Brian Stann never wanted his exit from the world of MMA to be a big deal. That’s why he announced news of his departure from the UFC broadcast booth on the Monday before Mayweather vs. McGregor, hoping his decision would quickly fade into the news cycle, because as he put it, he knew he’d be leaving the sport in good hands with other fighters-turned-commentators like Dominick Cruz, Daniel Cormier, and Dan Hardy on the rise.
But Stann’s exit was always going to be a major blow. His dedication and professionalism helped to elevate the craft of color commentary in mixed martial arts, and over the course of his several years with the UFC, he became one of the most respected figures within the industry, always studious with his research and always respectful of the athletes who made the sport possible.