Joe sits down with David “Tank” Abbott, a retired professional mixed martial artist, former pro wrestler, and pioneer in the world of combat sports. www.ufc.com/athlete/tank-abbott
Sat down at a particular bar in HB back around 2008. While waiting for my drink, I noticed Tank was sitting next to me. I could tell he didn't want to chit chat, just by his body language. Once my drink arrived, I raised it slightly and he did as well; a gesture of thanks for not bothering him.
@@Conorscorner: Haha I could honestly see him back in the day going to Beach Girls just because it’s a total dive bar. LMFAO when you compare that to The Green Girl Saloon that’s basically like saying if Beach Girls is a 1 star bar than The Green Girl Saloon would be like a 4 star bar.
I respect joe for the way he handles shhht talk about someone he knows and likes. He didn’t go along with tank about John, but he didn’t disrespect tank. Joes a good fair dude that way.
@@robertverduzco1613 Because it was talked about quite a bit in the early UFC. And people from Huntington Beach mentioned he had a reputation as someone you didn't want to fu** with.
Tank benched 600lbs to me thats his most amazing feat only a handful of men have ever benched that but Tank wasnt a powerlifter he was just freakishly strong
I used to feel the same way until I got a bit older and learned enough about weight lifting to become skeptical enough to do a little more digging. Apparently that video was a smoke and mirrors promo for the WWE, or WWF at the time… Tank was strong but 600lbs on the bench, especially in the mid 90’s, only the most dedicated lifters were achieving that.
Say what you want about Joe but one damn thing is for sure he's a great interviewer, he lets people go and talk and brings the conversation back and moving forward. A lot of these interviews are pure gold history.
Props to Joe for having a real UFC legend on. Tank brought alot of attention to the UFC in the 90s, one of the most terrifying men to get in the octane
I met Tank 16 years ago at a fight. He gave great advice to me, at the time, a young amateur fighter. He said not to overthink it, to go live in the moment and remember the other guy is only human.
Loved the moment where Joe nearly interrupted Tank, but when Tank slowly made it clear he hadn't finished on the topic Joe immediately apologized and went back to intently listening
I agree. Why are all these lady boys talking shit on him in these comments. I’m 42 and he was doing his thing when I was barely a teenager renting ufc tapes from Hollywood video.
He had to have a liver transplant... Shit is scary and life changing... Good luck, not saying you have an issue with drinking. I like to drink and at times it was hard for me to stop... What helped me get it under control wasn't thinking I'm quitting, I had the mindset of "I'm just taking a break and I'll be back after awhile" this helped me enough to be able to have a bottle of scotch at the house and not drink the whole fricken thing in one night.
Tank would’ve been undefeated if he had some defensive skills. Dude straight brawled and took the punishment. He had incredible power behind those haymakers.
Yes, but it's a great misnomer that he was just a brawler. It's true that he had power, but the real reason he was able to have success in fighting was because of his wrestling. He took down most of his opponents and finished them in top position. The ones he didn't take down he utilized the clinch to knock out. Even the Matua KO which was seemingly all standup was a result of awkward positions due to wrestling and Tank using his off hand to control/move Matua. The wrestling Tank incorporated made the fight look even sloppier so I understand why some think he was just a brawler.
Random but big John talk about that moment on his podcast bc Coleman was talking about him about getting stand up lol kinda made me laugh thinking of each side of their story😂
@@KevinRosen1981because he’s a senior citizen now. He was beating dudes faces in when I wasn’t Even a teenager man, but by the look of u I’m pretty sure he’s got u. Stop talking shit about guys who paid their dues rainbow hair. 🌈. Talking shit while looking like Humpty Dumpty got put together again. Jesus
Him not liking Big John is hilarious. Tank is legend, and even in his own gripes with people you get the sense (at least now) that he doesnt take them or himself too seriously. Alcohol can change that in people too. Hes a fascinating dude for sure.
This man is an absolute warrior. He’s had a liver transplant, had multiple strokes and died 5 times on operation table yet here he is looking better than ever. Tank has some angels on his side for sure.
True Pioneer of the sport. He EMBODIED TOUGHNESS. Also the reason why punches to the back of the head are no longer alloowed. Even though we KNOW head kicks can tend to wrap around the back.
I'll always respect Tank for his fights, but this podcast was kinda gross to listen to. You can tell quite clearly he's still justifying getting in all those fights, called himself "the bully's bully", but you listen to anyone who was around him back then, he was just getting wasted and acting like an asshole. He was tough, but really not respectable imo
@mr.joedirt8583 I listened to it while during yard work, even without watching I could tell in his voice how emotional he was. It's crazy when you see some that was such a savage as their older more vulnerable state. Tank is the man!
What a fascinating Listen from arguably one of the toughest human beings ever to live. Here's a man who lived a hard and fast life, and miraculously beat the odds to make it to 60. In the process, he came full circle, and learned to let go of hate. I have no doubt this dude is descended from some seriously savage warriors of human history.
I grew up in the same town as Tank Abbott. He’d beat up so many people in our local bar that everyone was terrified of him. If you called him “Tank” he’d look at you like he wants to kill you. If you called him Dave, he gave a polite nod. Shoutout Aloha Grill HB and you’re looking great Dave!
This guy bullied my dad when he was in high school… Pops said he was eating lunch and he came to his table, spat in his food, grabbed him by the neck and made him say “I’m a n word, I’m a n word” out loud to the lunch room. (My dad wasn’t even African American he was half Mexican)
@Thelawncarenut What’s up Allen, I know you from Cleetus & the freedom factory haha. I run a welding business not to far from ya in central Florida, I’m in lake county 🤙. Funny I noticed ya
@@ghostwalk2446 lmao man that’s hilarious from your point of view 😂 it’s Cleetus McFarland on RU-vid he’s huge. Brother owns a racetrack, An airport & all sorts of cool stuff. The guy I was mentioning above “Allen” runs a lawn business & cuts the grass at his race track which is known as “The freedom factory” haha I love what the country thinks we got cooking down here in Florida 🤙🤣
Man, Tank gave us all a ton of amazing memories in the octagon. This interview makes me sad, sorry to hear he has had to endure so much. He seems like a humbled soul. Bless Tank Abbott.
Tank will talk about a great lost civilization where all the men had 1 punch KO power and could bench 600 lbs. They also could drink a bottle of Jack Daniels in one sitting. And for the greatest ones of them all, the bottle of Jack would sometimes talk to them and its voice sounded like Don Frye.
@@deadarmd 10 seconds? he will fuck you up forever, he will not quit and even if you clip him he will fucking do everything to anihalite you! you are you all guys on the internet so delusional and disrespectfull. as soon as you would walk into him, you would shrinkle like a zuccini as soon as you would realize who he is and that you will not stop him!
would you correct Tank Abbott to his face? are you fucking insane?!?!?! he could mispronounce my name right in front of me and i wouldn't say a word... i might even change the name for him..... haha...
This was a great glimpse of a serious warrior. So many podcasts are just chatter chatter chatter. Joe Rogan is great for just letting him tell his stories.
Seeing a true monster like Dave start to break down and somehow shut it down like he did is both heartbreaking and refreshing at the same time. Thats a real "tough guy"
When TF did this happen??? Seems like we just saw vids of him a few years ago benching at the gym and it looked like a slightly older Tank Abbot. Now he's Ned Flanders all of a sudden.
@@cloud890 oh hes still large and powerfull, dont get distracted by his humble manor talking oldschool stuff, he would rip your head of your shoulders in a second, i dont know how the message hasnt got around, dont fuck with him! he seems like a humble guy but that can switch as soon as you think you can show up a little! ever seen the simpson episode where ned goes attack mode, ned is a highly in shape trained weirdo, dont underestimate ppl! thats a big mistake!
00:01 🥊 Tank Abbott talks about his introduction to UFC and the origins of wearing gloves Tank Abbott shares how he came up with the idea of wearing gloves in UFC. He discusses the early days of UFC and the lack of specific rules regarding attire and fighting techniques. 04:03 💢 Tank Abbott elaborates on the rules and equipment allowed in early UFC fights Tank Abbott explains the limited rules in early UFC fights, such as the absence of hand wraps and specific attire requirements. He discusses the freedom fighters had in employing various techniques, including hair pulling and groin strikes, within the octagon. 05:28 🛡 Tank Abbott recalls introducing modifications to the gloves for UFC fights Tank Abbott recounts his interaction with officials regarding wearing modified gloves in UFC fights. He emphasizes the importance of protecting the hands while maintaining fighting effectiveness. 09:14 🥋 Tank Abbott discusses facing challenges and injuries during his career Tank Abbott reflects on overcoming injuries, such as knee surgery, and facing unexpected opponents in UFC fights. He shares his mindset towards fighting, highlighting his willingness to accept challenges regardless of the circumstances. 16:08 🥊 Tank Abbott talks about his transition to boxing and early experiences in the sport Tank Abbott shares his interest in boxing and the challenges he faced in pursuing the sport. He recounts his initial experiences in a boxing gym and his natural inclination towards fighting despite lacking formal training. 20:49 💥 Tank Abbott recounts a memorable spar with a professional boxer Tank Abbott describes a spontaneous spar with a professional boxer and his unexpected victory. He emphasizes the importance of natural power and instinct in combat sports, regardless of formal training. 23:46 🥋 Understanding the essence of martial arts Martial arts is not just about spirituality and skill; it encompasses power, attitude, and chaos. Fighter's fortitude is crucial, emphasizing mental strength and reaction in combat situations. Street fighting highlights the importance of toughness over mere technical skill. 27:22 🥊 The significance of fighter's fortitude Some fighters possess an innate ability to persevere and never give up, regardless of the situation. Mental resilience often distinguishes great fighters from those who falter under pressure. Examples like Max Holloway and Leon Edwards highlight the impact of fighter's fortitude in challenging circumstances. 30:15 🤼 The evolution of fighting techniques: From wrestling to jiujitsu UFC 6 marked the emergence of the guillotine choke, revolutionizing submission techniques. Wrestlers introduced new challenges to jiujitsu practitioners, leading to the evolution of fighting strategies. Tank Abbott's experience with the guillotine choke showcases the adaptability and resilience required in combat situations. 41:14 🛑 Controversies and conflicts in early UFC Personal disputes and conflicts, such as those involving referees like Big John McCarthy, impacted fighter experiences. Allegations of biased officiating and backstage politics raised questions about the integrity of early UFC events. Tank Abbott's confrontations with officials and fellow fighters shed light on the challenges faced by competitors in the evolving MMA landscape. 47:15 🥊 Tank Abbott's Early MMA Days Tank Abbott reminisces about the early days of MMA and his fights in the UFC. MMA faced opposition from mainstream sports like boxing and was disparaged. Tank discusses his transition from wrestling to boxing and his initial encounters with the UFC. 49:30 🥊 Tank Abbott on Boxing vs. MMA Tank reflects on the differences between boxing and MMA. Acknowledges boxing as a crucial skill in MMA but highlights the broader scope of fighting in MMA. Recalls his experiences training in boxing and the potential for a career in professional boxing. 52:28 🥊 Tank Abbott's Entry into UFC Tank shares the story of how he got involved with the UFC, starting from his encounter with a friend who worked for a clothing company. Describes his first interaction with Art Davie and his journey to securing a spot in the UFC. Recounts his experience attending a UFC event as a spectator and his observations of the martial arts community at the time. 01:11:13 🍺 Tank Abbott's behavior at an event Tank Abbott's antics at a cocktail party after a show, His confrontational behavior and interactions with Jim Brown, Being barred from future events due to his behavior. 01:16:29 🥃 Street altercation and its consequences Tank Abbott's reluctance to engage in a street altercation, Involvement in a brawl at a bar, Facing potential legal consequences and extortion attempts. 01:19:38 🤼♂ Tank Abbott's training and fighting philosophy Discussion on Tank Abbott's training regimen and condition, Reflecting on his performance and experience in UFC 6, Critique of refereeing decisions in early UFC fights. 01:26:51 💥 Tank Abbott's inclination towards fighting Tank Abbott's attraction to confrontations with narcissistic individuals, Enjoyment derived from standing up to bullies and aggressors, Reflections on his approach to street fights and physical altercations. 01:34:28 🥋 Evolution of MMA Rules MMA has evolved significantly over the years, with rule changes affecting the dynamics of fights. Fighters now compete in longer bouts, with five rounds becoming the standard for championship fights. There's debate around the enforcement of breaks during fights and the potential for it to impact the authenticity of the sport. 01:36:07 🤼♂ Controversial Rule Proposals Proposals suggest starting the next round from the same position as the end of the previous one in ground grappling situations. The argument revolves around maintaining fairness and realism in fights, particularly concerning ground control and stand-up positions. Limitations on techniques like knees to the head of a grounded opponent are also debated, with considerations for their effectiveness and safety. 01:39:26 🔄 Rule Changes and Medical Struggles Discussion shifts to the gradual changes in MMA rules, like the ban on 12 to 6 elbows. The conversation transitions to personal medical struggles, including liver and kidney transplants, and overcoming life-threatening infections. The experience has profoundly changed Tank Abbott's perspective on life, leading to a more humble and appreciative outlook. 01:58:23 🤯 Managing anger and envy It's important to recognize destructive emotions like anger and envy. Holding onto anger and envy only harms oneself. Learning to let go and focus on personal growth is beneficial for mental well-being. 01:59:03 🏥 Dealing with health challenges Tank Abbott shares his experience dealing with serious health issues, including ammonia in the blood. He discusses the impact of liver failure on his physical and mental health. Tank's struggles with illness led to irrational behavior and challenges in personal relationships. 02:01:09 💔 Spiral into self-destruction Tank reflects on his lifestyle choices, including excessive drinking and reckless behavior. The transition from professional wrestling to a sedentary lifestyle contributed to his health decline. His struggles with motivation and purpose highlight the dangers of aimlessness and self-destructive habits. 02:05:30 📚 Tank's book trilogy Tank discusses his trilogy of books, which offer a fictionalized account of his life experiences. The books explore themes of violence, self-discovery, and redemption. Available on Amazon, the trilogy provides insights into the life of a fighter before modern regulations were in place.
Whattayou Tanks secretary with your tongue up his hearse typing all that ? or just a kind good person trying to help out? I think its the 2nd and that the world needs more people like you young man.
These last 45 minutes was an eye opener before I turn 40 this year. Dang it hit those feels spots in my heart and brain and makes me want to stop drinking because that is the worst part of my existence. This is all while I'm drinking everyday. I don't want to put my family through this, I won't survive. I'm tough, but I'm not Tank tough. I need to grow up and be the man I need to be, like my dad, like his dad. I can do better and this made me realize I can do better. Thanks Joe. Thanks Tank. You're looking good Tank and have always been an inspiration.
You can do it brother, you're still very young yet. Do it not just for yourself, but for all your loved ones around you. I'm about tank's age, didn't live as hard as him, but, nevertheless it catches up to you. I'm OK, but wished I stopped years ago, you want to go strong into your 50s and beyond. Believe in yourself!
The Holy Bible God helps everyone.. Read the New Testament understand your creator and your purpose.. Times are the times and now its those times, its now or never friend 🙏
Hey brother! You are not alone. I’m in my thirties and in similar situation. As I’m listening to this I was reading comments. I haven’t listen to the last 45 mins yet but saw your comment. I too have a family and need to grow up. You can do this. We can do this. We have to dig deep within and fight. I wish you all the best and you can do it.
For those who don’t know, this was once the scariest man in the UFC. Tank Abbot was the real fans hero. I used to “practice” fighting my brothers and I used to say I was Tank Abbot. Other kids called themselves Spider-Man and Superman. I called myself Tank Abbot.
Brother. I read this comment at like 2 min mark and ive been laughing the entire time. Youre right, he does sound like that. Im fucking dying. I just picture him doing that. Joes talking and you can hear him "eerrrrrrrgghhh."
Waited a loooooong time to see / hear Tank on JRE...Here's a guy w/ endless tales going back to the mid 80's only he knows. He needs 3 more podcasts IMO
Everyone who commented , after only a few minutes of watching podcast, joked on his appearance. Listening to this whole conversation, it was abundantly clear tank is lucky to be with us today and its a miracle he overcame his post fight career . He is the ultimate BAMF
I made a comment and stand by it. But it doesn't take away from this man at all. Grew up watching him and his massive balls 😆. One of my favorite wrestling memories is him destroying his own wrestling career by being him. Dude get all the respect. He's taken hundreds of thousands punches, I'm sure he's tough enough to take a joke about his appearance
@@mfwicbasterd477, I still don’t get people saying “what’s wrong with his appearance?” The guy is in his 60th year and is probably lucky he made it past 40. I think he looks like a million bucks considering the ringer he’s been through.
@@bigsteed007I think he looks fantastic, look up photos of him right before the hospital and he literally looked 20 years older and on deaths door. I love that he was able to sober up and turn his life around. He looks so much healthier and happier now.
Listening to Tank face the consequence of his many decisions as a younger man is wild. There's a look of acceptance and sorrow at times when he speaks. Great interview.
This guy bullied my dad when he was in high school… Dad said he was eating lunch and he came to his table, spit in his food, grabbed by the neck and made him say “I’m a n word, I’m a n word” out loud to the lunch room.
When he cried I felt that today. I had a lymph node comeback as cancer.. found out yesterday. I feel so alone and emotional. I’m 47 and don’t want to die…. Lost my shit
Energy does not die. It transfers. Positive energy regardless of the outcome has zero downside.it can only help. Negative energy can motivate but ultimately must give way to understanding and peace. Many people live decades without facing a transformative event. This is just a learning experience that can be embraced in a healthy way. Love to you in this confusing time. Good luck and good vibes ✨️
