Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight Brian Stann has retired.
The former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) Light Heavyweight Champion (more on that here) was just 1-3 over his last four fights and is calling it quits following back-to-back losses to fellow 185-pounders Michael Bisping (UFC 152) and Wanderlei Silva (UFC on FUEL TV 8).
His reasons, which were explained earlier today on The MMA Hour, include longterm health, as well as more family time (daughter number three is on the way). Just 32 years old, the "All American" promises to try to stay involved with UFC "as much as possible," and says he has the full support of promotion president Dana White.
Stann (12-6) was recently added to the FOX Sports South college football broadcast booth alongside Wes Durham and Jenn Hildreth (details), covering the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The former full-time United States Marine is no stranger to the airwaves, having served as an MMA analyst for FUEL TV.
The Jackson's MMA-product made his Octagon debut against Krzysztof Soszynski at UFC 97 back in April 2009, losing by way of submission, but rebounded by avenging his WEC loss to Steve Cantwell at Fight Night 19 just a few months later.
Stann was known for his powerful punches, ending nine of 12 contests by way of knockout/technical knockout, as well as his never-ending cardio, but key losses to Phil Davis and Chael Sonnen kept him from cracking the top five of his division.
Well fight fans, there you have it. Stann is no longer the man.
Thoughts?