Brian Stann announces departure from UFC commentary position

The UFC and FOX Sports lost a key member of its broadcast crew today when Brian Stann announced his departure from his commentary position.

Stann (12-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC), who retired from competition in July 2013 and has been a frequent staple in the color commentary position ever since, revealed that he’s been presented with an opportunity outside of combat sports that he couldn’t decline (via Instagram):

I am announcing my departure from calling fights w/ the UFC. 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

A post shared by Brian Stann (@brianstann) on Aug 21, 2017 at 8:50am PDT

Although Stann was part of a rotating roster of commentators which also includes Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier and Dominick Cruz, the 36-year-old has been revered for his work and specifically the amount of preparation he puts into each show.

The audience will no longer get to enjoy his analysis, though, because Stann said he’s ready to move on the new working opportunity and also put greater focus on his wife and children.

Stan made his commentary debut at UFC 163 in August 2013.

For more on the upcoming UFC schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.