U.S. Marine Captain Brian Stann used an explosive left hook during an exchange to wrest the World Extreme Cagefighting light heavyweight from former champion Doug “Rhino” Marshall (7-3) on Wednesday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

“I only hope to do as well as he did with the championship,” said Stann (6-0) about the former titleholder.

During the introduction Stann stared at Marshall who preferred to look at the ceiling. Once the fight began, a stiff jab by the Marine Captain seemed to cause the champion to back off.

“I knew I had to back him up,” said Stann. “In viewing his fights I noticed if he senses any weakness he goes after them.”

As Marshall circled Stann he maneuvered the challenger against the cage and began firing combinations with mean intentions. Stann fired back. Another exchange resulted in a left hook catching Marshall on the chin and he collapsed immediately. Stann jumped on him and fired more punches at the champion who covered up. Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight at 35 seconds in the first round for a technical knockout.

“I try to look at it similar to when I’m in Iraq,” said Stann who still had dried blood below his nose from accepting punches. “Where I’ve lost friends who are Marines.”

The ex-champion walked over to the new champion Stann and hugged him. A new champion was crowned.

“It means the world to me. It’s not an individual effort, it starts with the family, people who trained me and all of the Marines,” Stann said while holding the WEC belt.

More than 100 Marines dressed in white T-shirts had given vocal support for the new champion.

Now Stann returns to work with the Marines and will resume training with TeamQuest, who helped him prepare for the fight.

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