Greg Jackson Happy To Be a Part of the Process with Brian Stann at UFC 125

On Saturday January 1, a fighter will enter the world famous Octagon to do battle in the co-main event of UFC 125 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

However, Brian “All American” Stann (9-3) is far from your standard fighter. He is a decorated war hero who was awarded a Silver Star (the nation’s third highest award for valor in combat) in 2006 for successfully leading 42 Marines in and out of battle.

Stann and his unit were ambushed while attempting to secure Ramana Bridge in Iraq and for six days they engaged in battle. While under the attacks, Stann coordinated air and tank support that would eventually lead to them to safety.

In 2008, he decided to leave active duty in the Marine Corps, but remains very active by serving as the Executive Director at Hire Heroes USA, which helps to create jobs for returning war veterans.  

Now competing in the UFC, the “All American” has gone 3-2 with a perfect 1-0 record in the middleweight division. He debuted at 185 lbs. at UFC LIVE 2 in August of this year and defeated Mike Massenzio by submission (triangle choke).

Stann trains out of the famed Jackson-Winkeljohn camp in Albuquerque, N.M. and head coach Greg Jackson says being able to work with someone that has fought for his country and is willing to do whatever it takes in the gym is a pleasure.

“With Brian, it’s a real pleasure to work with him. He’s always enthusiastic and he wants to learn all the time. He’s just a tough son of a gun and they don’t make them much tougher than Brian Stann,” Jackson explained. “So, not only is he coming in a decorated war hero and a world champion in the WEC, but he’s humble and he continues to work on his skills and you got to see that in his last fight. He’s really improving, really getting better and we love, love to be the underdog that’s my favorite place to be.”

The underdog status that Jackson speaks of is that Stann’s opponent Chris Leben (25-6), is a -180 favorite coming into the fight. Nevertheless, one should not expect him to be concerned with betting odds and coach Jackson believes the discipline Stann acquired while in the military has helped drive him to make improvements to all aspects of his game.

“His tremendous discipline, he’s a great athlete already but one of the things that makes him different is that he’s always in the gym, always trying to learn more and I think that’s from his military background,” Jackson said.

“They instilled a tremendous amount of discipline where the difference between being disciplined and undisciplined can be life or death. He really took that to heart and I think that transcended his military career and works in his entire life. The big victory he had last time and the opportunity he’s getting now are a direct result of the discipline he acquired while in the military, so it’s a good thing.”

A good thing it is, as Stann’s hard work paid off in his first fight in the division where appeared to be at home and one could see a vast improvement in his performance. Now, he faces a fighter known for his sheer toughness in Leben and according to Jackson, Stann would not have it any other way.

“He’s excited to fight somebody like Leben, who he feels is a real test. He’s so excited about it, he’s excited to fight again and he just loves it so much. He feels that Leben is a super tough guy, and Brian Stann is all about testing himself,” said Jackson.

Coach Jackson has seen first hand the discipline and excitement Stann has shown in his preparations for this fight and is honored to be able to assist Stann in his quest for victory.

“I’m sure happy to be a part of the process. I’m happy to help Brian in any way that he needs help and if that means he just wants to test himself, then I’m happy to help him achieve that goal. I’m here to help these guys in any way I can, so I’m just honored that an amazing guy like that allows me to help him, it’s cool.”