Brian Stann Shirtless and Underwear: Ex-Marine Turned MMA Fighter. We were channel surfing last week when we came across the fight between the great Wanderlei Silva and Brian Stann. Of course, we Famewatchers know who Wanderlei is because he is a living legend in MMA (mixed martial arts).

On the other hand, since we have not been paying attention to MMA, these past few years we were clueless as to who Brian Stann is. We later found out that he is an ex-marine, an Iraq War veteran, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and a Silver Star awardee. Want more hot men in uniform?

For those of us not in the know, the Silver Star is the United States’ third-highest award for valor in combat. Our marine hunk-turned-MMA fighter was given the award for his actions and bravery during Operation Matador in Iraq.

Navy Sports reports on the incident(s) which earned the then-lieutenant his Silver Star:

Stann was the 2nd Mobile Assault Platoon leader with Weapons Company when everything started happening during the operation. From May 8 to 14, 2005, Stann led his men into battle, where their mission was to seize a bridge near Karabilah, Iraq. Three different times, he negotiated four kilometers to maintain their position from enemy attacks. However, on the third time through, the enemy had set up an ambush for the Marines.

Although ambushed, Stann called in close air support and direct fire from tanks while taking on over 30 rocket-propelled grenade attacks, multiple machine guns firing, and improvised explosive devices detonating.

“When we began, it was a big fight, but as the days went on, we began to use more of our assets,” Stann explained. “We called in close air support and used tanks and dealt a big blow to the enemy.”

Stann was in a 360-degree fight and was setting up casualty evacuation points after they were hit by suicide IEDs. All of this would not have been possible if it were not for the hard work of his men in the sheer face of danger, explained Stann.

“He [Stann] has great strength of character and endurance, which was shown when everything happened over a week and he kept on going,” explained Maj. Gen Richard Huck, 2nd Marine Division’s commanding general, after he presented Stann his award. “It doesn’t even capture all that happened.”

Want more celebrities in the US Marine?

Stan left the Marine Corps in 2008 and, afterwards, turned to MMA where he successfully established himself as one of the sports bonafide stars. Here’s Brian in Nike Pro boxers during a weigh-in.

Pre-fight posing with Mike Massenzio.

Brian with a funny face.

Want more MMA Hunks?

Update: Oops, we forgot to mention that Brian lost his fight against Wanderlei. The first round was competitive but the second saw Brian beaten by the living legend to a bloody pulp. It was a fascinating fight. Despite his loss, we know Brian will continue to do great things in MMA.

Brian Stann Shirtless and Underwear: Ex-Marine Turned MMA Fighter. Posted 8 March 2013. Last updated: April 20, 2020 at 11:56 am.