Brian Stann vs Krzysztof Soszynski UFC 97 fight on tap

by James Iannotti on Jan 20, 2009 4:44 PM EST

A light heavyweight match up between The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8 semi-finalist Krzysztof Soszynski and former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) 205-pound champion Brian "All American" Stann (6-1) has been added to the UFC 97 card, according to MMAWeekly.com.

"The Polish Experiment" is, unsurprisingly, of Polish decent. However, he resides in Winnipeg, Canada, making this a homecoming of sorts for him at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, on April 18. Soszynski defeated Mike Stewart (technical knockout) and Kyle Kingsbury (armbar) on TUF last season before losing to eventual runner-up Vinicius Magalhães in the semi-finals.

He most recently competed at TUF 8 Finale in December, stopping Shane Primm with a second round submission. The Team Quest-trained fighter is currently riding a four-fight win streak after dropping his last two bouts in the now defunct International Fight League (IFL) to heavyweight Ben Rothwell (technical knockout) and light heavyweight Reese Andy (split decision).

Soszynski trains under Dan Henderson in Temecula, Calif., along with training partner Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. He has a strong wrestling base, power in his both his hands and feet and solid submission skills to boot.

Stann, on the other hand, is basically just a power puncher. In fact, all six of his career wins have been first round stoppages because of strikes. In his last fight at WEC 35 in August, he not only lost his 205 pound title to Steve Cantwell, but he was more or less exposed by Cantwell's more technical striking. "The All American," however, holds a previous win over Cantwell at WEC 26 nearly a year and a half ago.

The former Marine was supposed to make his Octagon debut in December on the "Fight For the Troops" card in a rubber match with Cantwell, but had to back out with a foot injury. Cantwell went on to win his first fight in the UFC against replacement fighter Razak Al-Hassan.

Stann now puts a third fight with his rival on the back burner to focus on potentially a much more difficult fight with the well rounded and more experienced Soszynski on April 18.

Company President Dana White recently announced during the UFC 93 post-event press conference that Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua would square off in the main event of UFC 97. Stay locked to MMAmania.com for more on the developing fight card.

Tweet Comment 42 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Pretty good fight!

by JV on Jan 20, 2009 4:51 PM EST reply actions

lol you’re joking right!!!

by kevin on Jan 20, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions

Not really, should be a good standup fight.

by JV on Jan 20, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

Very nice fight… evenly matched fighters that will slug it out. That being said, I’m pulling for my fellow Polak!

by 1-0 via Arm Triangle on Jan 20, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions

this should sell some tickets!

by brendan on Jan 20, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions

I agree JV, should produce a KO. I like Stann.

Kev, what’s wrong with this match?

by Punch You in the Ovaries on Jan 20, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

I think Stann should win easily!

by kevin on Jan 20, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

I co sign that.

by PhilQNY on Jan 20, 2009 6:44 PM EST up reply actions

its still a fair and good match up stylistically, but yeah I would give the edge to Stann

by john on Jan 20, 2009 7:12 PM EST up reply actions

I actually think Krys will sub Stann… Stann has shown NO ground game. Granted Krys’ is limited, but it is better than Stann’s and the stand up is about even I say. So advantage Krys

by Caesar on Jan 20, 2009 8:40 PM EST up reply actions

krys for the upset!!

by ufcaddict on Jan 21, 2009 8:24 AM EST up reply actions

I hope Stann has improved his game since that beating he got from Steve “Squeaky” Cantwell. Listen to him talk, and you’ll know why I am now calling him Squeaky.

by PW on Jan 21, 2009 9:22 AM EST up reply actions

REALLY? Everyone got Stann as the instand favorite??? WTF!

What has he done in his MMA career? He beat up a couple of guys that shouldn’t even be considered fighters over in the 205 lb division of the WEC. EliteXC’s worst weight division was still leaps and bounds beyond WEC’s 205 division.

Once Steve Cantwell started to reach puberty before theier second fight, he schooled Stann. What was he, like 20 years old when they first fought? Stann was ALL promotional hype that the WEC presented to us.

By no means is Krzyztof a great fighter, but I got him beating this Talentless Marine. Krzyztof is a more well rounded striker, like Cantwell was, and he is am MUCH more well rounded fighter. I don’t imagine it being too difficult for Krzyztof to get Stann to the ground since he trains with Hendo on a daily basis.

I think that this is a perfect matchup for both fighters in their young UFC careers. However, it is still young in Stann’s MMA career and experience is going to prove to be the biggest factor in this fight.

When this fight finally arrives, I hope I can pick up Krzyztof as an underdog!

by ViolentMike on Jan 21, 2009 9:39 AM EST up reply actions

Why do you hate America?

by PW on Jan 21, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions

LMAO!!!

by OJR on Jan 21, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions

nope – it’s a non-UFC mma fans dream match – 2 of the best non-UFC lhw’s you might have seen on TV (IFL / WEC) going at each other

by Anger Jack on Jan 20, 2009 5:08 PM EST up reply actions

“it’s a non-UFC mma fans dream match”

Too bad it is taking place in the UFC. You obviously don’t think clearly when your angry. Breath Jack, breath.

by BNF on Jan 20, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

Also Anger Jack, Krzyztof was no where near the cream of the crop of the IFL 205 division, especially at the time.

by ViolentMike on Jan 21, 2009 9:39 AM EST up reply actions

gotta respect a guy who can take half a dozen shots to the balls & still keep fighting – I have Krys in this fight – Stann the marine looked like he is in downward spiral – not a marine anymore – losing rematch convincibly.

And BNF – it’s not too bad that it takes place in UFC – I am happy to see both guys making it to the top, only bad thing is that NOW you have to PAY to see them fight – when before it was FREE!!!

FREE MMA FTW!

by Anger Jack on Jan 21, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

what do you think, if we plan this “event trip,” will you have dinner with us?

by kevin on Jan 20, 2009 5:02 PM EST up reply actions

I read that comment you posted. Id be down to go. Ive had 2 Vegas trips go sour, What event are you guys talking about?

by JV on Jan 20, 2009 5:06 PM EST up reply actions

Check out the next Fedor thread. There is an email address for the possible trip.

by OJR on Jan 20, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions

OH my God.
This guy calls the Affliction event a cure for insomnia and now is jacked for this fight.
You never really know many dumb bastards there are.

by Tyler on Jan 21, 2009 12:12 AM EST up reply actions

sweet matchup! i got Soszynski 2nd round tko.

by Dylan on Jan 20, 2009 4:51 PM EST reply actions

Not a bad fight, I wonder if they will put this on the main card to promote these 2 fighters, I’m guessing ya. Either way, this card is shaping up to look pretty decent, I might go to Montreal that weekend and see it

by Reether on Jan 20, 2009 4:51 PM EST reply actions

This will be a fun fight to watch, but I can see Stann getting the (T)KO in the first or second round. Stann is a refined striker and loves to slug it out. Good test for Kris though.

by Bluepit on Jan 20, 2009 5:00 PM EST reply actions

Stann is a little overated, i think Soszynski will take it

by Thebending on Jan 20, 2009 5:02 PM EST reply actions

Hopefully it gets televised!!

by ---Caesar--- on Jan 20, 2009 5:23 PM EST reply actions

Sounds like it might be a good fight

by Kung Foo on Jan 20, 2009 5:28 PM EST reply actions

Aren’t they both under Henderson training in Temecula or did Stann leave their camp, because I saw Soszynski in Hendo’s corner this past weekend.

by hk on Jan 20, 2009 5:47 PM EST reply actions

Does anyone know when tickets go on sale? Or when they are going to formally announce this event? Are they still worried about the Habs in the playoffs?

by jay on Jan 20, 2009 5:49 PM EST reply actions

I used to go to highschool with Krystoff up in Winnipeg, MB, Canada – he used to have an accent back then haha :) I remember seeing him in University squatting an incredible amount of weight – if i remember correctly (this was about 8 years ago) it was at least 4×45lb plates on each side, everyoen in the gym was like “whoa.”

We sat beside each other in Geography – or was it History? Haha – watching the show i was like “man – that guy looks soo familiar”

by jerrolds on Jan 20, 2009 9:18 PM EST reply actions

LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Krzyztof was a professional body builder before turning to kickboxing and then MMA

by ViolentMike on Jan 21, 2009 9:41 AM EST up reply actions

Which is it – Highschool or University?

by Anger Jack on Jan 21, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

This should be a good fight to set the tone for either fighters career. I do see kryzs taking this one. second or third round tko.

by oddchild on Jan 21, 2009 2:10 AM EST reply actions

ViolentMike

While I agree with your statement: “What has he done in his MMA career? He beat up a couple of guys that shouldn’t even be considered fighters over in the 205 lb division of the WEC. EliteXC’s worst weight division was still leaps and bounds beyond WEC’s 205 division.” To call Stann a “Talentless Marine” (thank you for atleast Capitilizing Marine) was un called for. I think you are usually right on wiht your insight, however you could have left the Marine part off. Stann is a highly decorated Marine who has proven his metal in combat. Those of who have served in that arena thank him, and understand what he has done. As for MMA he is still improving, I do not think he should have gotten the title shot when he did but he did held it for what less than 6 months and lost it on his first title defense. Hopefully they are both trianing thier balls off and put on a great fight. Stann is the quitestial Marine, he fights to the end. Krzyztof is going to make him push the limits and give it his all. Win or lose we all should see a great standup fight.

by Reserveso on Jan 21, 2009 10:04 AM EST reply actions

To quote Krzyztof: “I have ground game too!”

by Anger Jack on Jan 21, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions

Nice post, Reserveso.

Don’t get too upset.

Most of the people on this site DO have much respect and admiration for our nation’s finest…

by OJR on Jan 21, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions

STANN HAS GOT IT Cuz Sos maybe a fighter while Stann is part of the number one fighting force in the world the UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS So all you Sos fans Im sorry but put another loss on his record I Say KO by STANN the Man

Semper Fidelis

by Codi on Jan 23, 2009 2:58 PM EST reply actions

Prediction: it’s One Night Stann by TKO.

He can wrestle.

He’s got KO power.

He’s got nerves of steel.

by One Night on Feb 26, 2009 12:53 PM EST reply actions

Stann is a stud plain and simple. Kristo was a mid of the pack IFL fighter. Stann will take this fight plain and simple.
He has improved his ground game and looking to hurt someone…
stud…

by jakes on Apr 2, 2009 11:51 AM EDT reply actions