Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com took to the Stream today with a special edition of the MMA Hour. The internet was buzzing yesterday after he made the announcement of the special edition on Twitter, with speculation running rampant as to what it could be. The surprise guest wasn’t anybody who was considered, though. It was Brian Stann (12-6), and he had a big announcement.
Brian Stann retires on a special edition of the MMA Hour
Recently, Stann announced that he was going to be branching out into broadcasting some college football games for Fox Sports. With that news having been released, Stann felt that it was time to also reveal his retirement. Stann decided on this a couple of months ago, feeling that it’s the best thing for himself and for his family, but hopes to continue working for the UFC as both an analyst and as a brand ambassador. Stann feels that continuing fighting would be too great of a sacrifice for his family, but still wants to give back to MMA for all it’s given him.
Stann made it clear that he feels he can still compete at a high level, but noted that it’s getting harder to stay healthy in training camps. He mentioned that in addition to fighting professionally for 8 years, he also had played football since the second grade and did two tours of active duty as a marine. He said that he would have to change up his training almost entirely in order to return to success and climb back up the UFC rankings, and there are too many other things in his life, most importantly his family, that require his time. Stann also said that he is expecting a third child, and that it is not a good time to “roll the dice” in regards to potential concussions and long term health problems. Being a husband and a father are his most important jobs, and mentions that he maintained a full-time job just in case he wasn’t able to make big money. Brian claimed that Dana White was very supportive of the decision, as well.
Stann said that he likely would not have retired had he defeated Wanderlei Silva. He expanded on that, saying that when you win, you’re on top of the world, but that losses force you to analyse where you are and what you want to do. He said that his fighting style will not give you a long career, and the best decision for a guy like him is to walk away at the right time. Stann wants to be functional and be there for his daughters, to be able to walk them down the aisle.
MMASucka would like to take the time to thank Brian Stann for all the great fights he’s brought us throughout his career. We wish him luck in his future endeavours, be they as an analyst for the UFC, an announcer for Fox, or with his Hire Heroes charitable organization.
