Editing Tank Abbott

{{short description|American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler (born 1965)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name            = Tank Abbott 
| image           =
| image_size      =
| alt             =
| caption         = Abbott in 2015
| birth_name      = David Lee Abbott
| birth_date      = {{birth date and age|1965|04|26}}
| birth_place     = [[Huntington Beach, California]], U.S.
| other_names     = 
| death_date      =
| death_place     =
| death_cause     =
| residence       =
| height          = 6 ft 0 in
| weight_class    = [[Super Heavyweight (MMA)|Super Heavyweight]] <br /> [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]]
| reach_in        =
| style           = [[Boxing]], [[Wrestling]]
| stance          =
| fighting_out_of = Huntington Beach, California<ref name=espn>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/extra/mma/news/story?id=3251964|title=Abbott not ready to call it quits just yet|author=Woods, Michael|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 22, 2009|date=February 19, 2008}}</ref>
| team            =
| rank            = 
| wrestling       = [[California Community College Athletic Association|CCCAA]] [[Collegiate wrestling|Wrestling]]
| years_active    = 1995–1998, 2003–2009, 2013
| mma_kowin       = 7
| mma_subwin      = 2
| mma_decwin      = 1
| mma_koloss      = 8
| mma_subloss     = 5
| mma_decloss     = 2
| mma_draw        =
| mma_nc          =
| url             =
| university      = [[Cypress College]]<br>[[California State University, Long Beach]]
| sherdog         = 110
| footnotes       =
| updated         =
|weight=250 lb}}
'''David Lee''' "'''Tank'''" '''Abbott''' (born April 26, 1965) is an American retired [[mixed martial arts]] fighter, [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], and author. He currently hosts his own podcast series titled "The Proving Ground with Tank Abbott."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/proving-ground-w-tank-abbott/id1036013736?mt=2 |title=The Proving Ground w/ Tank Abbott by Tank Abbott & Duke Decter on iTunes |website=[[iTunes]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020626/https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/proving-ground-w-tank-abbott/id1036013736?mt=2 |archive-date=2015-11-17}}</ref> Abbott is perhaps best known for being an icon in the early stages of mixed martial arts and the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], but has also competed in the [[Pride Fighting Championships|PRIDE Fighting Championships]], [[Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)|Strikeforce]], [[EliteXC]], and [[Cage Rage Championships|Cage Rage]], challenging for the [[UFC Heavyweight Championship|UFC heavyweight Championship]] once in 1997. His fighting style, which he developed brawling in the bars and streets of [[Huntington Beach, California]], was described by his future manager Dave Thomas as "Pit Fighting".  He also authored a novel titled ''Bar Brawler''.

==Background==
Abbott was born and raised in [[Huntington Beach, California]]. Abbott began practicing [[amateur wrestling]] when he was nine years old, and continued through high school where he also played football. He then continued [[Collegiate wrestling|wrestling]] in college at [[Cypress College]], where he was a [[CCCAA]] [[All-American]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-03-31-me-53338-story.html |title=A Man Who's Happy to Be Fighting His Way to the Top |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 31, 1996 |access-date=June 8, 2024}}</ref> He then attended [[California State University, Long Beach]] where he graduated with a degree in history.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rossen |first1=Jake |date=2 September 2000 |title=When Doves Cry: The Tank Abbott Story! |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/02/when-doves-cry-the-tank-abbott-story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527214507/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/02/when-doves-cry-the-tank-abbott-story |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=ign.com}}</ref> During this time he was trained in [[boxing]] by Noe Cruz who also trained world champion boxer [[Carlos Palomino]] at the Westminster Boxing Gym.

However, Abbott was mainly known for the many [[street fighting|street fights]] that he had engaged in, rarely losing.  While working at a liquor store to help pay for his college tuition, Abbott encountered a "smart-ass" customer. Abbott beat the customer severely, and the customer, who turned out to be the son of a detective, pressed charges for assault. Abbott was sentenced to six months in jail, the judge saying "Mr. Abbott, you are a maniac. I'm surprised you haven't killed somebody."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.knucklepit.com/mixed-martial-arts-tank_abbott.htm|title=Abbott not ready to call it quits just yet|author=Woods, Michael|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 22, 2009|date=February 19, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227202334/http://www.knucklepit.com/mixed-martial-arts-tank_abbott.htm|archive-date=December 27, 2008}}</ref>

==Mixed martial arts career==
Abbott started his career in mixed martial arts when he applied to the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] for its event [[UFC 6]] in [[Casper, Wyoming]].<ref name=Get>[[John McCarthy (mixed martial arts)|John McCarthy]], ''Let's Get It On!: The Making of MMA and Its Ultimate Referee''</ref> He was introduced to the UFC management by his future manager Dave Thomas, who credited him as a veteran street fighter who lifted 600lbs in [[bench press]] and had knocked out four men in his last brawl. Upon this description, the management compared him to the character "Tank Murdock" from the 1978 [[Clint Eastwood]] movie ''[[Every Which Way but Loose (film)|Every Which Way But Loose]]'', which encouraged them to give David the nickname of "Tank Abbott" and bill him as a "pit fighter" with over 200 street fights.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bose |first1=Sudhir |date=3 March 2021 |title=5 MMA fighters who can lift insane weights |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/5-mma-fighters-who-can-lift-insane-weights |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227033916/https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/5-mma-fighters-who-can-lift-insane-weights |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=sportskeeda.com}}</ref>

According to Abbott, this wasn't the first time he applied to the UFC. Inspired by [[Kimo Leopoldo]]'s participation in [[UFC 3]], he had tried to enter the promotion as soon as September 1994, but the UFC management only allowed him to fight from [[UFC 6]] onwards, after [[Royce Gracie]] had ceased fighting in UFC.<ref name=Onzu>[http://www.onzuka.com/news_2001July2.html Tank Abbott Interview Part 1 & 2], Onzuka.com</ref> [[Art Davie]] would later confirm the [[Gracie family]] used its input in the management to limit fighters with [[amateur wrestling]] backgrounds, like Abbott himself, from entering the first events.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Santoliquito |first=Joseph |date=November 12, 2013 |title=Let There Be Fight - Pioneers Emerge |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/2/Let-There-Be-Fight-59271 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810170713/https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/2/Let-There-Be-Fight-59271 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Sherdog |language=en}}</ref>

===Ultimate Fighting Championship (1995–2003)===
Abbott made his debut at UFC 6 in July 1995 as scheduled. He actively cultivated the tough character he had been given, firstly by giving a rude interview in which he derided [[martial arts]] and then by knocking out the Hawaiian [[Kapu Kuialua]] fighter John Matua, who weighed 400&nbsp;lb, in the first 18 seconds of his opening fight.<ref name=Ency>Snowden, Jonathan. ''MMA Encyclopedia'', ECW Press, 2010</ref> Abbott further solidified his reputation by mocking Matua's convulsions after the KO while the ring doctors rushed the cage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shutts |first=Ian |date=2008-03-24 |title=Tank Abbott's Terrifying Debut Featured In 'Ultimate Ultimate Knockouts' |url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/2007-11-06-tank-abbotts-terrifying-debut-featured-in-ultimate-ultimate-knockouts-2/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> Abbott advanced to the next round and was pitted against a similarly heavier adversary, [[Paul Varelans]]. After returning to the cage in midst of strong cheers, Abbott knocked out Varelans by [[ground and pound]] and [[knee strike]]s, all while  mockingly smiling at his opponent laying beneath him.  His post-fight interview also contained the notorious "sexually aroused" comment.<ref>{{cite web |author=Newman |first=Scott |date=June 16, 2005 |title=MMA Review: #55: UFC 6: Clash of the Titans |url=http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-55-ufc-6-clash-of-the-titans/ |url-status=usurped |access-date=January 20, 2018 |work=The Oratory |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070652/http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-55-ufc-6-clash-of-the-titans/ }}</ref>

At the finals of the tournament, Abbott faced the Russian [[Oleg Taktarov]] in a fight that the announcers touted as a "skill vs. power" bout.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilcox |first1=Nate |date=17 March 2007 |title=My Top Ten MMA Fights As of 1996 |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2007/3/17/234544/133 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526233244/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2007/3/17/234544/133 |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=bloodyelbow.com}}</ref> Just as described, the match saw Abbott blocking Taktarov's artful grappling attempts and damaging him in turn with hard punches and [[uppercut]]s. With both men becoming increasingly tired due to their previous fights and the high altitude of the location, the action moved to Taktarov's [[Guard (grappling)|guard]], where Abbott avoided multiple submission attempts and punished him further. The fight was restarted standing, which would give Abbott the advantage, but by this point he was exhausted enough for a slightly better conditioned Taktarov to pull him down and lock a [[rear naked choke]], thus winning the fight at the 17 minutes mark.<ref name="411mania.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.411mania.com/MMA/video_reviews/54573/History-of-the-UFC:-UFC-VI---Clash-of-the-Titans.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=January 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801074658/http://www.411mania.com/MMA/video_reviews/54573/History-of-the-UFC:-UFC-VI---Clash-of-the-Titans.htm |archive-date=August 1, 2009 }}</ref>{{Ref|mma1}} Both men collapsed in exhaustion after the fight, and Taktarov had to be carried out of the cage.<ref name="411mania.com" /> Although Abbott had failed at winning the tournament, referee [[John McCarthy (referee)|John McCarthy]] considered him the next big star of the promotion after [[Royce Gracie]].<ref name=Get/>

Abbott returned the same year as part of the [[Ultimate Ultimate 1995|Ultimate Ultimate]] event, which saw runners-up and champions from the previous UFC tournaments gathered together. He first fought [[UFC 3]] winner and [[ninjutsu]] practitioner [[Steve Jennum]], whom he outweighed by 80lbs. Although Jennum proved capable of avoiding Tank's strikes, Abbott submitted him with an improvised [[neck crank]]. However, his next opponent was [[Dan Severn]], [[UFC 5]] champion and a much more decorated [[freestyle wrestler]] than Abbott. Tank initiated the action strong, but he was overpowered and eventually kept on all fours while Severn rained elbows and knees on him. After fifteen minutes of absorbing strikes, Abbott managed to free himself, but Severn kept dominance until the end of the fight, which gained him the judges's unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |author=Scott Newman |date=June 8, 2007 |title=MMA Review: #130: UFC: Ultimate Ultimate |url=http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-239/ |url-status=usurped |access-date=January 20, 2018 |work=The Oratory |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070647/http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-239/ }}</ref>

Abbott's next UFC appearance would be in September 1996, at [[UFC 11]]. Accompanied by a young [[Tito Ortiz]] and dragging a knee injury without its adequate surgery,<ref name=Onzu/> Tank entered the cage to fight professional [[Boxer (boxing)|boxer]] [[Sam Adkins (fighter)|Sam Adkins]], an affair he ended quickly in the first round by forearm choke against the cage wall. This tournament venture was cut short, however, by [[Scott Ferrozzo]], a contender from [[Don Frye]]'s entourage who was billed as a "pitfighter" like Abbott himself. Ferrozzo was also fresher, as he came to replace [[Jerry Bohlander]], who was injured in the previous round.<ref name=Onzu/> The two fought evenly in the [[Clinch (grappling)|clinch]] for minutes, with Tank coming closer to a stoppage by opening a cut in Scott's face, but Ferrozzo eventually gained the advantage with knees to the body and a heavy uppercut. At overtime, now with the crowd cheering for Ferrozzo, the latter controlled the action with knees and punches to win the judges decision.<ref>{{cite web |author=Scott Newman |date=January 17, 2006 |title=MMA Review: #76: UFC 11: The Proving Ground |url=http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-293/ |url-status=usurped |access-date=January 20, 2018 |work=The Oratory |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126012737/http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-293/ }}</ref> According to Abbott, Ferrozzo had to go to the hospital after the match, while he did not.<ref name=Onzu/>

As the first time, Abbott was invited back to the next edition of [[Ultimate Ultimate 1996|Ultimate Ultimate]] at December 1996. His first opponent was Cal Worsham, a former [[U.S Marine Corps|U.S Marine]] whom Tank disposed of swiftly via wrestling and punching. A short brawl happened after the bout when Worsham suddenly tried to attack Abbott, as Abbott had kept hitting him while the referee stopped the bout. Abbott's next fight met an even more brutal ending, as his opponent, [[Steve Nelmark]], fell against the fence upon being knocked out and got his neck folded in a dangerous position. Despite the incident, Tank remained calm, and he was later quoted as "If that man weren't in the octagon, I would have kicked him about five times in the face. And I have, and I've done it many times."<ref name=Onzu2/>

At the end of the event, Abbott met his final adversary in [[Don Frye]] himself, with the winner of the fight gaining a title shot against Dan Severn. Despite Frye being a superior wrestler like Severn, Abbott caught him with a hard left [[Jab (boxing)|jab]] and dominated the match onwards with wild strikes, appearing as if he could win by KO at any moment. However, by capitalizing on a punch in which Abbott overestimated and slipped down, Frye managed to capture his back and lock a [[rear naked choke]], winning the fight.<ref>{{cite web |author=Newman |first=Scott |date=June 14, 2007 |title=UFC: Ultimate Ultimate review |url=http://sportsoratory.com/?id=203 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715235808/http://sportsoratory.com/?id=203 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |access-date=January 20, 2018 |work=Sports Oratory}}</ref> Abbott claimed he made a mistake by letting Frye get his hooks in, as he would have been planning to use them to snap his ankles.<ref name=Onzu/> For his part, Frye praised Abbott, going to say the match featured the hardest hits he received in his entire career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherdog.com Staff |date=February 1, 2014 |title=Don Frye on the Hardest He Was Ever Hit: It'd Have to Be Tank Abbott |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Don-Frye-on-the-Hardest-He-Was-Ever-Hit-Itd-Have-to-Be-Tank-Abbott-63039 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715235915/http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Don-Frye-on-the-Hardest-He-Was-Ever-Hit-Itd-Have-to-Be-Tank-Abbott-63039 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Sherdog |language=en}}</ref>

Ultimate Ultimate 1996 was the last UFC tournament in which Abbott partook, as around the same time the UFC began switching away from the tournament format. Abbott's fortunes declined with the arrival of better trained [[mixed martial artist]]s, who posed a much bigger challenge than the previously inconsistent opponents from the earlier UFC events.<ref name=Ency/> His debut in this new format was at [[UFC 13]] in May 1997 against [[Vitor Belfort]], whose fast-hitting boxing style had been criticized by Abbott while doing special commentary at [[UFC 12]]. Abbott scored an early takedown, but moved back to trade hits with Belfort standing; this proved to be an error, as Vitor immediately overwhelmed him with punches and dropped him to all fours. The Brazilian kept attacking Abbott until the match was stopped.<ref>{{cite web |author=Newman |first=Scott |date=February 24, 2006 |title=MMA Review: #79: UFC 13: The Ultimate Force |url=http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-290/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815121035/http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-290/ |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |access-date=January 20, 2018 |work=The Oratory}}</ref>

In October 1997, Abbott was contacted to fight in the Japanese [[Pride 1]] event against [[Kimo Leopoldo]], but he was unable to do so, having to be replaced by [[Dan Severn]].<ref name=Files>{{cite book|title=Pride: The Secret Files|date=2008|publisher=Kamipro|language= ja}}</ref> Ironically, shortly after Abbott replaced Severn himself with four days notice in a title match for the [[UFC Heavyweight Championship]] against [[Maurice Smith (kickboxer)|Maurice Smith]] at [[UFC 15]], a circumstance he described as "literally falling off the barstool into the octagon."<ref name="Onzu2">{{Cite web |title=Hawaii Martial Arts News & Rumors - Dedicated to Hawaii-Specific Martial Arts News & Rumors |url=https://www.onzuka.com/news_2001July3.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009173823/https://www.onzuka.com/news_2001July3.html |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=www.onzuka.com}}</ref> Trying hard to press the action, Tank shockingly dropped the kickboxing champion with an early shot, but Smith controlled him through his defensive guard and a [[Kimura lock|Kimura]] attempt. The action was restarted standing, but by this point Abbott was exhausted and offered little resistance to Smith's [[low kick]]s, prompting the referee to stop the match.<ref>{{cite web |author=Newman |first=Scott |date=March 28, 2006 |title=MMA Review: #81: UFC 15: Collision Course |url=http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-288/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715235925/http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-288/ |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |access-date=January 20, 2018 |work=The Oratory}}</ref>

Abbott bounced back from his losses with his performance at the first UFC show on Japanese soil, [[UFC Japan]], where he was pitted against [[shoot-style]] wrestler [[Yoji Anjo]]. The American dominated the match with takedowns and right hands, avoiding submission attempts with short bursts of ground and pound every time they hit the mat, which eventually gained him the unanimous decision win. The event featured a tournament format, but Abbott forfeited due to a broken hand acquired while punching Anjo.<ref>{{cite web |author=Newman |first=Scott |date=July 13, 2007 |title=UFC: Ultimate Japan review |url=http://sportsoratory.com/?id=213 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122131855/http://sportsoratory.com/?id=213 |archive-date=November 22, 2018 |access-date=January 20, 2018 |work=Sports Oratory}}</ref>

Back in the United States, at [[UFC 17]], he followed with an impressive victory over renowned [[luta livre]] fighter Hugo Duarte, who was famous for his [[vale tudo]] fights against [[Rickson Gracie]]. Duarte had previously criticized Tank and his fighting skills, and he came close to proving himself right by almost locking a rear naked choke and an [[armbar]] in the first few seconds. However, Abbott blocked them successfully and captured Duarte's back, landing heavy punches from there, completely knocking the Brazilian out.<ref>{{cite web |author=Newman |first=Scott |date=April 5, 2006 |title=UFC 17: Redemption review |url=http://sportsoratory.com/?id=31 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715235933/http://sportsoratory.com/?id=31 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |access-date=January 20, 2018 |work=Sports Oratory}}</ref> At the same event, Tank was suspended by UFC for verbally fighting with [[Allan Goes]], which according to Abbott happened because he had cheered for the opponent of Goes's teammate [[Wallid Ismail]] at [[UFC 12]].<ref name=Onzu/>

In October 1998, Tank visited Brazil next as part of [[UFC Brazil]], facing another luta livre fighter, [[Pedro Rizzo]], who came on a 5–0 record. The Brazilian proved to be a dangerous opponent when he stopped Abbott's early barrage with several hard rights, but Abbott answered with a [[Counterpunch (boxing)|counterpunch]] that opened a cut near Pedro's eye. Rizzo then adopted a more evasive approach, avoiding Tank's overhands and grinding him with low kicks and his own counterpunches, which Tank counteracted himself again by taking Rizzo down and besieging his guard. However, the match had drained Tank's energy, and Rizzo was able of dominating him with strikes from the bottom and more kick and punch combinations while standing. At the end, the Brazilian knocked Abbott out for the win, becoming the first opponent to do so.<ref>{{cite web |author=Newman |first=Scott |date=July 18, 2007 |title=MMA Review: #138: UFC 13: Ultimate Brazil |url=http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-290/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815121035/http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-290/ |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |access-date=January 21, 2018 |work=The Oratory}}</ref> Abbott praised Rizzo after the match, although he claimed to believe the cage canvas had been greased to hinder the footing of wrestlers like him.<ref name=Onzu2/>

After his match with Rizzo, Abbott retired from MMA.

===Return (2003–2013)===
After his stint in professional wrestling, Abbott returned to mixed martial arts in 2003.

Abbott's return fight was on February 23, 2003, at [[UFC 41]], against [[Frank Mir]]. He lost his return bout via toe hold submission less than a minute into round one.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Frank Mir vs David Abbott Fight Result |url=https://www.mma-core.com/fights/Frank_Mir_vs_David_Abbott/1010155 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728194506/https://www.mma-core.com/fights/Frank_Mir_vs_David_Abbott/1010155 |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |access-date=2021-07-28 |website=www.mma-core.com |language=en}}</ref>

His next fight would be against fellow UFC veteran, [[Kimo Leopoldo]] at [[UFC 43]]. Abbott was taken down seconds into the fight, and was submitted via [[arm-triangle choke]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=2003 UFC Fight Results - UFC 43: Meltdown|url=https://www.foxsports.com/ufc/results?season=2003&id=227|access-date=2021-07-28|website=www.foxsports.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

Abbott then faced [[Wesley Correira|Wesley "Cabbage" Correira]] at [[UFC 45]]. After a back-and-forth brawl, Abbott lost the fight via TKO after the ringside doctor determined he was unable to continue after suffering a cut over his right eye. Abbott and his corner got into a minor brawl with Correira's team after being angered by Correira's taunting when being declared the winner.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-02 |title=UFC 45 Results – Who Won at Revolution |url=https://www.mmascene.com/ufc/results/ufc-45-results-who-won-at-revolution/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526064456/https://www.mmascene.com/ufc/results/ufc-45-results-who-won-at-revolution/ |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |access-date=2021-07-28 |website=MMA Scene |language=en-US}}</ref> Abbott was released from the UFC afterwards.

Abbott later had a rematch with Correira, at Rumble on the Rock 7.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 May 2005 |title=Rumble on the Rock 7: Cabbage vs. Tank II |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/Rumble-on-the-Rock-7-Cabbage-vs-Tank-II-2791 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012215415/https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/Rumble-on-the-Rock-7-Cabbage-vs-Tank-II-2791 |archive-date=October 12, 2022 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=sherdog.com}}</ref> Abbott secured his first victory since his return, knocking Correira out with a hard right hand in the first round, becoming the first person to knock Correira out.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Newman |first1=Scott |date=5 July 2007 |title=MMA Review: #136: Rumble On The Rock 7 |url=http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-233/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223091100/http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-233/ |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=The Oratory}}</ref>

Abbott's next fight was on August 28, 2005, against highly decorated [[judo]]ka [[Hidehiko Yoshida]] at [[2005 in Pride FC#Pride FC: Final Conflict 2005|Pride Final Conflict 2005]]. Abbott lost via single wing choke submission in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pride Final Conflict 2005 &#124; MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/pride-final-conflict-2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205041329/https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/pride-final-conflict-2005 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |website=Tapology}}</ref>

Abbott's next fight was against [[Paul Buentello]], headlining [[Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello]] on October 7, 2006. Abbott lost via knockout 43 seconds into the fight.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stats &#124; UFC |url=http://ufcstats.com/fight-details/62de80851ebcc85a |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323003114/http://ufcstats.com/fight-details/62de80851ebcc85a |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |website=UFC Stats}}</ref>

Abbott then fought [[Gary Turner (fighter)|Gary Turner]] at the main event of [[2007 in Cage Rage Championships#Cage Rage 21|Cage Rage 21]] on April 21, 2007. Abbott lost via TKO after a barrage of punches from Turner early in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cage Rage 21 - Judgement Day |url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/Cage-Rage-21-Judgement-Day-4874 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815235550/https://www.sherdog.com/events/Cage-Rage-21-Judgement-Day-4874 |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |website=Sherdog}}</ref>

Abbott's last high-profile fight was against [[Kimbo Slice]] in the main event of [[EliteXC: Street Certified]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Woods |first1=Michael |date=31 January 2008 |title=Abbott: Slice 'doesn't have the skills to hang' |url=https://www.espn.com/extra/mma/news/story?id=3224584 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601121019/https://www.espn.com/extra/mma/news/story?id=3224584 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=espn.com}}</ref> Abbott was knocked down early, but the fight was restarted after Kimbo landed shots to the back of Abbott's head. Abbott would lose the bout via knockout seconds later.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Arrighi |first1=Nic |date=22 March 2016 |title=Throwback: Kimbo Slice vs Tank Abbott – ends in quick KO |url=https://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma/throwback-kimbo-slice-vs-tank-abbott-ends-quick-ko/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223075547/https://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma/throwback-kimbo-slice-vs-tank-abbott-ends-quick-ko/ |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=mixedmartialarts.com}}</ref>

His next fight was against former [[Pride Fighting Championships|PRIDE]] veteran Mike Bourke on February 13, 2009, at the [[Selland Arena]] in [[Fresno|Fresno, California]], as part of the Valentine's Eve Massacre Event. Abbott  knocked out Bourke with a punch that inadvertently landed to the back of Bourke's head, securing a victory for the first time in nearly four years.<ref>{{cite web |date=14 February 2009 |title=Ken Shamrock Beats Ross Clifton, Tank Abbott Beats Mike Bourke |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/fanho-ken-shamrock-beats-ross-clifton-tank-abbott-beats-mike-bourke/1886930/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526063206/https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/fanho-ken-shamrock-beats-ross-clifton-tank-abbott-beats-mike-bourke/1886930/ |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=NBC DFW}}</ref>

In 2011 Abbott participated in an unsanctioned "backyard brawl" against [[Scott Ferrozzo]], whom he previously fought at [[UFC 11]].<ref>{{cite web |date=26 October 2011 |title=Tank Abbott i Scott Ferrozzo u borbi bez pravila? |url=https://www.profightstore.hr/portal/slobodna%20borba/tank-abbott-i-scott-ferrozzo-u-borbi-bez-pravila-/8220 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223075548/https://www.profightstore.hr/portal/slobodna%20borba/tank-abbott-i-scott-ferrozzo-u-borbi-bez-pravila-/8220 |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=profightstore.hr}}</ref> Abbott knocked down Ferrozzo early with a punch, before taking his back and holding dominant position for over 15 minutes, occasionally landing punches. He was declared the winner via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Petrak |first1=Marko |date=31 October 2011 |title=Abbott i Ferrozzo se na koncu ipak potukli! |url=https://arhiva.fightsite.hr/rubrike/ostale-vijesti/abbott-i-ferrozzo-se-na-koncu-ipak-potukli/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223075549/https://arhiva.fightsite.hr/rubrike/ostale-vijesti/abbott-i-ferrozzo-se-na-koncu-ipak-potukli/ |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=arhiva.fightsite.hr}}</ref> Bouncing back with a win following his loss to Slice, At [[List of KOTC events|King of the Cage: Fighting Legends]], on April 13, 2013,<ref>{{cite web |last1=MMA Junkie Staff |date=25 February 2013 |title=David 'Tank' Abbott returns to MMA, meets Ruben Villareal in April |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2013/02/david-tank-abbott-returns-to-mma-meets-ruben-villareal-in-april |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529090206/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2013/02/david-tank-abbott-returns-to-mma-meets-ruben-villareal-in-april |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com}}</ref> Abbott fought for the Superfight Champion ship. He was defeated by longtime veteran Ruben "Warpath" Villareal by way of a 2nd-round TKO.

Abbott was expected to face fellow MMA veteran [[Dan Severn]] for the upstart UR Fight promotion on March 20, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UR Fight |url=https://www.urshow.tv/Events/UR%20Fight |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121085718/https://www.urshow.tv/events |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |access-date=March 17, 2016 |website=UR Fight |publisher=URshow.tv}}</ref> The contest was cancelled the day prior to the event as Abbott could not pass the required medical tests per the Arizona Fight Commission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tank Abbott fails physical, Dan Severn needs new opponent on March 20th |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/3/17/11255038/tank-abbott-fails-physical-dan-severn-needs-new-opponent-march-20th-mma-news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129023237/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/3/17/11255038/tank-abbott-fails-physical-dan-severn-needs-new-opponent-march-20th-mma-news |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=April 7, 2016 |website=Bloody Elbow}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling career==
===World Championship Wrestling (1999–2000)===
Abbott worked as a professional wrestler with [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW);<ref name="lordsofpain.net">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2003/articles/1045115235.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929095745/http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2003/articles/1045115235.php |url-status=dead |title=Tank Abbott Speaks On His WCW Career, UFC Return, & More|archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref> initially he was brought in as an opponent for [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]],<ref name="lordsofpain.net"/> on the understanding he was a "legitimate" fighter—who could render any opponent unconscious with a single punch, which became his wrestling finisher, 'The Phantom Right'—and could boost Goldberg's reputation. This [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]], however, never developed.

Mere days prior to the [[Souled Out (2000)|Souled Out]] pay-per-view in 2000, WCW head writer [[Vince Russo]] was given the responsibility of booking a match to crown a new [[WCW World Heavyweight Champion]]. This came at the news that both WCW Champion [[Bret Hart]] and [[Jeff Jarrett]], two of the company's top performers, were injured and could not participate at the event. To the dismay of company officials, Russo suggested having the mid-card Abbott win the Championship, but only to hold it briefly. The scenario would not take place, and Russo was consequently released from WCW while other bookers composed the Souled Out card, choosing [[Chris Benoit]] to win the belt. Abbott instead faced [[Jerry Flynn]], a legitimate [[black belt (martial arts)|black belt]] in [[taekwondo]] and defeated him on the [[pay-per-view]].

At the [[Superbrawl 2000|Superbrawl]] pay-per-view in 2000, Abbott was taking on Big Al in a leather jacket on a pole match. During the match, Abbott pulled a knife on Big Al, holding it to Al's throat and shouting "I could fucking kill you" The cameras cut away as Mark Madden shouted "I think he is trying to skin him!" Abbott would win the match, but his push virtually ended at point.

He was featured in segments with the [[boy band]] parody [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]], [[3 Count]] as their "biggest fan".<ref name="helms">{{cite web |date=June 13, 2005 |title=The Hurricane |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/hurricane.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629212821/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/hurricane.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |access-date=September 22, 2009 |publisher=SLAM! Wrestling }}</ref> He began feuding with the stable after they would not let him join the band; the feud ended when Abbott was released from WCW.<ref name=helms/>

===Later career (2000, 2008)===
After being released from WCW, Abbott made an appearance for [[NWA Wildside]] on December 14, 2000, teaming with [[Kevin Northcutt]] losing to [[Bob Sapp]] and Stone Mountain in Cornelia, Georgia.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

Abbott returned to the ring one last time on August 15, 2008, for [[Inoki Genome Federation]] in Tokyo, Japan losing to UFC fighter [[Josh Barnett]].{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

==Other media==
In 1997, Abbott appeared as himself in the TV show ''[[Friends]]'',{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} defeating [[Jon Favreau]]'s character, the billionaire Pete Becker, who was dating [[Monica Geller|Monica]] at the time. He appeared as himself in the 2013 web series ''[[Black Dynamite#Online parody series|Black Dynamite Teaches a Hard Way!]]'', where a [[Black Dynamite]] mannequin teaches him what to do in case of an earthquake.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 15, 2013 |title=Black Dynamite Teaches Tank Abbott "Disaster Safety" |url=http://blackdynamite.com/2013/02/15/black-dynamite-teaches-tank-abbott-disaster-safety/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401145802/https://www.blackdynamite.com/2013/02/15/black-dynamite-teaches-tank-abbott-disaster-safety/ |archive-date=April 1, 2016 |access-date=August 25, 2013 |publisher=[[Black Dynamite]]}}</ref>

==Personal life==
In December 2018, Abbott revealed that due to his lifestyle his liver had to be replaced. Despite suffering several strokes during the surgery, Abbott survived and the transplant operation was successful.<ref>{{cite web |author=Critchfield |first=Tristen |date=December 12, 2018 |title=UFC Veteran Tank Abbott Says He 'Died 5 Times' on Operating Table During Liver Transplant |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Veteran-Tank-Abbott-Says-He-Died-5-Times-on-Operating-Table-During-Liver-Transplant-146995 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601182639/https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Veteran-Tank-Abbott-Says-He-Died-5-Times-on-Operating-Table-During-Liver-Transplant-146995 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |publisher=sherdog.com}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
===Mixed martial arts===
*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
**[[List of UFC champions#Tournament winners|UFC 6 Tournament Runner-Up]]
**[[List of UFC champions#Tournament winners|Ultimate Ultimate 1996 Tournament Runner-Up]]
**[[Ultimate Ultimate 1995|Ultimate Ultimate 1995 Semifinalist]]
**[[List of UFC champions#Tournament winners|UFC 11 Tournament Semifinalist]]
**[[List of UFC champions#Tournament winners|UFC Japan Heavyweight Tournament Semifinalist]]
**[[UFC 45|Viewer's Choice Award]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://magazine.fighttimes.com/ufc-45-revolution/|title=UFC 45: Revolution|date=March 8, 2008|website=Fight Times Magazine}}</ref>
**'''[[List_of_UFC_encyclopedia_award_recipients|UFC Encyclopedia Awards]]'''
***[[List_of_UFC_encyclopedia_award_recipients|Fight of the Night]] (Three times)<small> vs. [[Oleg Taktarov]], [[Scott Ferrozzo]] and [[Don Frye]]</small><ref name="UFC6">{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 153|isbn=978-0756683610}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 159|isbn=978-0756683610}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 160|isbn=978-0756683610}}</ref>
***[[List_of_UFC_encyclopedia_award_recipients|Knockout of the Night]] (One time)<small> vs. John Matua</small><ref name="UFC6"/>
**1x [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] Heavyweight Championship Contender
**Record for most tournaments competed in, in [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] history (Five)

===Wrestling===
*[[California Community College Athletic Association|CCCAA]] All-American

==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
| draws= 
| nc= 
| ko-wins= 7
| ko-losses= 8
| sub-wins= 2
| sub-losses= 5
| dec-wins= 1
| dec-losses= 2
| dq-wins= 
| dq-losses= 
| other-wins= 
| other-losses= 
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 10–15
| Ruben Villareal
| TKO (punches)
| King of the Cage: Fighting Legends
| {{dts|2013|April|13|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:06
| [[Oroville, California]], United States
| {{small|For the [[List of King of the Cage champions|KOTC Superfight Championship]].}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kingofthecage.com/fight-results-for-king-of-the-cage-fighting-legends-oroville-ca/|title=FIGHTING LEGENDS Oroville, CA &#124; King of the Cage|website=www.kingofthecage.com}}</ref>
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–14
| Mike Bourke
| KO (punch)
| War Gods/Ken Shamrock: Valentine's Eve Massacre
| {{dts|2009|February|13|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:29
| [[Fresno, California]], United States
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 9–14
| [[Kimbo Slice]]
| KO (punches)
| [[EliteXC: Street Certified]]
| {{dts|2008|February|16|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:43
| [[Miami, Florida]], United States
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 9–13
| [[Gary Turner (fighter)|Gary Turner]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[2007 in Cage Rage Championships#Cage Rage 21|Cage Rage 21]]
| {{dts|2007|April|21|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:27
| [[London, England]]
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 9–12
| [[Paul Buentello]]
| KO (punch)
| [[Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello]]
| {{dts|2006|October|7|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:43
| [[Fresno, California]], United States
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 9–11
| [[Hidehiko Yoshida]]
| Submission (single wing choke)
| [[PRIDE Final Conflict 2005]]
| {{dts|2005|August|28|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 7:40
| [[Saitama, Saitama]], Japan
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–10
| [[Wesley Correira]]
| KO (punch)
| Rumble on the Rock 7
| {{dts|2005|May|5|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:23
| [[Honolulu, Hawaii]], United States
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 8–10
| [[Wesley Correira]]
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| [[UFC 45]]
| {{dts|2003|November|21|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:14
| [[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 8–9
| [[Kimo Leopoldo]]
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| [[UFC 43]]
| {{dts|2003|June|6|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:59
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 8–8
| [[Frank Mir]]
| Submission (toe hold)
| [[UFC 41]]
| {{dts|2003|February|28|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:46
| [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 8–7
| [[Pedro Rizzo]]
| KO (punch)
| [[UFC Brazil]]
| {{dts|1998|October|16|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 8:07
| [[São Paulo, Brazil]]
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–6
| Hugo Duarte
| TKO (punches)
| [[UFC 17]]
| {{dts|1998|May|15|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:43
| [[Mobile, Alabama]], United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–6
| [[Yoji Anjo]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC Japan: Ultimate Japan]]
| {{dts|1997|December|21|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 15:00
| [[Yokohama, Japan]]
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 6–6
| [[Maurice Smith (fighter)|Maurice Smith]]
| TKO (leg kicks)
| [[UFC 15]]
| {{dts|1997|October|17|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 8:08
| [[Bay St. Louis, Mississippi]], United States
| {{small|For the [[UFC Heavyweight Championship]].}} 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 6–5
| [[Vitor Belfort]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[UFC 13]]
| {{dts|1997|May|30|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:52
| [[Augusta, Georgia]], United States
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 6–4
| [[Don Frye]]
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| rowspan=3|[[Ultimate Ultimate 1996]]
| rowspan=3|{{dts|1996|December|7|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:22
| rowspan=3|[[Birmingham, Alabama]], United States
| {{small|Ultimate Ultimate 96 Final.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–3
| [[Steve Nelmark]]
| KO (punch)
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:03
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–3
| Cal Worsham
| TKO (submission to punches)
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:51
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 4–3
| [[Scott Ferrozzo]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| rowspan=2|[[UFC 11]]
| rowspan=2|{{dts|1996|September|20|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 15:00
| rowspan=2|[[Augusta, Georgia]], United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–2
| [[Sam Adkins (fighter)|Sam Adkins]]
| Submission (forearm choke)
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:06
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 3–2
| [[Dan Severn]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| rowspan=2|[[Ultimate Ultimate 1995]]
| rowspan=2|{{dts|1995|December|16|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 18:00
| rowspan=2|[[Denver, Colorado]], United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–1
| [[Steve Jennum]]
| Submission (neck crank)
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:14
| 
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 2–1
| [[Oleg Taktarov]]
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| rowspan=3|[[UFC 6]]
| rowspan=3|{{dts|1995|July|14|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 17:47
| rowspan=3|[[Casper, Wyoming]], United States
| {{small|UFC 6 Tournament Final.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–0
| [[Paul Varelans]]
| TKO (punches)
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:53
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| John Matua
| KO (punches)
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:18
| 
{{end}}
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/David-Abbott-110|title=David|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=December 20, 2018}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{Cite web|url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2003/articles/1045115235.php|title=Tank Abbott Speaks On His WCW Career, UFC Return, & More|author=Boone, Matt|publisher=WrestleZone Radio|date=February 13, 2003|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929095745/http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2003/articles/1045115235.php|archive-date=September 29, 2007}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Sherdog}}
*[http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/tank-abbott-839.html Professional wrestling record for Tank Abbott from The Internet Wrestling Database]
* {{IMDb name|id=0007957}}
*{{UFC|tank-abbott}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Abbott, Tank}}
[[Category:1965 births]]
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[[Category:American male mixed martial artists]]
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[[Category:American male sport wrestlers]]
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[[Category:Mixed martial artists from California]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Huntington Beach, California]]
[[Category:California State University, Long Beach alumni]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from California]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers who competed in MMA]]
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[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]]
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