Brian Stann showcases commentating skills at UFC 163
By Al Stover
Sep 22, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; UFC fighter Brian Stann fights against fighter Michael Bisping (right) in the middleweight bout at UFC 152 at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
After he retired from fighting, former WEC Light Heavyweight champion “The All American” Brian Stann (12-6) still found a way to have a presence in the UFC.
Stann took over color commentating duties from Joe Rogan at UFC 163 in Brazil.
While Rogan, Mauro Ranallo and Stephen Quadros are three of my favorite commentators in all of combat sports, I thought Stann did a good job for his first foray into the commentating booth.
He came off as professional, knowledgeable and crisp in his commentary. Some fighters have a difficult time making that transition from being a fighter to a commentator because their knowledge of the sport is limited to what they learned in the gym and in their fighting career. That said, fighters like Muhammed Lawal (11-2 1NC), Jimmy Smith (5-1) and Kenny Florian (14-6) have established themselves in the commentating booth.
For the most part fans have had positive things to say about Stann’s commentating. One fan on the Bloody Elbow forum suggested he could be a permanent fixture to team of Rogan and Mike Goldberg.
Unfortunately not everyone was pleased with The All American’s commentary. Brandon Vera (12-6-1), who faces Ben Rothwell (32-9) on Aug. 31, called Stann out for what he believed was a show of bias, particulary in the fight between Phil Davis (12-1 1NC) and Lyoto Machida (19-4).
Yes, Stann did highlight the strengths of Machida – as he did with other fighters throughout the night – and while he thought that Machida won the fight, the All American was not the only person who thought Davis lost the fight. I can understand Vera wanting to stick up for his teammate, but if that is the only reason he called out Stann, he should get on Twitter and Facebook and call out the other fighters and fans who believed “The Dragon” won that fight.
Although I am sure Stann will probably commentate again, I would like to see other fighters get a shot to sit in the booth. Chael Sonnen (27-13-1) would be my top choice for the next fighter to step into the commentating booth. Another fighter who could do well in the booth would be Dan Henderson (29-10).
Which fighters would you like to see try their hands at commentary? Answer with a comment below or send a tweet to @alstover.