Wednesday my videographer, Bobby, and I followed Brian Stann around Manhattan for the day as the WEC light heavyweight champion spoke with many of the major news outlets in preparation for his August 3 bout against Steve Cantwell.

FOX news, Sports Illustrated and ESPN the magazine were only a few of the places that Brian went for an interview on this double-digit-hour work day. Whether it was a phone or television interview, Stann, a Marine officer who served two tours in Iraq, approached each question with the same professionalism he does with each of his fights.

When leaving one of the studios, I asked Brian: "Doesn't it get monotonous answering the same questions? Do you give the same answers?"

Stann responded light-heartedly: "I wouldn't be honest then if my answers aren't consistent."

Stann, a Silver Star (the nation's third highest honor) recipient for gallantry in action, earned the title in March with a TKO win against Doug Marshall at 1:35 into the fight. He is 5-0 in the WEC and none of those fights have seen the second round. He also owns a previous knockout over Cantwell in 2007.

While I was getting tired just following around the champ, Stann never once complained about his day. When I was ready to take a nap, Stann was ready to workout. After lunch, the champ went over to Fighthouse gym in Midtown to get some training in with Rory Singer. The former UFC competitor and Ultimate Fighter: Season 3 contestant now coaches Stann and runs a training center called Hardcore Gym in Athens, Ga.

Stann, who now lives in Georgia with his wife and daughter, wrapped his hands and began sparring with Singer. As the fighters circled, the gym was holding heat the way that only saunas can on this midsummer afternoon. After the boxing, Stann worked his kicks and then the duo moved to the mats to roll. The champ spent most of the time in Singer's guard. He avoided armbars, triangles and was able to pass. Once Stann got to side control, he kept his hips heavy and imposed his will. It looks like it would be very difficult to move him in a real fight.

"People think I have no ground game," Stann said between rounds while smiling through his mouthpiece. "Good."

After the workout, we filmed our interviews with Stann and Singer. The champ then changed and it was back to answer more questions and meet with more media. With a smile on his face and no hitch in his step, he managed to shoe-horn an intense workout in a 12-plus-hour work day. He didn't even once come close to complaining about his tight schedule.

It was evident that this war hero has seen tougher days.

(The video from the workout will be posted soon...thanks for reading).

Photos: Brian Stann works out in NYC

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