Brian Stann To Replace Joe Rogan For UFC 163 Broadcast
Recently-retired UFC middleweight Brian Stann will be filling in for Joe Rogan during the UFC 163 broadcast next month.
The 32-year-old former WEC light heavyweight champion retired from MMA earlier this month after seven years in the sport, four of which were in the UFC. During his MMA tenure, he racked up a 12-6 record, with a 6-5 record inside the Octagon. Stann spent the majority of his career at light heavyweight, but made his middleweight debut at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko on August 1, 2010. He defeated Mike Massenzio by triangle choke submission at 3:10 in the third round, and the bout earned “Fight of the Night” honors.
Stann fought his last match at middleweight against Michael Bisping at UFC 152 on September 22, 2012, losing by unanimous decision. He returned to the light heavyweight division for his last UFC fight, facing off against Wanderlei Silva at UFC on Fuel TV: Silva vs. Stann on March 3, 2013. Silva defeated Stann by KO at 4:08 in the second round, with the match being named “Fight of the Night.”
The Naval Academy graduate said that he decided to retire so that he could spend more time with his family — his wife and two daughters — but that he would still continue to be an “ambassador” for the UFC. He also said that he wanted to focus on broadcasting, so the timing of UFC 163 couldn’t be more perfect.
According to UFC Tonight‘s Ariel Helwani, 45-year-old Rogan, who has been working for the UFC since 1997, has previous obligations the night of the event. Stann’s addition as color commentator will be for one night only.
Reported on @ufctonight: Brian Stann will replace Joe Rogan on the call for one night only at UFC 163 because Rogan has previous obligations
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 24, 2013
Stann, who was a linebacker at the Naval Academy before serving in the United States Marine Corps, has also been signed to call ACC football games for Fox Sports South.
UFC 163 will take place August 3 at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
What do you think of Brian Stann stepping in for Joe Rogan at UFC 163?
