MMA History Podcast · MMA Detective Mike Davis, Joey Venti

Tank Abbott Fighting in the 90’s

·2 hr 44 min·5 clips

Ron Van Cleef says he discovered me in a bar - I don't even know who he is, to be honest with you.

Tank Abbott, legendary early UFC fighter famous for knockout power, discusses his career with MMA History Podcast hosts Joey Venti and Mike Davis. Currently retired and living peacefully in the Arizona desert, Tank corrects historical record about his UFC discovery - Ron Van Cleef's claim to have discovered him in a bar is disputed by Tank, who states his manager Dave Thomas packaged him to the UFC. The episode exemplifies the podcast's mission to preserve early MMA history directly from original participants who lived it. Tank's current life reflects a complete lifestyle transformation from violent pit fighting to peaceful desert living with his dogs, representing the broader theme of MMA legend retirement narratives.

As heard by us

A blunt Tank Abbott episode that turns early UFC history into a live dispute.

Tank Abbott comes off as a retired early-UFC figure whose quiet desert routine gives the episode an unexpected edge, especially once the Oleg Taktarov fight and the backstage arguments enter the picture.

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Why you'd press play

Press play if you want Tank Abbott talking early UFC history from the dirt road.

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