Digest

Tank Abbott continues to recount his early days in the UFC, sharing a story about a bar fight that led to him being extorted for money. He then discusses his training regimen, emphasizing that his strength and cardio were not a result of a lack of training despite his heavy drinking. Abbott reiterates his belief that referee Big John McCarthy was biased against him and interfered with his fights, citing a specific instance where McCarthy broke up a fight between him and Oleg Taktarov. He also criticizes the stand-up rule in MMA, arguing that it gives an unfair advantage to strikers and undermines the reality of grappling. Abbott then shares a harrowing account of his near-death experience from liver and kidney failure, detailing his multiple surgeries, his time on dialysis, and his eventual recovery. He reflects on how this experience has changed his perspective on life, making him more appreciative and less narcissistic. The episode concludes with Abbott promoting his trilogy of books, which he wrote by hand and are available on Amazon.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast episode and features a brief musical intro.

00:00:10

Early Days in the UFC

This Chapter delves into Tank Abbott's early days in the UFC, focusing on his decision to wear gloves and his first fight against John Matua. Abbott explains his reasoning for wearing gloves, citing his experience in street fights and the need for hand protection in multiple fights. He also recounts his first fight, where he knocked out Matua despite wearing bag gloves.

00:07:05

Injuries and the UFC's Early Days

This Chapter explores Tank Abbott's experiences with injuries and the chaotic nature of the UFC in its early days. Abbott discusses a fight he took despite needing knee surgery, highlighting the pressure and manipulation tactics used by promoters at the time. He also recounts a fight against a much larger opponent, which he believes was orchestrated by the UFC to benefit another fighter.

00:12:10

The Evolution of the UFC

This Chapter contrasts the early UFC with its current state, emphasizing the significant changes in production value, professionalism, and financial backing. Abbott reminisces about his first fight in Dothan, Alabama, which took place in a high school auditorium, a stark contrast to the elaborate arenas of today.

00:14:41

Tank Abbott's Fighting Background

This Chapter explores Tank Abbott's fighting background, revealing his early experiences with wrestling and his decision to pursue boxing. He discusses his wrestling career, his injuries, and his mother's disapproval of boxing. Abbott also recounts his first foray into boxing, where he sparred with a professional boxer and knocked him out.

00:26:45

The Importance of Fighters Fortitude

This Chapter delves into Tank Abbott's philosophy on fighting, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness and resilience over technical skill. He argues that true fighters possess an unwavering determination and the ability to overcome adversity, regardless of their technical abilities. Abbott uses examples from his own career and the UFC to illustrate his point.

00:30:06

The Guillotine Choke and UFC 6

This Chapter discusses the emergence of the guillotine choke in UFC 6 and Tank Abbott's experience with it. He recounts two instances where he was choked by Oleg Taktarov but managed to escape, highlighting his resilience and determination.

00:31:23

The Controversial Refereeing of Big John McCarthy

This Chapter focuses on Tank Abbott's contentious relationship with referee Big John McCarthy. Abbott alleges that McCarthy was biased against him and interfered with his fights, ultimately leading to his expulsion from the UFC. He recounts a specific incident where McCarthy broke up a fight between him and Oleg Taktarov, which he believes was a deliberate attempt to favor Taktarov.

00:33:30

Tank Abbott's Expulsion from the UFC

This Chapter details the events that led to Tank Abbott's expulsion from the UFC. He claims that McCarthy and his wife, Elaine, orchestrated his removal due to their dislike of him. Abbott describes a confrontation with Elaine at a cocktail party, which ultimately resulted in his ban from the organization.

00:44:49

The Chaotic Early Days of the UFC

This Chapter reflects on the chaotic nature of the UFC in its early days, highlighting the lack of structure, regulation, and professionalism. Abbott discusses the potential for manipulation and fixed fights, citing specific examples from his own career.

00:48:47

The Rise of MMA and the UFC

This Chapter explores the challenges faced by MMA in its early days, including public disapproval and resistance from established sports like boxing. Abbott discusses the negative portrayal of MMA in the media and the efforts to suppress its growth.

00:50:05

Tank Abbott's Boxing Journey

This Chapter recounts Tank Abbott's journey into boxing, highlighting his natural talent and his determination to prove himself despite his lack of formal training. He describes his first boxing match, where he knocked out an opponent with three years of experience, and his subsequent training with renowned boxing coach Noi Cruz.

00:53:34

Tank Abbott's Entry into the UFC

This Chapter details Tank Abbott's entry into the UFC, highlighting his initial exposure to the sport through an advertisement in Playboy magazine. He recounts his decision to watch UFC 1 with his father and his subsequent desire to participate. Abbott then describes his connection with Kimo Leopoldo, who helped him get in touch with UFC officials.

00:58:58

Tank Abbott's First UFC Experience

This Chapter recounts Tank Abbott's first experience with the UFC, including his initial meeting with UFC officials and his subsequent trip to Charlotte for UFC 5. He describes his interactions with UFC personnel, including Karen McCartney, and his initial impressions of the fighters and the atmosphere.

01:06:44

Tank Abbott's Second Expulsion from the UFC

This Chapter details Tank Abbott's second expulsion from the UFC, which occurred after a series of incidents at UFC 5. He recounts his confrontation with Art Davie, his interactions with fans, and his subsequent ban from the organization.

01:15:47

Tank Abbott's Return to the UFC

This Chapter concludes the podcast episode by discussing Tank Abbott's return to the UFC. He credits a friend who worked at a bar for making the necessary connections to get him back in the fight, highlighting the importance of relationships and networking in the world of combat sports.

01:16:52

Tank Abbott's Bar Fight and Near-Death Experience

This Chapter recounts Tank Abbott's experience with a bar fight that led to him being extorted for money. He then discusses his training regimen, emphasizing that his strength and cardio were not a result of a lack of training despite his heavy drinking. Abbott then shares a harrowing account of his near-death experience from liver and kidney failure, detailing his multiple surgeries, his time on dialysis, and his eventual recovery.

01:57:32

Tank Abbott's Perspective on Life

This Chapter explores how Tank Abbott's near-death experience has changed his perspective on life, making him more appreciative and less narcissistic. He reflects on his past behavior and how he has grown as a person.

02:05:30

Tank Abbott's Book Trilogy

This Chapter concludes the podcast episode with Tank Abbott promoting his trilogy of books, which he wrote by hand and are available on Amazon. He discusses the inspiration behind the books and the characters within them.

Keywords

Q&A

• Why did Tank Abbott decide to wear gloves in his early UFC fights?

  Tank Abbott decided to wear gloves because of his experience in street fights. He believed that hand protection was essential for multiple fights in a night, as his hands would get hurt without them.

• What was Tank Abbott's first fight in the UFC like?

  Tank Abbott's first fight in the UFC was against John Matua. He wore bag gloves and knocked out Matua, demonstrating his powerful punching ability.

• What is Tank Abbott's main criticism of referee Big John McCarthy?

  Tank Abbott believes that Big John McCarthy was biased against him and interfered with his fights, ultimately leading to his expulsion from the UFC. He alleges that McCarthy favored submission fighters over brawlers like himself.

• What happened at the cocktail party that led to Tank Abbott's expulsion from the UFC?

  At a cocktail party after UFC 5, Tank Abbott had a confrontation with Big John McCarthy and his wife, Elaine. He claims that Elaine was aggressive and that McCarthy used the incident as an excuse to ban him from the organization.

• What does Tank Abbott believe is the most important quality for a fighter?

  Tank Abbott believes that the most important quality for a fighter is mental toughness, or 'fighters fortitude.' He argues that true fighters possess an unwavering determination and the ability to overcome adversity, regardless of their technical abilities.

• How did Tank Abbott get back into the UFC after being expelled?

  Tank Abbott credits a friend who worked at a bar for making the necessary connections to get him back into the UFC. This friend reached out to UFC officials and convinced them to give Abbott another chance.

• What were some of the challenges faced by MMA in its early days?

  MMA faced significant challenges in its early days, including public disapproval, resistance from established sports like boxing, and negative portrayal in the media. The sport was often seen as barbaric and violent, and there were efforts to suppress its growth.

• How did Tank Abbott's boxing journey begin?

  Tank Abbott's boxing journey began when he sparred with a professional boxer and knocked him out. This experience convinced him of his natural talent and led him to pursue boxing more seriously.

• How did Tank Abbott find out about the UFC?

  Tank Abbott found out about the UFC through an advertisement in Playboy magazine. He was initially skeptical but was convinced of its legitimacy after watching UFC 1 with his father.

• What was Tank Abbott's first experience with the UFC like?

  Tank Abbott's first experience with the UFC was a mix of excitement and confusion. He was impressed by the fighters and the atmosphere but also found the organization to be chaotic and unprofessional.

• What are Tank Abbott's main criticisms of the current MMA ruleset?

  Tank Abbott criticizes the stand-up rule in MMA, arguing that it gives an unfair advantage to strikers and undermines the reality of grappling. He also believes that fighters should not be allowed to turtle and that knees to the head of a grounded opponent should be legal.

• How did Tank Abbott's near-death experience change his perspective on life?

  Tank Abbott's near-death experience from liver and kidney failure led to a profound shift in his perspective on life. He became more appreciative of his health and less narcissistic, realizing that life is precious and that he should not waste time being angry or envious of others.

• What is Tank Abbott's book trilogy about?

  Tank Abbott's book trilogy is a fictionalized account of his life, focusing on his experiences with street fighting, bar brawls, and his eventual entry into the world of mixed martial arts. The trilogy is written as a novel and is available on Amazon.

Show Notes