function not found Former WEC light heavyweight champion and UFC middleweight contender Brian Stann has retired from mixed martial arts at 32 years of age. Stann (12-6) made his professional mixed martial arts debut on Jan. 6, 2006, after a decorated career in the United States Armed Forces. Born on Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan, in 1980, Stann grew up in Scranton, Penn. Upon graduation from high school, he enrolled in the United States Naval Academy and began his military career. After graduation from the academy, he was assigned as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. As a Lieutenant, Stann was assigned to the 3 rd Battalion, 2 nd Marines, and commanded the 2 nd Mobile Assault Platoon. During Operation Matador, Stann’s unit was ambushed near Karabilah, Iraq. Under his command, the unit held out for six days under heavy attack. All 42 Marines survived the attack. He was awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest award for valor in combat, for his heroism. Stann’s calm under duress served him well in the military and carried over to his fighting career. He left active duty in 2008 with the rank of Captain. He was the commanding officer in the 8 th Marine Regiment Headquarters Company, while competing in the WEC.
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