Brian Stann happy with Alessio Sakara knockout, but fight in Sweden almost didn’t happen

Brian Stann made a triumphant return to the Octagon last night (April 14, 2012), knocking out dangerous striker Alessio Sakara in the very first round of their co-main event clash at UFC on Fuel TV 2 from Stockholm, Sweden. After an exciting exchange in the opening minute of the first round, Stann floored Alessio with a well placed punch.

Once on the ground, "All American" was able to land two short, yet powerful, bombs from inside Sakara's guard that had the Italian's eyes rolling in the back of his head. That was all that the referee needed to see to put an end to the fight.

Stann, who got back to his winning ways after losing to Chael Sonnen last October at UFC 136, says that the fight with "Legionarius" almost didn't happen because he considered pulling out of it to be with his family after his wife’s 26-year old brother died two days before Christmas.

Check out what the former Marine had to say about his win over Sakara and the difficult personal issues he dealt with leading up to the fight via MMA Heat in the extended entry:

"This fight was different, there were a lot of things new in my camp, I had to surround myself at home and take care of my wife and with the loss in family it was a real tough time, I thought about calling the fight. But I'm glad to overcome that adversity and come out here and perform well. I feel good and he is tough as hell, everyone new this fight was always going to end abruptly either way, the luck just fell in my favors next time it may fall in Alessios."

To Stann's credit, once he knew Sakara was out, he immediately stopped hitting him and waived the fight off himself. Stann goes on to say that even though it was his night to shine, it could have easily been him on the receiving end of the knockout.

After his impressive win, maybe he can now get his top five opponent he so long desires. Or maybe a bout with Michael Bisping could finally be on deck, should "The Count" get past Tim Boetsch on July 7, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada at UFC 148.

It's good to have options, in addition to a well-deserved break.