UFC 97 Preview & Predictions

(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

BRIAN STANN VS. KRZYSZTOF SOSZYNSKI

Brian Stann has one of the best stories in all of mixed martial arts. The short version: Stann served in the United States Marine Corps and commanded a platoon during the Iraq War.

In November of 2005, Stann's platoon was ambushed by insurgents. Stann and his men held out for six days under heavy enemy fire, eventually calling in enough air and fire support to be rescued.

Stann was awarded the Silver Star, which is the third-highest award for bravery under fire given out by the United States government. He left active duty in May of 2008, but remains central to one of the most inspirational stories  of the Iraq War.

Stann is the former WEC Light Heavyweight champion, earning the title by beating Doug Marshall. He lost his first title defense to Steve Cantwell before moving to the UFC after the WEC's light heavyweight division was folded.

Krzysztof Soszynski has one of the toughest names to spell in any sport. He's a former professional wrestler and learned basic jiu-jitsu from the late Bad News Brown, a former pro wrestler who gained fame in the old Stampede promotion in Canada and in the World Wrestling Federation.

Soszynski trains with Dan Henderson at Team Quest and earned his way into the UFC after making it to the finale of season eight of The Ultimate Fighter.

Soszynski not only has an intimidating look, but he's a pretty good fighter as well. He's fought a decent level of competition since starting his career; Stann only has seven professional fights, and the talent he's faced off against is nowhere near the level of Soszynski.

Stann has displayed plenty of potential, but at this point in his career he's nowhere near the level of Soszynski, and I think that fact is going to shine through in his fight. I expect this one to be quick, and I expect Soszynski to finish it with a submission.

PREDICTION: Krzysztof Soszynski by submission (Round Two)

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?