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MMA Detective Mike Davis and co-host Joey Venti sit down once again with early MMA legend and the original Huntington Beach Bad Boy, David "Tank" Abbott. This is Tank's third appearance on the show, delivering his signature no-holds-barred perspective on the raw, untamed early days of mixed martial arts.In this wide-ranging conversation, Tank addresses viral social media moments including his legendary 600-pound bench press (spotted by former UFC executive David Isaacs) and his story of a young, angry Strickland trying to fight him in a bar, only for Tank to take the kid under his wing for the night. He also shares candid recollections from his UFC run, WCW transition, training with John Marsh, fights against Frank Mir, Kimo Leopoldo, and Wesley "Cabbage" Correira, plus his thoughts on the creation of the light heavyweight division, backstage politics, and the evolution of the sport.Straight from one of MMA's most polarizing and entertaining pioneers, this episode is packed with firsthand history, strong opinions, and stories you won't hear anywhere else. If you want the unfiltered truth about the men who built mixed martial arts, this is essential listening.The MMA History Podcast is dedicated to preserving the sport's rich heritage through in-depth interviews and obsessive research. Hundreds of episodes, thousands of hours of documentation—all conducted by the most dedicated mind in the business.Subscribe for more early MMA stories direct from the fighters who lived them.0:00 MMA history podcast intro 0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 0:49 interview start 1:36 600 LB bench press video 3:10 Sean Strickland trying to fight Tank Abbott5:11 called and alcoholic by John McCarthy7:35 thoughts on the Vitor Belfort9:54 how Tito Ortiz made it to the UFC12:28 fighters pretending to be tough guys14:58 talking Authority figures with John McCarthy18:57 Dana White managing Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell21:15 Tito Ortiz selling merchandise at high school gyms 23:46 Dana White introducing weight classes26:26 Tito Ortiz responsible for 205lb weight class 27:53 Tito Ortiz avoiding fight with Babalu31:13 thoughts after wrestling career 32:53 trolled by a bouncer 37:28 Paul Herrera accused of stealing cigars 40:59 leaked Paul Herrera instructionals 44:48 Paul Herrera vs Kazushi Sakuraba49:58 why TUF was a success 52:46 Tank Abbott vs Frank Mir 58:18 career downfall after Frank Mir fight 1:01:17 Dana White related to Frank Mir rumors 1:01:43 training with Phil Baroni1:03:11 Tito Ortiz almost hit by a bus 1:04:37 not invited to Tito Ortiz’s wedding 1:07:24 1:08:30 Tito Ortiz working at Spanky’s adult book store 1:10:07 false reels about Tank Abbott 1:12:15 Tank Abbott vs Kimo Leopoldo1:14:08 flying to Costa Rica after fight 1:20:00 interactions with Wes simms 1:22:21 connecting with John Marsh 1:26:06 Tank Abbott vs Cabbage 1:38:08 denied UFC return 1:42:50 UFC HOF fights that are snubbed 1:45:17 different phases of the UFC 1:47:34 UFC milking fans out of their money 1:51:23 relationship with Ken Shamrock 1:52:19 Paula Romero 1:54:24 Tank Abbott vs Cabbage rematch 1:59:03 fights at after parties 2:01:36 Tank Abbott Book series2:03:35 Ranger Scott 2:04:33 Mark Kerr in the UFC HOF 2:05:16 Tank Abbott movie 2:09:26 Tito Ortiz and Kevin Randleman story 2:12:36 Tank Abbott and Tito Ortiz incompatibility2:14:25 John McCarthy shoving Tedd Williams 2:17:00 John McCarthy on food fighting show 2:17:37 Walter Fox 2:18:45 interview wrap up/outroApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: [email protected] / ph#: 773-491-5052 #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast Thank You for your support

Join the MMA Detective Mike Davis and co-host Joey Venti for an exclusive deep dive with Paul “The Hitman” Herrera — Division I All-American wrestler (Nebraska, 142 lbs), Tito Ortiz’s high school wrestling coach, and core member of the legendary Tank Abbott crew in Huntington Beach. In this raw, no-holds-barred conversation, Herrera recounts the Wild West days of MMA: his Olympic Trials run, training with Mark Schultz at BYU, the infamous UFC 6 elevator incident with Pat Smith, dojo-storming Alan Gomez alongside Tank Abbott and Eddie Ruiz, cornering Tito Ortiz’s UFC 13 debut, his own UFC 8 fight against Gary Goodridge, and his bout with Kazushi Sakuraba in Japan. He also details promoting the underground Hitman Fight Series and his current coaching at Huntington Beach Ultimate Training Center. The MMA History Podcast is the only show 100% dedicated to preserving mixed martial arts history through first-hand interviews with the men who lived it. 0:00 MMA history podcast intro 0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 0:51 interview start 0:54 plugs/ promotions 1:33 recruited to California for wrestling 4:02 early UFC matchmaking 5:17 Olympic training center for wrestling 7:18 taking 2nd place at the Olympic open 10:07 scarce info online for Paul Herrera 11:16 coaching Tito Ortiz in high school 13:38 meeting Tank Abbott for the first time 18:25 relationship with Kimo Leopoldo 20:29 Kimo Leopoldo’s reputation 22:02 interactions with Joe Son 22:40 Randy Ziegler 23:10 relationship with Tito Ortiz 25:13 Dojo storming Allan Góes gym 30:46 animosity towards Tank Abbott at UFC 6 34:08 Tank Abbott vs John Matua 34:49 impression on Dave Thomas 35:50 Tank Abbott vs Paul Varelans 36:46 Oleg Taktarov vs Anthony Macias fixed fight 38:45 Tank Abbott vs Oleg Taktarov 39:22 Pat Smith backstage incident 43:43 running into Pat Smith in elevator 48:00 accused of stealing from Bob Meyrowitz 49:17 putting on Hitman fight events 51:09 relationship with Mark Schultz 54:45 training with Mark Schultz 56:27 Rickson Gracie meeting with Mark Schultz 58:20 invited to fight at UFC 8 59:27 Paul Herrera vs Gary Goodridge 1:00:24 training tape leaked to Gary Goodridge 1:02:17 using substances before Gary Goodridge fight 1:06:43 Refusing hospital treatment after UFC event 1:09:36 Tank Abbott and Allan Góes incident 1:11:24 UFC 9 attendance 1:12:07 preparing Tito Ortiz for UFC debut 1:13:40 Tito Ortiz vs Guy Mezger 1:17:45 Tito Ortiz first MMA fight 1:18:27 Tank Abbott fallout with John McCarthy 1:21:46 Tito Ortiz paid under the table for UFC debut 1:24:53 issues with the Brazilians at UFC after party 1:28:01 Paul Herrera vs Kazushi Sakuraba 1:35:18 the beginning of Japanese hijinks in MMA 1:37:21 Yakuza involvement in fights 1:39:10 John Lober vs Ryushi Yanagisawa 1:39:59 experience with John Lober 1:41:10 Aaron Brink 1:42:24 hosting underground MMA events 1:44:33 first impression of Aaron Brink 1:45:54 choosing to get sober 1:47:07 career highlights 1:48:07 experience with Sean Strickland 1:51:29 interview wrap up 1:53:26 outro/ closing thoughts Subscribe for more. 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: [email protected] / ph#: 773-491-5052 #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast Thank You for your support

Join hosts Mike Davis and Joey Venti on the MMA History Podcast for Episode #323 with John "The Natural" Alessio. The former UFC Welterweight title challenger, 50-fight veteran, and Canadian MMA pioneer discusses his remarkable career from outlaw shows in British Columbia to the bright lights of the UFC, PRIDE, King of the Cage, Pancrase, and Super Brawl.Alessio turned pro as a teenager after spotting a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu bumper sticker at a gas station. He shares wild early stories, including no-rules biker-backed events in a Sikh temple (with mid-fight police interventions and headbutts allowed), mismatched weight bouts in Japan, altitude struggles in tournaments, training at the Shark Tank with Ken Shamrock and legends like Pete Williams, and his UFC title shot against Pat Miletich at UFC 26 at age 20, making him the youngest fighter ever to compete for a UFC championship.Now a veteran with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on the FBI fugitive apprehension task force, Alessio also talks police jiu-jitsu training, life after fighting, and the raw, unregulated era of the sport he helped build. Packed with OG tales of Jason Height, Eddie Millis, John Peretti, Stefan Patry, Shawn Tompkins, and more.If you love early MMA history, Canadian pioneers, and unfiltered fighter stories, this is essential listening.Subscribe for more interviews and deep dives preserving mixed martial arts history.0:00 MMA history podcast intro 0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction 0:54 interview start 0:57 current life/ career 3:49 50 fight club members from Canada 4:33 training accident with Javier Vasquez 6:45 Jason Heit9:11 beginnings in MMA10:34 Bikers supporting early MMA in Canada15:06 Ultimate Battle 4 man tournament 16:38 Adam Ryan 17:29 John Alessio vs David Harris19:33 Extreme Challenge 4 man tournament 23:39 dealings with Bill Mahood24:21 Kalib Starnes vs Nate Quarry 26:29 connection to Pancrase27:06 meeting Phyllis Lee 27:27 meeting Eddy Millis in Japan 28:04 John Alessio vs Kosei Kubota30:51 quitting Job to be a full time fighter 32:37 early support from friends 33:29 John Alessio vs Jason Meaders34:23 never turning down any fights 37:52 John Alessio vs Egan Inoue41:42 John Alessio vs Jay R Palmer43:14 John Alessio vs John Chrisostomo43:39 partying with the Lions Den 46:42 Lions Den initiation 49:03 John Alessio vs Pat Miletich52:40 UFC not acknowledging John Perretti 55:32 parents trusting fight career 58:14 arm barred by Pat Miletich 59:35 John Alessio vs Joe Doerkson1:00:34 getting cut from the UFC after title fight 1:03:29 Andy Anderson story after UFC event 1:08:34 declining involvement with the Bikers1:12:52 cancelled bout with Yves Edwards1:15:24 John Alessio vs Thomas Deny1:16:44 starting bad seed incorporated 1:17:59 dealings with Bobby Hoffman 1:19:07 Aaron Brink story 1:20:56 Bobby Hoffman story 1:24:40 fighting in the early MMA era 1:27:46 training camps with Billy Rush 1:28:53 Jeremy Horn not self promoting 1:31:08 John Alessio vs Sean Pierson1:31:37 interactions with Stephan Patry1:33:01 John Alessio vs Jason Black1:37:00 head kick KO to Sean Pierson 1:38:59 becoming a well rounded fighter 1:40:21 developing jiu jitsu with Javier Vasquez 1:41:17 interactions with Rafiel Torre1:42:58 John Alessio vs Chris Brennan 1:46:52 John Alessio vs Eiji Mitsuoka1:49:16 John Alessio vs Jason Black1:50:40 John Alessio vs Jason Black1:51:56 training with Karo parisyan1:52:57 John Alessio vs Ronald Jhun1:55:25 John Alessio vs Jonathon Goulet1:57:46 coached by Shawn Tompkins2:01:10 partying with Bas Rutten 2:01:40 John Alessio vs Shannon Ritch2:02:50 training with Dan Henderson and Matt Lindland 2:04:12 interview wrap up 2:05:23 cancelled bout with Joey Villasenior2:08:02 cancelled bout with Nick Diaz 2:10:56 outro/ closing thoughts#MMAHistory #JohnAlessio #UFC #EarlyMMA

Jake "Irish" O'Brien joins the MMA History Podcast for episode 322. The former Purdue wrestler and UFC veteran recounts his journey from dominating Indiana high school wrestling as a three-time state champion to becoming one of the most promising young heavyweights in early UFC history. O'Brien shares rare stories from the Midwest MMA scene, including his wild amateur debut in a Cage Rage tournament against a one-armed opponent, early pro fights under Keith Palmer at venues like the 82nd Saloon and Madtown Throwdown, and training alongside legends such as Chris Liddell and Alex Stiebling at Integrated Fighting. He details his explosive UFC run, highlighted by a standout TKO victory over Pride veteran Heath Herring, and memorable bouts against elite competition: Andrei Arlovski, Cain Velasquez, and a young Jon Jones at UFC 100.The conversation covers O'Brien's wrestling roots, his identical twin brother's boxing background, the challenges of balancing college athletics with unsanctioned fights, the evolution of regional MMA in Indiana, and life after the Octagon, including coaching at Top Level gym in Indianapolis and his current work as a rural mail carrier. He also opens up about personal challenges, family resilience, and the support he received during difficult times.Hosted by the MMA Detective Mike Davisand Joey Venti, this episode preserves the unfiltered history of mixed martial arts through the eyes of a true pioneer who faced multiple future champions and helped build the sport's Midwest foundation.Listen for insights into early UFC matchmaking, the raw intensity of 2000s regional shows, and the lasting impact of wrestling in MMA.Subscribe for more interviews and stories direct from the men who lived MMA history.#MMAHistory #JakeOBrien #UFC #Wrestling

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

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: [email protected] / ph#: 773-491-5052  #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADet Support the show

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: [email protected] / ph#: 773-491-5052  #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast  Thank You for your support Support the show

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

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

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: [email protected] / ph#: 773-491-5052  #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast  Thank You for your support Support the show

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: [email protected] / ph#: 773-491-5052  #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast  Thank You for your support Support the show

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: [email protected] / ph#: 773-491-5052  #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast  Thank You for your support Support the show

Send a text Ep 314 James Hergott - MMA Film Maker  James Hergott is one of the OG’s when it comes to filming the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.  While currently promoting his film Super Car Saints available on Amazon Prime; his past incudes Striking Truth with George’s St Pierre & Fighting for the Troops.  This episode is special drop where we discuss MMA History current issues along with James past history  It’s a fun listen   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: [email protected] / ph#: 773-491-5052  #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast  Thank You for your support Support the show

Send a text Ep 313 The Fall of EF Battlecade - John Perretti  John Perretti, Battlecade: Extreme Fighting creator/matchmaker & former UFC matchmaker. Deep dive into the promotion's last event via Extreme Fighting 4 (Des Moines, March 28, 1997):  It featured Olympic gold medalists Kenny Monday & Kevin Jackson on one card, along with epic clashes like Paul Jones vs.Eric Paulson and a mid-show power outage, we talk about Gracie hesitancy on certain matchups (including near-misses with big money offers), Bas Rutten bad blood, and John's take on grappler-to-striker limits. Raw, firsthand history from the source. 0:00 MMA history podcast intro   0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction  0:57 interview start  2:19 Extreme fighting 4 in Iowa  3:20 budget for Extreme fighting 4  4:09 Ralph Gracie vs Eugenio Tadeu rumor  6:28 allegedly matchmaking Brazilians to lose fights  7:40 training Igor Zinoviev to fight Royce Gracie  9:47 Bas Rutten altercation with Rickson Gracie  11:55 Roster of fighters at Extreme Fighting 4 12:50 power outage during event  14:14 Allan Goes vs Todd Bjornethun 18:14 Gary Myers vs Tommy Glanville  19:38 Paul Jones vs Erik Paulson  21:22 Kevin Jackson vs John Lober  22:37 creating modern MMA 25:12 Extreme fighting changing how you viewed the sport  26:13 thoughts on Joe Moreira  30:06 John Lober personal issues 32:12 Matt Hume vs Pat Miletich 35:44 financial issues coming into event  37:18 Kenny Monday vs John Lewis  43:47 John Donehue reffing all 4 events  44:43 Maurice Smith vs Kazunari Murakami 51:24 altercation with Ken Shamrock in lobby  56:18 drug issues at the Lions den  58:13 matchmaking fights in the UFC  1:02:05 realizing Extreme fighting is finished  1:05:15 Igor Zinoviev injured out of extreme fighting  1:05:38 receiving a call to work for the UFC 1:10:02 Art Davie’s letter to congress to ban MMA  1:11:41 plugs/ promotions  1:12:42 interview wrap up  1:24:19 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: [email protected] / ph#: 773-491-5052  #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast  Thank You for your support Support the show

Send a text Ep 312 Andy Anderson Federal Prison Andy Anderson was once a Texas entrepreneur owning topless clubs and the notorious All Nude Steakhouse (supplying ring girls for UFC events), Andy's life took a turn - he's now serving a federal sentence for drug conspiracy (30 years) and money laundering (20 years), though he insists he's innocent and was railroaded by false testimony. This audio-only deep dive covers fixed fights, mafia run-ins in Ukraine's IFC event, Japanese afterparties gone wrong, and the grit that built MMA. No holds barred - just raw history from a man who lived it. 0:00 MMA history podcast intro   0:32 Joey Venti’s guest introduction  2:35 interview start  2:52 helping move UFC 12 after cancellation  6:49 attending UFC 1 as a spectator  7:42 becoming involved with the UFC 8:26 fighting NHB in Mexico  9:21 interactions with Julian Sanchez  10:06 relationship with Art Davie 11:27 Art Davie and Bob Meyrowitz relationship  13:14 meeting Buddy Albin  14:27 relationship with Charlie Anzalone 15:04 Buddy Albin being tough to work with  17:25 Andy Anderson vs John Hess  21:00 owning several topless bars 22:09 Cornering Anthony Macias for fixed fight  25:16 Pat smith attacked in Elevator by Tito Ortiz  27:06 Remco Pardoel alleged Marco Ruas of greasing  28:41 Marco Ruas calling out the Gracie’s  29:44 Bas Rutten calling out Rickson Gracie  30:20 Japanese promotions hand picking fights  32:22 Tank Abbott Hard Rock Cafe incident  35:40 interactions with Joe Son and Kimo Leopoldo  38:12 Ken Shamrock dropping women off a balcony  40:04 Art Davie split with Bob Meyrowitz   42:51 living with Frank Shamrock  44:23 living with Scott Bessac 46:01 reason for being locked up  49:36 initial offering for sentencing  51:53 locked up with Tiger King  53:30 amount of time being served  56:45 current living situation  1:00:51 IFC Ukraine Debut controversy  1:08:50 Ron Van Clief  1:10:10 interactions with Leon Spinks 1:11:09 reason for the UFC logo at IFC event  1:12:21 Stuck in Ukraine after IFC event  1:15:48 Bas Rutten Paul Varelans incident   1:19:23 escaping to Paris from Ukraine  1:21:05 the local mafia wanting the tapes  1:22:06 Buddy Albin grab and go plan  1:22:52 Igor Vovchanchyn reputation at IFC event  1:23:52 Art Davie not involved in the IFC  1:25:40 Anthony Macias vs Sakuraba 1:28:30 John McCarthys relationship with Bob Meyrowitz 1:29:30 John Perretti coming to the UFC  1:31:19 Bob Meyrowitz thoughts on John Perretti  1:36:25 early UFC matchmaking  1:37:16 UFC not allowing John Perretti to purchase  1:41:06 Bob Meyrowitz interactions with Oprah Winfrey  1:41:53 fondest memories of the UFC  1:42:38 UFC changing rules because of mark Coleman 1:44:28 Andy Anderson outro  1:45:56 outro/ closing thoughts Subscribe to the Lytes Out Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast Discord: https://discord.gg/s3mV6wyNgv Socials:  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1027449255187255/?mibextid=oMANbw Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/lytesoutpodcast/ iTunes -  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lytes-out-podcast/id1568575809  Spotify -  https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb  Mike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632  Cash App - $mikedavis1231 Venmo - Mike-Davis-63 ZELLE: [email protected] / ph#: 773-491-5052  Follow t Support the show