JRE MMA Show #158 with Tank Abbott

This podcast is a captivating conversation between Joe Rogan and Tank Abbott, a retired professional mixed martial artist, former pro wrestler, and true pioneer in the world of combat sports. Prepare for an unfiltered, raw, and hilarious journey as Tank recounts his experiences, offering insights into the early, wild days of MMA and the evolution of the sport.

The episode is a rollercoaster of intriguing topics, from Tank’s unique approach to hand protection in early UFC fights to his experiences with shady promoters and the sometimes-questionable behavior of referee John McCarthy. Tank’s stories about street fighting and his encounters with narcissists paint a vivid picture of his life, highlighting his relentless determination and his knack for landing punches on unsuspecting opponents.

Prepare to be entertained, shocked, and perhaps even a little bit disgusted, as Tank recounts his adventures and shares his unfiltered opinions. His perspective on fighting, both in the ring and in everyday life, challenges the conventional notions of skill, toughness, and the role of fighters.

Topics Explored

Here are some of the major topics explored in this captivating podcast:

1. Tank Abbott’s Early MMA Career

• Tank’s decision to wear gloves in early UFC fights, setting him apart from other fighters and demonstrating his strategic thinking.
• The lack of rules and the chaotic environment in early UFC, where fighters were allowed to pull hair, hit the nuts, and engage in brutal fighting.
• Tank’s introduction of fish hooking as a legal technique, showcasing his creative and aggressive fighting style.
• Tank’s remarkable fighting record, including a knockout of John Matua, which cemented his status as one of the most powerful fighters in MMA.

2. Controversial Moments and Shenanigans in Early UFC

• Tank’s allegations of fight fixing and manipulating the cards to favor certain fighters, highlighting the lack of regulation and transparency in the early days.
• Tank’s claim that referee John McCarthy broke up a fight prematurely, potentially preventing Tank from winning. This highlights the tension between Tank’s “fighters fortitude” philosophy and McCarthy’s focus on skill and technique.
• Tank’s account of being kicked out of the UFC due to his reputation and John McCarthy’s personal bias against him, showing the power dynamics and sometimes-unfair treatment faced by fighters.
• Tank’s contrasting experiences with early UFC promoters Art Davey and Bob Myerowitz, demonstrating the shifting landscape and the evolving nature of the sport.

3. The Evolution of Fighting Techniques and Styles

• Tank’s perspectives on the value of street fighting experience versus gym-learned techniques, questioning the prioritization of skill over pure toughness and raw fighting instinct.
• Tank’s encounters with jiu-jitsu fighters, illustrating the growing acceptance and impact of submission techniques in MMA.
• Tank’s own evolution in fighting style, from a primarily brawling approach to incorporating more boxing techniques, showcasing the adaptability required in mixed martial arts.
• Tank’s observations on the role of “fighters fortitude” – the mental toughness and resilience necessary to withstand pain, pressure, and chaos – as a crucial factor in success in MMA.

4. Tank’s Controversial Views on Fighting and Rule Sets

• Tank’s opposition to standing fighters up, arguing that it creates an unfair advantage for strikers and disrupts the flow of the fight.
• Tank’s belief that ground-and-pound should continue from the end of one round to the start of the next, promoting a more realistic and less advantageous position for wrestlers.
• Tank’s advocate for allowing knees to the head of grounded opponents, claiming that it’s a legitimate and effective technique that would make fights more exciting and potentially shorten fights.
• Tank’s skepticism about the current rule set in MMA, believing that it often hinders the natural flow of the fight and creates opportunities for fighters to exploit the rules.

5. Tank Abbott’s Battle with Alcoholism and Health Challenges

• Tank’s struggles with alcoholism and the toll it took on his health, leading to a liver transplant and other serious complications.
• Tank’s candid recounting of his near-death experiences and the impact of his health crisis on his perspective on life.
• Tank’s gratitude for the support of his wife and friends during his recovery process and his newfound appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
• Tank’s reflection on his transformation from a self-absorbed, world-conquering personality to a more grateful and understanding individual.

6. Tank Abbott’s Book “Before There Were Rules”

• Tank’s personal experience in writing his 900-page trilogy about a fictional character based on his life, demonstrating his passion for storytelling and his commitment to his craft.
• Tank’s description of the trilogy’s content, offering insights into the brutal reality of street fighting and the early days of no-holds-barred combat.
• Tank’s unique approach to writing, scribbling out his stories by hand before typing them up, showcasing his unconventional approach to creativity.
• The trilogy’s availability on Amazon, providing a platform for fans to explore Tank’s literary work and gain a deeper understanding of his life and perspectives.

Memorable Quotes

• “I was just better at it. So I knew my hands would get hurt and I’m like, you can’t fight three times in one night without your hands getting busted up.” – Tank’s explanation for wearing gloves in early UFC fights, demonstrating his strategic thinking and his experience with street fighting.
• “I introduced them to fish hooking. So at the fighters meeting, they have these meetings with all the fighters and they all sit in there and I guess think they’re badass, but I guess they are in their own world. So they’re all sitting around and Big John McCartney was up there explaining the rules and I think he is having trouble since there wasn’t any.” – Tank recounts his introduction of fish hooking as a legal technique, highlighting the chaotic and evolving nature of the early UFC.
• “Fighters fortitude… it’s not about skill, it’s what is inside your head, the heart you have, and what you need to do to get things done to beat the opponent.” – Tank defines “fighters fortitude” – the mental toughness and resilience necessary to overcome pain, pressure, and chaos – which he believes is a crucial factor in success in MMA.
• “I was living the rock and roll lifestyle. I used to joke around, rock and rollers couldn’t even hang with me once I got into WCW… I was getting down, was there ever a time where you were realizing that if I keep going, yes it’s gonna… when was that, when did it start feeling like that?” – Tank candidly describes his reckless lifestyle and the eventual consequences of his actions, leading to his health crisis.
• “Now I’m a totally different person completely. So you’re telling me when I when I first saw you today… yeah yeah no I’m not… I used to be like uh I hate to say it, narcissistic… and now it doesn’t matter, I didn’t care, all right… oh you have that, good for you, I’m glad for you.” – Tank reflects on his transformation from a self-absorbed individual to a more grateful and understanding person, highlighting the profound impact of his near-death experiences.