In covering sports media, Awful Announcing has published stories of announcers changing networks or retiring. We’ve had our share of layoff stories as well, but rarely do we cover someone leaving the business altogether for a second career. That is the case for UFC on Fox analyst Brian Stann who has announced that he is leaving his gig for a new career. And that is in real estate. Real estate? Yes, real estate.

On Instagram, Stann said that he’s going to join a firm and then go for his MBA.

I am announcing my departure from calling fights w/ the UFC. I have been offered an amazing leadership role with a fast growing Real Estate Firm and will be attending Northwestern (Kellogg) for my executive MBA this fall. Thank you to everyone for years of support, especially the athletes and coaches whom I love deeply. I will continue to be a huge MMA supporter and attend many events. Thank you to everyone from FOX and Zuffa who helped me so much in this journey. @jon_anik you are my brother and that will never change, and I cannot tell you how important your friendship has been to me. My wife @teressa_stann who has endured so much and supported me through war, fighting, and now this transition, I love forever and thank you so much. This move is to focus more on my family. I traveled 26 weekends last year for work while also working a full time job. My new role as a COO will be very difficult but still afford me my weekends with my wife and 3 children. Transition and change are a part of life and I am really excited to prove my worth to my new company and hopefully showcase the diverse skills military veterans and mixed martial artists possess. Thank you all. – Brian

Stann competed as a middleweight in UFC and was a former WEC Light Heavyweight Champion. He retired from MMA in 2013 and began a career in television as an analyst for UFC and for ACC football on Fox Sports Net.

Stann served in Iraq with the Marines and is President and CEO of Hire Heroes USA.

Perhaps we’ll see Stann on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing down the road.

About Ken Fang

Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.

He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.

Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.