An “All American” New Year Day Bash
Posted by M. C. Castaneda (Staff Writer)Dec 28
Former U.S. Marine Infantry Officer, Brian “All American” Stann (9-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) and Chris “The Crippler” Leben will ring in the New Year at UFC 125 Resolution, in Las Vegas on January 1, 2011 as the Co-Main event.
Stann enters the cage on the heels of a submission victory over Mike Massenzio in August at the UFC Live on Verses 2 event. It was Stann’s first fight at 185 lbs in the UFC, and the drop in weight class only improved Stann’s already fierce arsenal. Prior to that victory, Stann had fought in the UFC’s Light Heavyweight division. His final fight in the Light Heavyweight division was this past February, where he suffered a decision loss to Phil Davis which most likely contributed to the drop in weight class.
Known for his striking and huge heart, Stann has won half of his matches by TKO. Before entering the UFC, Stann was a household name in the WEC organization. He was a one-time holder of the WEC Light Heavyweight title and compiled a record of 5-1 in the organization. Stann made his way into the UFC when the MMA superpower absorbed the WEC’s Light Heavyweight division. He fought 3 times in 2009 where he went 2-1, beating Rodney Wallace and winning the proverbial rubber match against Steve Cantwell.
Stann’s opponent, Leben, poses a serious threat to Stann. The Crippler is on a 3 fight win streak, including a destruction victory of Yoshihiro Akiyama in July. Leben did not lose in 2010. In fact, he returned to his old school brawling roots fighting and winning 2 fights in less than a month earlier this year.
While both of these fighters are known for their striking ability and TKO victories, the match may end up being decided on the ground. Both fighters are coming off of triangle submission wins. Yet, it is safe to say that the heavy-handed Leben will come forward against Stann. One thing is for certain, leather will fly on January 1st and both fighters will start 2011 off with a bang.
Leben by brutal KO