JRE #596 – Brian Stann

This podcast takes a deep dive into the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) with retired UFC fighter and former WEC Light Heavyweight Champion, Brian Stann. The conversation ranges from the controversy surrounding performance-enhancing drugs in MMA to the psychological and physical demands of the sport, exploring the ethics and future of this high-intensity combat discipline. Stann, known for his outspoken nature and insightful commentary, sheds light on the underbelly of the UFC, its history, and its evolution. Provocative topics like the controversial drug testing policies, the potential for abuse, and the ethical implications of the sport are tackled head-on.

Podcast Topics

• Performance Enhancing Drugs in MMA: A critical analysis of the pervasiveness of PEDs in MMA, particularly in the UFC. Stann, who himself retired due to concerns about PEDs, discusses the challenges of detecting and enforcing a fair playing field. He delves into specific cases of John Jones, Vitor Belfort, and others, highlighting the impact of PEDs on the sport’s integrity and the athletes’ careers.
• The UFC’s Testing Policies: The podcast examines the UFC’s approach to drug testing, exploring its inconsistencies, flaws, and potential loopholes. Stann highlights the difference between USADA’s rigorous testing methods and the UFC’s more piecemeal approach, leading to controversies like the Kung Li case and the Vitor Belfort TRT saga.
• The Psychological and Physical Demands of MMA: Stann delves into the unique mental and physical toll of MMA, a sport where losing can be a life-altering event. The conversation explores the pressure to win, the financial incentives, and the risks associated with extreme physical exertion and potential for serious injury. Stann discusses how this unique blend of physicality and mental fortitude sets MMA apart from other sports.
• The Evolution of MMA Training: The podcast explores the evolution of training methods in MMA, with Stann advocating for smarter, more sustainable training that prioritizes long-term career longevity. He contrasts the old-school, all-out brawling approach with the modern trend of more strategic, injury-conscious training, exemplified by coaches like Mark Henry and Ray Longo. He emphasizes the importance of finding balance between pushing athletes to their limits and protecting their bodies.
• The Impact of Wrestling on MMA: Stann examines the significant influence of wrestling on MMA, particularly for its emphasis on developing mental toughness, physical dominance, and strategic control. He highlights the unique skillset of wrestlers, their ability to dictate the flow of fights, and their success in the UFC, exemplified by fighters like Daniel Cormier and Chris Weidman. Stann also touches on the limitations of wrestlers, particularly in the realm of striking, citing Matt Lindland as an example.
• The Global Landscape of MMA: The conversation touches on the increasing influence of international fighters, particularly from Dagestan, on the UFC. Stann highlights the distinct mentality and training culture of these athletes, often forged in more challenging environments. Khabib Nurmagomedov is used as an example, showcasing his physicality, mental fortitude, and the fear he instills in his opponents.
• The Nature of Violence and Human Aggression: Stann explores the complexities of violence, human aggression, and the role they play in human society. He discusses the motivations behind extreme behaviors, drawing connections between the intensity of MMA, the savagery of war, and the primal instincts of humanity. He uses examples from his military experience in Iraq, the Dagestani Massacre, and the conflict in the Middle East to illustrate the dark side of human nature.
• The Ethical Considerations of MMA: Stann raises ethical concerns about the sport, specifically the potential for long-term health consequences associated with brain injuries and the potential for exploitation within the UFC’s business model. He discusses the need for better regulation, fair treatment of fighters, and a greater focus on safety.
• The Role of Education in Society: Stann explores the importance of education in mitigating social problems, particularly in marginalized communities. He discusses the disparity between educational resources in wealthy and impoverished areas, highlighting how education can act as an equalizer and empower individuals to break free from cycles of poverty and violence. He advocates for better funding for education and greater investment in teachers.
• The State of American Politics: The podcast touches on the state of American politics, exploring the lack of accountability and transparency within the government, the influence of money and power, and the difficulty of enacting meaningful change. Stann critiques the polarization of American politics, the dominance of career politicians, and the lack of incentives for talented individuals from the private sector to enter public service.
• The Importance of Personal Accountability: Stann stresses the importance of personal accountability, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes but emphasizing the need to learn from those mistakes and strive for personal growth. He contrasts the high-stakes world of MMA with the world of politics, questioning the public’s tolerance for flaws in individuals in positions of power, especially in light of instances like Bill Clinton’s scandals.
• The Nature of Masculinity: Stann challenges traditional notions of masculinity, arguing against the idea that strength, aggression, and competitiveness are inherently negative traits. He advocates for a balanced and healthy expression of masculinity, rejecting the idea that being a man means suppressing emotions or conforming to rigid expectations. He criticizes the rise of “male feminism” and the attempt to portray a “soft” alternative to traditional masculinity as the “enlightened” path.
• The Importance of Perspective: The conversation explores the power of perspective, particularly the unique perspective gained through experiencing the challenges and hardships of life, both in the military and in MMA. Stann emphasizes how these experiences can shape a person’s understanding of the world, build resilience, and promote empathy.
• The Joy of Fatherhood: Stann reflects on the transformative power of fatherhood, the love and joy he finds in his daughters, and how it has changed his priorities and outlook on life. He discusses how fatherhood has instilled a sense of responsibility and a deeper appreciation for the fragility of life.
• The Power of Laughter: The podcast ends on a humorous note, with Stann acknowledging the importance of humor in navigating life’s challenges and the power of laughter to bring people together. He shares anecdotes from his own experiences, highlighting the absurdities of life and the need to find humor even in difficult situations.

Memorable Quotes

• “If if the sport in general goes towards a comprehensive testing policy, levels of playing field for everybody. I think it makes a safer environment long term for the fighters.” – Stann expresses hope for a future where MMA is a safer and fairer sport for all athletes.
• “It’s a it’s a short term gamble. It really is only beneficial to the folks that are watching it in the UFC.” – Stann highlights the potential downsides of risky fighting tactics, suggesting that they might be more entertaining for fans but ultimately detrimental to the fighter’s long-term career.
• “You you gotta hope that this scenario doesn’t get any worse at this point. You know, you you really don’t.” – Stann expresses his concern about the potential consequences of John Jones’s drug test results, hinting at the possibility of further controversy and damage to the sport.
• “There’s there’s a lot of details yet to be uncovered. So when the collection levels, what it’s supposed to be is supposed to be one guy. There’s a chain of custody.” – Stann underscores the importance of strict testing protocols and the chain of custody in ensuring the integrity of drug testing in MMA.
• “The the the men and women who do sports like this, if you take it away from them, they’re gonna find it elsewhere.” – Stann acknowledges the inherent drive for intense experiences in certain individuals, suggesting that even if MMA were outlawed, they would find other ways to satisfy their need for extreme challenges.