Former UFC middleweight and current commentary team member Brian Stann is saying his goodbyes to the promotion as he leaves to complete his MBA and work in real estate.
The UFC commentary booth is losing one of it’s key members. Former UFC and WEC veteran Brian Stann has become a core part of the UFC’s play-by-play team since retiring from competition in 2013, but it appears that his time in the booth is coming to an end.
In a post on Instagram, Stann announced that it was time to move on. He’ll be attending Northwestern to complete his MBA in the fall, while also assuming a “leadership role with a fast growing real estate firm.”
“I am announcing my departure from calling fights w/ the UFC,” Stann wrote in a post on social media. “I have been offered an amazing leadership role with a fast growing Real Estate Firm and will be attending Northwestern (Kellogg) for my executive MBA this fall. Thank you to everyone for years of support, especially the athletes and coaches whom I love deeply. I will continue to be a huge MMA supporter and attend many events.
“Thank you to everyone from FOX and Zuffa who helped me so much in this journey. @jon_anik you are my brother and that will never change, and I cannot tell you how important your friendship has been to me. My wife @teressa_stann who has endured so much and supported me through war, fighting, and now this transition, I love forever and thank you so much. This move is to focus more on my family. I traveled 26 weekends last year for work while also working a full time job. My new role as a COO will be very difficult but still afford me my weekends with my wife and 3 children. Transition and change are a part of life and I am really excited to prove my worth to my new company and hopefully showcase the diverse skills military veterans and mixed martial artists possess.
“Thank you all. – Brian”
Stann was a key fixture working alongside Jon Anik for many of the UFC’s non-PPV events. No word yet if the promotion will be bringing a new voice in to replace him.