Popular UFC middleweight and light-heavyweight Brian Stann announced his retirement from mixed martial arts Thursday.
Stann, who frequently moonlights as a UFC analyst for FOX Sports, will transition into a career as an analyst for college football games for FOX Sports South.
Stann, 32, was a former light-heavyweight champion in World Extreme Cagefighting before the now-defunct promotion’s 205-pound division was absorb by the UFC.
The three-time Fight of the Night award winner ends his career with a record of 12-6 with nine wins by knockout or TKO.
After a successful run in the WEC, he began his UFC career 2-2 before dropping to the 185-pound division in 2010. He began his run at middleweight by picking up a submission win over Mike Massenzio and knockouts of Jorge Santiago and ultra durable Chris Leben.
Stann was on the verge of a title shot before being submitted by Chael Sonnen – whom he often works with during UFC on FOX, FUEL and FX broadcasts – at UFC 136. He followed that up by knocking out Alessio Sakara and losing a decision to Michael Bisping.
The last time he fought was an all out war against Wanderlei Silva at UFC on Fuel TV 8 in March in Japan – certain to be a Fight of the Year candidate in 2013.
Stann competed in all but one of his professional fights under the Zuffa banner.
The United States military veteran was one of the most respected fighters in the sport and immediately after his retirement was announced, members of the MMA community began expressing their support.
