David L. Abbot is simply known as “Tank” within the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. And rightly so it would seem. At 6 feet tall, and 250lbs, this bruiser has accomplished quite a bit in his career with the MMA and a small time with the WCW as a professional wrestler. While he has never actually held a title in any category, he is still considered a popular figure within the sport.
Born in Huntington Beach, California in 1965, Abbot trained in a form of martial arts that he would self describe as “Pit Fighting”. A very aggressive, yet unorthodox fighting style that comes off as more urban than professional. He was known for his direct and blunt attitude that followed him even outside of the Octagon ring. When asked once if he respected his fellow fighters he replied “I don’t respect anybody, not even you”. Despite his lack of championship victories, Abbot maintains his fan base by showboating to those who appreciate his cockiness and brashness.
The Tank made his debut into the world of MMA for the first time at UFC 6 -Clash of the Titans-. His first opponent would be the massive John Matua. At 400 lbs, John was picked as an early winner, so no one was able to expect that Abbot would have him on the floor and out within the first twenty seconds. He would also move on to the next round to defeat Paul Varelans before suffering a defeat against Russian-born Oleg Taktarov. His fight with Taktarov however was not in anyway a terrible defeat. Both fighters went strong for 17 minutes before Abbot succumbed to a rear naked choke and was forced to submit. After the fight, Oleg could barely stand on his own, giving a glimpse of just how close the fight was in the end.
Abbot returned for UFCs 11, 13, 15, 17 and UFC Brazil. During these events he lost to several of the UFCs top fighters including Vitor Belfort, Maurice Smith, and Pedro Rizzo. Afterwards he received an offer to join the World Championship Wrestling circuit. One that he was quick to accept.
He was first brought in as an opponent for professional wrestler William Goldberg. They needed a fighter who could pose, or at least pretend to pose, as a legitimate foe for Goldberg in an effort to raise his reputation. For David “Tank” Abbot they gave him the history that he had the ability to use a single punch to render an opponent unconscious (a rumor perhaps based on his fight with John Matua). Eventually the feud between the two fighters was never developed and Abbot was used mostly for comedic element to the shows. The parody boy band “Three Count” which consisted of wrestlers Shane Helms, Shannon Moore, and Evan Karagias were given Abbot to increase their comedic value. The only actual “success” he obtained while with the WCW was when he teamed up with Rick Steiner to battle Scott Steiner during a feud that was spawned when Scott joined the New World Order during a storyline.
What could also be arguably his biggest and most pathetic defeat of his career, was when he was pinned by Hollywood actor David Arquette during the actor’s short WCW career to promote his new movie “Ready to Rumble”. Later Arquette would agree that the publicity stunt was a bad idea and had brought along bad press for everyone involved, including the WCW which disbanded shortly after.
With the WCW gone, Abbot re-entered the MMA as UFC 41 -Onslaught- in 2003. His years of act fighting had obviously not helped his actual fighting style and he sustained several losses in a row, including to Frank Mir in UFC 41, Kimo Leopoldo in UFC 43, and Wesley Correira in UFC 45. Since then Abbot made a PRIDE debut in 2005 but was defeated by experienced PRIDE fighter Hidehiko Yoshida.
Be it intentional or unintentional, David “Tank” Abbot provides a degree of humor to his matches and appearances. Perhaps his own personal style of fighting simply does not defend well against ones with more history and control. Never-the-less, Abbot remains a memorable figure in the sport and it is hoped that he will find his way to the Octagon soon.
Fight Record - 9-13-0
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04-21-2007 - Lost to Gary Turner, Cage Rage 21, TKO Round 1, 2:27
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10-07-2006 - Lost to Paul Buentello, Strikeforce, KO Round 1, 0:43
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08-28-2005 - Lost to Hidehiko Yoshida, PRIDE FC 2005, Submission Round 1, 7:40
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05-07-2005 - Defeats Wesley Correira, ROTR 7, KO Round 1, 1:23
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11-21-2003 - Lost to Wesley Correira, UFC 45, TKO(Cut) Round 1, 2:14
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06-06-2003 - Lost to Kimo Leopoldo, UFC 43, Submission Round 1, 1:59
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02-28-2003 - Lost to Frank Mir, UFC 41, Submission Round 1, 0:46
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10-16-1998 - Lost to Pedro Rizzo, UFC Brazil, KO Round 1, 8:07
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05-15-1998 - Defeats Hugo Duarte, UFC 17, TKO Round 1, 0:43
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12-21-1997 - Defeats Yoji Anjo, UFC Japan, Decision
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10-17-1997 - Lost to Maurice Smith, UFC 15, Submission Round 1, 8:08
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12-07-1996 - Lost to Don Frye, UU 96, Submission Round 1, 1:22
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12-07-1996 - Defeats Steve Nelmark, UU 96, KO Round 1, 1:03
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12-07-1996 - Defeats Cal Worsham, UU 96, Submission Round 1, 2:51
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09-20-1996 - Lost to Scott Ferrozzo, UFC 11, Decision
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09-20-1996 - Defeats Sam Adkins, UFC 11, Submission Round 1, 2:06
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12-16-1995 - Lost to Dan Severn, UU 95, Unanimous Decision
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12-16-1995 - Defeats Steve Jennum, UU 95, Submission Round 1, 1:14
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07-14-1995 - Lost to Oleg Taktarov, UFC 6, Submission Round 1, 17:45
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07-14-1995 - Defeats Paul Varelans, UFC 6, TKO Round 1, 1:53
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07-14-1995 - Defeats John Matua, UFC 6, KO Round 1, 0:20
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