nations third highest award for courage in combat

In 2006 Stann signed with World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) whilst still serving on active duty, using leave to train and fight. By March 2008 he had won the WEC light heavyweight belt, winning all his 6 fights inside the first round. Only to lose the belt on the first defence to Steve Cantwell.

Since signing with the UFC his record was a very average (6-5) , in August 2010 Stann made his debut in the Middleweight division not quite getting to the level that would earn him a title shot, though he was one tough cookie who was very dangerous and feared by many fighters.

He will be remembered most for two notorious fights he was involved in.

Firstly versus Alessio Sakara , where after knocking him down and landing heavy blows and clearly knowing Sakara was out cold, he decided to stop landing any more blows to prevent further damage, and instead motioned the ref over to stop the fight. A truly class act.

And secondly and more recently in March moving back up to light Heavyweight, headlining his now final bout against Wanderlei Silva where he lost in a ferocious back and forth battle ending in Stann being knocked out in the second round. A fight that will surely be in contention for fight of the year, and etched in people's minds for years to come! And possibly a major factor why Stann decided its time to called it a day.

He later added

"I'm still going to be involved as much as the UFC allow me, but as far as competing anymore, as sad as it makes me, its not the best thing for me, as a husband and father, which is ultimately for me and by far the most important thing in my life, and most important job i have"

Stann won't go down as one of the best ever fighters we have see, though he might go down as the nicest and most honourable fighter inside the octagon. A man that oozed class and touched many hearts from all over the world.

Knowing when to bow out at the right time isn't something fighters are renowned for especially at 32 years old. though in this case It's perfect timing for "The All-American" who ends his MMA career (12-6).

Brian Stann will now serve as a broadcast commentator for ACC Football on Fox Sports South.

For everything he has achieved inside and outside of the octagon, I Sir, salute you!!