Tank Abbott's Early Days in UFC:
- Tank Abbott was a pioneering figure in MMA and one of the original legends known for his unique fighting style.
- He innovatively wore gloves in the UFC, being among the first fighters to do so. He modified bag gloves by removing a post inside them for better functionality.
- Tank Abbott emphasized that toughness and fighter's fortitude were more critical than technical skills in combat sports, highlighting the emotional aspect of fighting beyond just skill.
Tank Abbott's Street Fighting Mentality:
- Tank Abbott viewed street fights as situations where individuals aimed to reach a point where they could make decisions about potentially lethal actions against their opponents.
- He distinguished between skilled martial artists and tough fighters with mental fortitude, prioritizing resilience over technical prowess.
- Tank Abbott recounted instances where he challenged people at dojos to fight him, showcasing his belief in toughness as paramount over technical abilities.
Challenges with Refereeing in UFC:
- Tank Abbott expressed dissatisfaction with referee Big John McCarthy, accusing him of bias towards jiu-jitsu practitioners like himself and prematurely breaking up fights during matches.
- He alleged that Big John McCarthy used his influence to have Tank kicked out of the UFC due to personal disputes and biases against him as a street fighter.
Implications of Fighter's Fortitude:
- The concept of "fighter's fortitude" was discussed as essential for success in combat sports, emphasizing qualities like resilience, determination, and never giving up during fights.
- Examples illustrated how fighters such as Max Holloway demonstrated exceptional mental strength when facing adversity during bouts, showing the importance of pushing through challenges under pressure.
Tank Abbott's Early UFC Days and Controversies:
- Tank Abbott detailed his involvement in the early days of the UFC, recalling altercations and controversies he experienced.
- He narrated an incident at a bar where he intervened in a scuffle, leading to misunderstandings and confrontations with others.
- Tank highlighted situations where referees like John McCartney influenced fight outcomes by standing fighters up during matches, impacting the fairness of the competition.
Tank Abbott's Training Regimen and Fighting Style:
- Despite his reputation for partying and drinking, Tank emphasized that he took his training seriously for fights, comparing it to preparing for running a marathon.
- He stressed the physical and mental dedication required for fighting, defending his cardio abilities and strength by stating he believed he could beat any man on earth during his prime.
Tank Abbott's Critique of Refereeing Practices in Early UFC:
- Tank expressed dissatisfaction with refereeing practices in early UFC events, particularly regarding stand-ups during ground fights.
- He argued against referees intervening to stand fighters up from the ground, believing once taken down, fighters should remain on the mat regardless of how boring it may seem.
- Tank cited specific examples of referee interference in fights involving prominent fighters like Boss Rutten and Kevin Randleman, suggesting biased decisions affected match outcomes.
Tank Abbott's Liver and Kidney Transplants:
- Tank Abbott underwent a liver transplant and a kidney transplant after facing severe health issues, including dying five times on the operating table during these surgeries.
- The critical condition he was in highlights the severity of his health struggles and the life-threatening nature of his situation.
Impact of Liver Failure on Tank Abbott's Health:
- Tank's liver failure began when he returned to UFC for a comeback, causing extreme sickness that made it challenging for him to get out of bed.
- His liver issues progressed through stages from compensated to decompensated liver failure, leading to symptoms like nausea, sickness, yellowing skin (jaundice), and encephalopathy affecting his brain function.
- The progression of his illness resulted in frequent stomach pumping due to poison buildup in his body, showcasing the seriousness of his condition.
Life-Altering Perspective Shift After Health Crisis:
- Tank expressed how close he came to death during his health struggles, including moments where medical professionals considered unplugging him due to the seriousness of his condition.
- This near-death experience led Tank to adopt a more compassionate outlook towards life, moving away from previous self-centered tendencies towards valuing empathy and understanding for others' experiences.
Tank Abbott's Trilogy of Books:
- Tank Abbott has authored a trilogy of books, with the first book titled "Bar Brawler," followed by "Cage Fighter" and "Before There Were Rules."
- The trilogy follows the life journey of Walter Fox, depicting his progression from bar fights to participating in a show called NHB.
- Despite being available on Amazon, Tank clarified that the books are fictional, although some parallels can be drawn to real-life events.
Tank Abbott's Writing Process:
- Tank Abbott independently wrote all three books without using a ghostwriter.
- Initially, he handwrote the content in spiral notebooks before typing out over 900 pages using a laptop through hunting and pecking.
- Tank mentioned his decision not to learn typing despite suggestions due to personal reasons.
Tank Abbott's Audio Book:
- An audio version of Tank Abbott's trilogy exists, featuring an AI system as the reader.
- After listening to the audio book, Tank expressed satisfaction and praised advancements in AI technology for its quality.
Tank Abbott's Health Struggles and Promotion:
- Tank Abbott revealed facing five strokes but expressed gratitude for being able to engage in conversation despite health challenges.
- To promote his work, he directed individuals to purchase his books on Amazon and follow him on Instagram under the handle "Tank.Abbott." Additionally, intentionally misspelling words in his book served as bait for engagement.