• Xavier Foupa-Pokam Road to the UFC
    Mar 23 2026

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this special international episode, UFC veteran Xavier Foupa-Pokam — known as Professor X — takes listeners on his unforgettable road to the UFC. A true pioneer of French MMA and one of the earliest members of the Snake Team under trainer Cyril Diabate, Foupa-Pokam details his transition from traditional karate to Muay Thai and mixed martial arts in the early 2000s, when the sport was illegal in France. Fighters trained in secret, competed under the guise of other disciplines, and often faced law enforcement interference at events.

    With a professional career spanning more than 50 bouts and a verified record of 32-22-0, Professor X became one of the most traveled fighters of his era, competing primarily as the B-side in promotions across Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and beyond. He shares stories from legendary events including Cage Rage in the UK, Jungle Fight in Brazil, and international tournaments, as well as his preparation with Dan Henderson’s Team Quest in the United States to mimic Anderson Silva. The conversation covers his UFC appearances at UFC 97 against Denis Kang and UFC 98 against Drew McFedries, plus memorable matchups against Paul Daley, Hayato Sakurai, Paulo Coelho, and more.
    Foupa-Pokam also discusses the challenges of building French MMA from the ground up, the outlaw atmosphere of the early days, his 11 amateur fights before turning pro, and insights into fellow Cameroonian-French fighter Francis Ngannou. This episode highlights the passion, resilience, and global experiences that defined one of MMA’s most dedicated journeymen.

    The MMA History Podcast documents the sport we love through hundreds of interviews and thousands of hours of research conducted by the most obsessed minds in the business. Subscribe for new episodes every week featuring the men who lived the early days of MMA.

    0:00 MMA history podcast intro
    0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction
    0:54 interview start
    1:14 part of the foundation for French combat sports
    5:51 Karate fighters transitioning to MMA
    8:56 Golden Trophy events
    10:06 Francis Ngannou vs Zoumana Cisse
    15:33 training before first fight
    17:18 illegal amateur bouts in France
    19:09 issues with Law enforcement
    20:58 coming into fights as a B side
    25:31 Xavier Foupa vs Nelson Monteiro
    27:00 Xavier Foupa vs David Pierre
    29:49 Xavier Foupa vs Paul Williamson
    31:02 Xavier Foupa vs Matt Ewin
    32:29 research on opponents before fight
    34:10 Xavier Foupa vs Ferene Gancs
    36:09 Xavier Foupa vs Poulo Coelho
    37:47 French fighters vs BJJ black belts
    41:52 Cage Rage parties behind the scenes
    46:42 Xavier Foupa vs Martin Kampmann
    48:53 Xavier Foupa vs John Oskar
    52:33 Xavier Foupa vs Paul Daily
    54:25 coming off 3 losses
    55:13 Xavier Foupa vs Jose Mata
    59:40 Michael Bisping vs Cyrille Diabate
    1:02:08 Xavier Foupa vs Itamar Rosa
    1:03:15 Xavier Foupa vs Ken Hamamura
    1:04:04 Xavier Foupa vs Hoon Kim
    1:06:42 Xavier Foupa vs Sol Gilbert
    1:10:24 Xavier Foupa vs Ryuta Sakuri
    1:13:08 Xavier Foupa vs Alex Reid
    1:15:38 interactions with Lee Murray
    1:16:57 Xavier Foupa vs Tom Watson
    1:17:28 Xavier Foupa vs Pierre Guillet
    1:18:00 Xavier Foupa vs Murilo Rua
    1:18:54 Cyrille Diabate vs Murilo Rua
    1:19:44 Far Eastern Modern Pancration Federation
    1:26:19 dealings with Wallid Ismail
    1:27:03 training with Dan Henderson at Team Quest
    1:30:12 getting a phone call from the UFC
    1:31:51 interview wrap up
    1:35:28 outro/ closing thoughts

    Subscribe to the MMA History Podcast:
    https://www.youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast

    Discord:
    https://discord.gg/s3mV6wyNgv

    Facebook: https://www.facebook

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 40 mins
  • Josh Haynes Road to the UFC
    Mar 16 2026

    Send a text

    In episode 320 of the MMA History Podcast, host Mike Davis and Joey Venti sit down with UFC veteran and The Ultimate Fighter season 3 finalist Josh Haynes for an in-depth interview about his road to the Ultimate Fighter. As a former mixed martial arts fighter with a professional record of 14 wins and 11 losses, Haynes shares his gritty journey from starting MMA in 2002 as a 330-pound amateur in Oregon's Full Contact Fighting Federation to competing at the highest levels in the UFC.

    Post-retirement, Haynes transitioned to law enforcement with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 2009, where he now serves as a sergeant. He details his heroic actions during the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, saving a wounded rookie officer under fire and earning the Medal of Valor for exceptional bravery. This episode explores themes of resilience, survival mentality, and life after MMA, offering valuable insights for aspiring fighters on planning beyond the octagon.

    0:00 MMA history podcast intro
    0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction
    0:52 interview start
    0:54 truth about fight career
    4:02 beginnings in MMA
    5:43 deciding to become a fighter
    10:57
    15:03 thoughts on Robert Follis
    19:14 Phil Baroni Sparring incident with Evan Tanner
    22:40 opportunities after fighting
    26:00 Josh Haynes vs Larry Vandervort
    30:24 reflecting after first loss
    31:49 Josh Haynes vs Josh Bennett
    34:15 taking fights consistently
    35:20 Gina Carano
    35:52 Josh Haynes vs Carl Pope
    39:30 coach Shawn Tompkins
    41:16 Josh Haynes vs Jordan Ramos
    43:27 training with the “White Buffalo Warriors”
    44:12 Matt Hume
    44:46 Josh Haynes vs Jim Pope
    48:57 riding a 7 fight win streak
    51:35 fighters from the Pacific Northwest
    53:04 Josh Haynes vs Jerry Vrbanovic
    57:19 Josh Haynes vs Vince Lucero
    59:20 interactions with John Alessio
    1:01:56 Ulysses Gomez Jiu jitsu
    1:05:08 fighters transitioning to Law enforcement
    1:08:00 realizing Team Quest was ending
    1:12:04 Scrubbing information off the internet
    1:13:44 heroic during Las Vegas mass Shooting
    1:26:46 Josh Haynes vs Jake Villanueva
    1:28:19 Josh Haynes vs Carlos Garcia
    1:29:51 Josh Haynes vs Marcos Oliveira
    1:31:04 Josh Haynes vs Horace Spencer
    1:32:29 taking fights with injuries
    1:34:05 Josh Haynes vs Cedric Marks
    1:36:32 trying out for TUF
    1:39:09 Matt Horwich not making the TUF cast
    1:42:47 Team Quest teammates in TUF final
    1:44:01 Josh Haynes vs Tate Fletcher
    1:45:22 Josh Haynes vs Jesse Forbes
    1:46:23 Josh Haynes vs Michael Bisping
    1:50:56 talks with Joe Silva
    1:55:32 evolution of MMA turning to point fighting
    1:59:17 interview wrap up
    2:03:53 outro/ closing thoughts

    Please follow our channels on

    Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram:
    MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632
    Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
    Records Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
    Social Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_
    Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacento

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

    Spotify
    https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

    Apple Podcast
    MMA History Podcast

    YouTube
    https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

    Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

    Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632
    Cash App - $mikedavis1231
    Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
    ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

    #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADet

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    2 hrs and 7 mins
  • Tank Abbott - The WCW Years
    Mar 9 2026

    Send a text

    Tank Abbott's WCW years in Part 2 of our exclusive interview on the
    MMA History Podcast. From negotiating with Eric Bischoff over Vince McMahon, training at the Power Plant under legends like Paul Orndorff and Dusty Rhodes, to wild angles like the jacket-on-a-pole brawl with Big Al (yes, that knife moment at SuperBrawl 2000), Tank spills the unfiltered truth on backstage politics, his near-title run, and clashes with icons like Goldberg and Sid Vicious.
    Fact: Tank debuted in WCW on December 13, 1999, as a legit UFC heavyweight (with wins over Yoji Anjo and Hugo Duarte) brought in to feud with Goldberg, but navigated a rollercoaster of mutinies and mishaps until his 2000 release.

    0:00 MMA history podcast intro
    0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction
    0:48 interview start
    2:14 Tank Abbott vs Yoji Anjo
    7:12 Tank Abbott being a large draw in UFC
    11:50 experience fighting in Japan
    15:09 Tank Abbott vs Hugo Duarte
    21:39 dedicating fight to Frank Sinatra
    22:45 never called out by Rickson Gracie
    25:11 Tank Abbott vs Pedro Rizzo
    27:12 incident with Pat Smith
    29:28 relationship with Jeff Blatnick
    30:51 thoughts on Joe Rogan
    36:12 rumored fight with Butterbean
    37:27 issues before Frank Mir fight
    41:18 where the term “Mixed martial arts” came from
    46:32 Eddie Ruiz update
    48:25 conversations with WCW
    59:05 training at the WCW power plant
    1:01:27 locker room attitude towards wrestlers
    1:05:10 introduction during WCW taping
    1:08:19 pushback from the WCW locker room
    1:10:36 cutting a Promo on Bill Goldberg
    1:12:18 plugs/ promotions
    1:14:02 grabbing owner of Chicago Black Hawks
    1:15:22 issues with Bob Probert
    1:16:20 issues with Terry Taylor
    1:19:40 advice from Sid Vicious
    1:23:05 false rumors of winning WCW Title
    1:28:43 Doug Dillinger
    1:29:05 Jerry Flynn
    1:29:33 Mark Madden
    1:29:52 Chris Cruz
    1:31:28 false rumored match with Mark Coleman
    1:32:20 pulling out knife during match with Big Al
    1:43:40 questioned before match by the locker room
    1:46:11 losing wresting match to David Arquette
    1:47:38 Tank Abbott vs Goldberg
    1:51:32 introduced to the ICP
    1:53:36 staying in shape during WCW
    1:55:31 being a fan of 3 Count
    1:58:44 drinking with the ICP
    1:59:56 released from WCW
    2:02:20 dealings with Bob Sapp
    2:03:26 interview wrap up
    2:11:39 outro/closing thoughts

    Please follow our channels on

    Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram:
    MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632
    Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
    Records Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
    Social Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_
    Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacento

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

    Spotify
    https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

    Apple Podcast
    MMA History Podcast

    YouTube
    https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

    Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

    Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632
    Cash App - $mikedavis1231
    Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
    ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

    #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast

    Thank You for your support

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    2 hrs and 19 mins
  • Tedd Williams MMA & Gladiator Challenge
    Mar 2 2026

    Send a text

    Tedd Williams MMA & Gladiator Challenge

    Tedd Williams is a UFC veteran, grappling pioneer a national AAU Sambo champion, Gene LeBell black belt, and 7-1 pro fighter and one of the longest tenured promoters in the country.
    Tedd Williams shares stories from the sport's raw early days: training with Bas Rutten, his UFC 24 main-event elbow KO over Steve Judson, co-founding King of the Cage, launching Gladiator Challenge, and building the regional scene that helped launch fighters like Urijah Faber and Charles Bennett.
    A deep dive into MMA's Wild West era straight from one of its true architects.

    0:00 MMA history podcast intro
    0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction
    0:50 interview start
    1:40 learning Sambo early on
    3:36 training with Gene LeBell
    5:15 training with John Perretti
    6:37 interactions with John Lewis
    7:28 starting friendship with Oleg Taktarov
    8:29 using sambo to become a better wrestler
    9:26 starting Victorville Jets program
    11:33 Universal above ground fighting
    14:10 Antonio McKee vs John Smith
    15:27 Antonio McKee gun story
    17:15 owning half of KOTC at the beginning
    21:09 meeting Terry Trebilcock
    22:39 using same venue for KOTC and Gladiator Challenge
    25:24 hosting Gladiator Challenge in Colorado
    26:41 Tedd Williams vs Robert Burnell
    28:06 Empire fighting
    29:10 Bas Rutten invitational
    30:14 training Bas Rutten
    33:00 Tedd Williams vs Joseph Marquez
    34:46 Tedd Williams vs Travis Fulton
    37:30 experience with Jamie Levine
    38:29 Tedd Williams vs Joe Campanella
    40:25 Holiday Fight Party
    47:20 Phillip Miller split from the UFC
    50:45 Phillip Miller vs James Zikic
    52:07 Lee Murray and Tito Ortiz street fight
    54:26 letter to get into ADCC 2000
    56:46 training with Rowdy Roddy Piper
    57:44 Tedd Williams vs Steve Judson
    1:02:08 false UFC fighter resumes
    1:03:13 Tedd Williams fight camp exposed
    1:05:17 cancelled bout with Andre Roberts
    1:06:27 friendship with Cal Worsham
    1:09:37 dealing with Dan Severn
    1:10:30 cross training bjj and wrestling
    1:11:02 KOTC purchased by EliteXC
    1:19:43 Tedd Williams vs Bill Parker
    1:21:39 dealings with Bob Shamrock
    1:23:01 Tony Galindo
    1:23:41 Ken Shamrock backstage fight with Mark Hall
    1:24:15 attending regional shows
    1:25:25 pushing Tito Ortiz out of cage
    1:30:05 KOTC Wet ‘N’ Wild
    1:34:43 selling Gladiator challenge video library
    1:37:16 KOTC losing money
    1:38:07 experience with Charles Bennett
    1:41:58 Charles Bennett changing name to Felony
    1:43:03 sued by Terry Trebilcock
    1:46:43 Gladiator Challenge, KOTC buyouts
    1:50:27 relationship with Chris Cordero
    1:52:36 Experience with Rafiel Torre
    1:55:49 Gerald Strebendt
    1:56:34 interview wrap up
    1:59:55 outro/ closing thoughts

    Please follow our channels on

    Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram:
    MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632
    Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
    Records Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
    Social Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_
    Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacento

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

    Spotify
    https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

    Apple Podcast
    MMA History Podcast

    YouTube
    https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

    Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

    Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632
    Cash App - $mikedavis1231
    Venm

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    Not Yet Known
  • The Forgotten Father of MMA: Marco Ruas' Untold Story - UFC's FIRST Complete Fighter.
    Feb 28 2026

    Send a text

    MMA Docu Series


    Dive into the incredible story of Marco Ruas, the barefoot Brazilian who stepped into the UFC octagon before the sport even had a name. Often called the forgotten pioneer, Ruas arrived at UFC 7 in 1995 with a revolutionary well-rounded game—blending Muay Thai devastation, judo throws, jiu-jitsu mastery, and luta livre grappling—that shattered the era of pure specialists. Watch as he dismantles opponents like Larry Cureton with early heel hooks, outstrikes Remco Pardoel, and methodically chops down the massive Paul Varelans with those legendary low kicks that echoed through the arena.

    We explore his gritty Rio origins, training under legends like Oswaldo Alves and Luis Alves, his vale tudo roots, the rivalry with the Gracies that never fully materialized, his dominant UFC 7 tournament win that proved versatility was the future, later battles against names like Oleg Taktarov and Maurice Smith, and the heartbreaking what-if matchup with Don Frye that fans still debate. Beyond the cage, Ruas's lasting impact shines through as a coach—he mentored Pedro Rizzo, whose devastating leg kicks carried Ruas's influence forward to shape fighters like Jose Aldo.
    If you're into MMA history, early UFC pioneers, or the evolution from vale tudo to modern mixed martial arts, this mini documentary uncovers why Ruas was truly ahead of his time—the first complete fighter who forced the sport to evolve.

    Hit play now and discover the man who mastered MMA before it even existed. If you love deep dives into MMA's roots, subscribe to the channel for more untold stories from the early days of the UFC and beyond—new episodes drop regularly!

    00:00 - Introduction
    00:10 - Marco Ruas: The Forgotten Father of Modern MMA
    01:53 - Marco Ruas as a Neighborhood Legend
    02:21 - Early Life & Martial Arts Training in Rio
    03:39 - Public Challenge to the Gracie Family
    04:48 - Birth of Ruas Vale Tudo
    05:38 - The Devastating Power of Ruas’ Leg Kicks
    05:56 - UFC 7: One-Night Heavyweight Tournament Debut
    06:38 - Quarterfinal vs Larry Cureton (Heel Hook)
    07:12 - Semifinal vs Remco Pardoel (Striking & Grappling)
    07:42 - Final vs Paul Varelans (Leg Kick Masterclass)
    08:36 - Aftermath: How Ruas Changed the Game
    09:24 - Later Career Fights & Transition Out of UFC
    10:00 - Mentorship, Pedro Rizzo & Jose Aldo
    11:43 - Brutal Training Stories & Seminar Pain
    11:56 - Legacy & Reflection
    12:06 - The Fight That Never Happened vs Don Frye

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    16 mins
  • Paul Buntuello BEFORE the UFC
    Feb 23 2026

    Send a text

    Paul Buentello BEFORE the UFC

    50 Fight Club Member Paul Buentello started his journey fighting for Steve Nelson in the very tough and rugged Amarillo Texas MMA scene.

    Buentello dives into what it was like fighting absolute legends in Evan Tanner, Gan McGee and Bobby Hoffman prior to getting his opportunity within the UFC.

    This is a feel good story featuring a guy that is hard not to like

    0:00 MMA history podcast intro
    0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction
    0:52 interview start
    1:00 reffing fights
    4:38 training taekwondo early on
    5:48 training partner Cedric Marks
    7:38 Ultimate Athlete 2 riot
    9:36 guarding the pain inc booth
    14:11 stiffed on payment for Kerry Schall fight
    19:22 USWF 8 man tournament
    24:56 Paul Buentello vs Dan Severn
    28:43 competing in tough man contest
    33:57 Lenard Garcia coming out of USWF
    34:33 Paul Buentello vs Larry Parker
    39:00 training with Sven Bean
    40:36 Paul Buentello vs Todd Broadaway
    42:40 Heath Herring current life
    44:49 getting mistaken for Babalu
    47:08 losing to a WWE wrestler
    48:44 Paul Buentello vs Jimmy Westfall
    51:50 forcing hands into smaller MMA gloves
    53:36 Paul Buentello vs Bobby Hoffman
    55:18 UFC current crowd compared to previous
    57:58 self managing early career
    59:09 driving 27 hours to IFC event with daughter
    1:02:39 Paul Buentello vs Rocky Batastini
    1:04:08 Paul Buentello vs Gan McGee
    1:05:29 Paul Buentello vs Rico Rodriguez Wet & Wild
    1:10:39 leaving to California to Train MMA
    1:12:38 training with Cain Velazquez
    1:13:25 Cameron Earle story
    1:17:54 Paul Buentello vs Roger Neff
    1:19:57 Paul Buentello vs Mike Kyle
    1:23:48 KOTC contract
    1:25:20 journey to get to the UFC
    1:27:13 training for Gary Marshall
    1:30:49 experience with Bob Cook
    1:31:45 thoughts on Frank Shamrock
    1:34:18 meeting Andy Anderson
    1:39:48 training partners at AKA
    1:42:22 cancelled bout with Forrest Griffin
    1:42:57 Bobby Hoffman protected KOTC
    1:45:29 Paul Buentello vs Andy Montana
    1:46:21 Paul Buentello vs Lloyd Marshbanks
    1:48:59 mentally not prepared for first UFC fight
    1:50:32 getting into the UFC
    1:52:27 relationship with Joe Silva
    1:53:05 refusing to use PEDs
    1:54:35 traveling the world to fight
    1:57:01 paying dues to fight
    1:58:58 Bob Cook gym stories
    2:03:07 interview wrap up
    2:06:37 outro/ closing thoughts

    Please follow our channels on

    Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram:
    MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632
    Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
    Records Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
    Social Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_
    Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacento

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

    Spotify
    https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

    Apple Podcast
    MMA History Podcast

    YouTube
    https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

    Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

    Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632
    Cash App - $mikedavis1231
    Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
    ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

    #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast

    Thank You for your support

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    2 hrs and 28 mins
  • EliteXC Chaos & CBS - Jared Shaw
    Feb 16 2026

    Send a text

    Ep 316 EliteXC Internal Chaos & CBS - Jared Shaw

    Jared Shaw joins the MMA History Podcast, delivering the 3rd episode of our multi episode Elite XC series.

    Shaw breaks down the CBS primetime peak numbers (6.51 million viewers for Kimbo vs.
    James Thompson).
    The start of what is considered the “gold rush” of WMMA - Gina Carano's pivotal win over Caitlyn Young ;, Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith stealing the show, Nick Diaz's "Don't be scared, homie" moment, & the internal power struggles within the company.

    On the controversial side… Gary Shaw’s unceremonious departure, gaming the stock market… this episode is insane

    If you think that this episode is wild… just wait for the 4th drop when everything implodes.

    0:00 MMA history podcast intro
    0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction
    0:49 interview start
    0:52 having a meeting with CBS
    4:55 Gary Shaw not having a Wikipedia
    9:36 John Perretti erased from Wikipedia
    12:39 campaign to bad mouth Jared Shaw
    17:16 EliteXC street certified event
    21:35 funding StrikeForce event Frank Shamrock vs Cung Le
    25:16 Nick Diaz at StrikeForce event
    26:20 Nick Diaz Marijuana Suspension
    30:06 experience with Larry Hazard
    31:51 Drew Fickett behaving during event
    32:19 Tiki Ghosn appearing on event
    33:22 ShoXC series
    35:15 Trying to Oust Gary Shaw
    40:27 EliteXC Primetime
    41:27 Kimbo Slice vs James Thompson
    48:22 Brett Rogers vs Jon Murphy
    50:15 Phil Baroni vs Joey Villasenor
    51:23 Gina Carano vs Kaitlin Young
    55:45 Robbie Lawler vs Scott Smith
    58:44 EliteXC events holding up to current day
    1:00:57 Refferee Dan Miragliotta
    1:04:03 importance of a good Refferee
    1:07:46 Gary Shaw parting from EliteXC
    1:10:42 ShoXC in Hawaii
    1:11:23 “Don’t be scared homie” viral comment
    1:12:44 Jared Shaw not attending Hawaii event
    1:19:17 trusting Ariel Helwani
    1:21:16 KJ Noons contract negotiation
    1:32:41 interview wrap up
    1:41:05 outro/ closing thoughts

    Please follow our channels on

    Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram:
    MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632
    Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
    Records Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
    Social Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_
    Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacento

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

    Spotify
    https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

    Apple Podcast
    MMA History Podcast

    YouTube
    https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

    Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

    Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632
    Cash App - $mikedavis1231
    Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
    ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

    #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast

    Thank You for your support

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 44 mins
  • Tank Abbott Fighting in the 90’s
    Feb 9 2026

    Send a text

    Ep 315 Tank Abbott Fighting in the 90’s

    The Original UFC bad boy, David "Tank" Abbott, joins us for an unfiltered deep dive into the wild early days of MMA.
    From his explosive knockouts at UFC 6, legendary clashes in the tournament, street-fighting roots, and raw takes on the politics, "works," and personalities that shaped the sport - Tank holds nothing back.
    Now retired in the desert, this powerhouse legend (natural 625-Ib bench, no-BS

    0:00 MMA history podcast intro
    0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction
    0:51 interview start
    6:58 packaged by Dave Thomas for the UFC
    11:02 meeting with Art Davie
    16:44
    17:30 receiving letter of intent to fight in the UFC
    21:44 attending UFC 5
    24:19 interactions with Joe Son
    29:19 issues with Jim Brown
    43:42 Ken Shamrock vs Royce Gracie “rematch”
    44:58 Ultimate Tank ppv
    45:50 cornering Vanilla ice for a fight
    46:31 thoughts on Tito Ortiz
    50:48 technique vs being tough
    52:02 Tank Abbott vs John Matua
    58:02 making the UFC entertaining
    59:05 Tank Abbott vs Paul Varelans
    1:03:03 Tank Abbott vs Oleg Taktarov
    1:07:17 Pat Smith altercation backstage
    1:09:46 attack on Pat Smith in elevator
    1:14:30 Ken Sharock calling the cops
    1:15:29 writing apology letter to John McCarthy
    1:16:59 becoming a paint artist
    1:17:44 training with Mark Schultz
    1:19:38 wrestling Chael Sonnan
    1:21:46 first fixed fight in the UFC
    1:23:09 Ken Shamrock not being pushed in UFC
    1:24:58 Tank Abbott vs Dan Severn
    1:30:17 Altercation with Allan Goes
    1:40:55 sucker punched by Wallid Ismail
    1:46:04 Bas Rutten vs Kevin Randleman
    1:47:05 Allan Goes incident in Puerto Rico
    1:49:28 thoughts on John Perretti
    1:52:38 meeting Tito Ortiz
    1:55:32 Tito Ortiz stealing check from car
    2:02:12 Tank Abbott vs Scott Ferrozzo
    2:09:13 Tank Abbott vs Cal Worsham
    2:11:25 Direct wave TV sponsor
    2:11:44 Canceled bout with Ken Shamrock
    2:14:39 fighters taking steroids
    2:17:07 Don Frye worked fight with Mark Hall
    2:18:04 Big Al throwing burger at Frank Shamrock
    2:19:55 thoughts on the UFC hall of fame
    2:25:00 Ken Shamrock calling out Tank Abbott
    2:27:35 Pride Fc using Tank Abbott for promotional material
    2:32:05 Tank Abbott vs Maurice Smith
    2:34:26 Dan Severn pulling out of Maurice Smith fight
    2:38:37 interview wrap up/ outro

    Please follow our channels on

    Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram:
    MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632
    Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitre
    Records Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstress
    Social Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_
    Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacento

    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qr

    Spotify
    https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8g

    Apple Podcast
    MMA History Podcast

    YouTube
    https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_J

    Outro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-power

    Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632
    Cash App - $mikedavis1231
    Venmo - Mike-Davis-63
    ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052

    #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast

    Thank You for your support

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    2 hrs and 45 mins