FIGHTLORE: Evan Tanner, The Warrior Wanderer

Natural athlete and independent spirit Evan Tanner made for an unlikely UFC champion. His friends and teammates recall how his pursuit of the extreme led to both success and unimaginable tragedy.
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[@ryanhart6742]

Was fortunate to be friends and teammates with. Evan. My Son was born a Month after his Death. My Sons name is Evan Tanner Hart in his Honor

[@deucey89]

Tragic loss, one of the real OG's

[@hoopslaa5235]

Hate people that use unoriginal prophetic lame one liners. He didn’t OG any thing man. Nothing. He wasn’t early in the game, he didn’t help build the company. There’s nothing OG about him. He’s one of dozens of good guys in the sport. But actually and factually in hind sight he was just a lost meat head. He had no skills otherwise and no great intelligence, nothing. These glorifying snippets are just trying to create content. Now don’t get your Gstrings all twisted boys. Don’t try to ask who I am. Doesn’t matter who I am, I’m not the subject of conversation here. But if you must know I’m a world teaveller 17yr ex airline employee been around the world a handful of times already and own a few properties in sunny SoCal beaches. So I got ten times the life experience that evan had. There’s no Great mystery to life. Sorry folks. None of us mean anything and no one’s important. Sadly he was t going to find anything in the desert besides what he found. Death and emptiness. That’s why no one’s out there. It’s all burnt and dead. Humans trying to find something new anywhere are just lost mentally trying to search internally. Theres not much uncovered. Like the delusional guy that tried to contact the north sentenalise tribe and they killed him. People are delusional.

[@rickyball5165]

A real man who wasn't afraid to live each day like it was his last day. You only die once but everyday you get to wake up you get a chance to live.

[@billygoatgruff2900]

I could never feel sorry or bad for Evan. Started with nothing, reached the top, fell down, made a comeback and literally walked off into sunset. R.I.P Legend

[@williamfoster7072]

Man well said!

[@houseadams4841]

He was an alcoholic who was battling mental health issues and died a horrible death in brutal conditions… He needed help. I’m an Evan fan, was for years… Dude was an absolute warrior, so much raw talent that was never quite harnessed properly… And we’re talking about a guy that became a UFC World Champion in what I would consider the “modern era”. Did things his way… The way of the wonderer… Not to be sappy.. But…. He needed help that he never got.. and it costed him his life. Tragic. His title winning performance against David Terrell… Is one of the best title fights / 1-Round fights ever.. Loved watching him compete.

[@hugh2hoob668]

​@@houseadams4841alcoholics are already dehydrated most times too

[@mr.brenman2132]

​@@houseadams4841 Our lives are in our own hands. It's not like he was suffering for weeks.

[@RomeroMero255]

Rest in peace, man. Evan was such a pioneer of MMA. Rip

[@suckyxmcsuck]

Great documentary. I remember I saw Evan train at my gym when I was a teenager. He was quiet and calm, but would look at people in the eyes, and he gave people confidence. I barely spoke to him but I just remember his presence. He spoke with his eyes and his demeanor, his aura, if that makes sense. RIP

[@corey69000]

That must have been a very special experience. RIP

[@AnglephileSwedenGerman]

It makes total sense, us who know, know

[@CodPast]

Imagine sleeping in a trailer shortly after fighting for the world championship. The way UFC treats their fighters is an absolute disgrace.

[@devriestown]

R.I.P Hope you found yourself

[@josephsorrendino4920]

Truly a warrior monk.

[@davidedwards3838]

I can't believe it's been 12 years. Man, life flashes by.

[@merkins87]

16 years now, mate- your point definitely still stands!

[@davidedwards3838]

@merkins87 bloody hell that even worse. My oldest son, who is a teenager, wasn't even born yet. I can clearly remember reading his power of one posts. It just doesn't make sense that it was that long ago.

[@merkins87]

​@@davidedwards3838 I used to read his MySpace posts, and he did mention having a beer breakfast or 2 on there. I know mate: I was on exchange in Mexico back then, pushing hard for my blue belt in bjj.. now I have a child of my own, teaching martial arts & I'm going to be 37 this year- Evan Tanner's age.

[@sourarmoredhero7765]

Evan has and will forever be one of my favorite fighters. I remember watching him win the UFC middleweight title and to this day it's still one of my fondest MMA memories.

[@budb8226]

As a kid..I watched...this individual..hurts..

[@burtbakerack1110]

I exchanged a few messages with Evan on Facebook when he was working on his boat. Was sad to see him struggle. I hope he found peace.

[@effthisneffu]

Nothing but respect for a real legend. Wish he was still around

[@sreeenivas00706]

RIP Evan 😢 . He was one of the best!

[@brandonGCHACHU]

One of the things that impressed me about Evan was that he was self taught in Jiu Jitsu from a book lol. Makes you realize that you can do whatever you want in life if you choose to. No money for training? Train yourself!

[@pathologicalphilosophy1959]

So glad I watched this and got to learn about someone so incredible. The world needs him now more than ever

[@Out-tha-mud-]

RIP one of the OGs of the fight game. Will always be a legend. 🙏

[@ingenious...]

It's truly sad his friend could have saved him. When he mentioned search and rescue his friend should have looked out for him and contacted them right away rather than later on. They could've at least be known of his whereabouts and had a chance to save him.

[@JohnR-vj7lk]

especially when he told him tgat he was out of water. not a very good friend

[@joshthemediocre7824]

Evan is my spirit animal. i hope to be half the man he was.

[@jamesn7305]

When I was going become a dad and I a short piece was on about my hero Evan Tanner passing, I said that's it, his names Evan. And turns out he's a great athlete

[@roguewarrior7217]

Miss this guy

[@brians7901]

The beating he took from rich Franklin was the most incredible display of human toughness I have ever seen. If you are a newer fan, you need to go watch that fight.

[@antonmalinsky7118]

This intro music is becoming my new favorite song. thanks to UFC and the great fighters qnd doc filmakers

[@scottb7347]

it's a blessing to have true friends

[@notshared4072]

Evan sure got his karma paid back in full for sharing a kind word with a fellow student! He's lucky to leave behind such a steadfast friend as Mr. Hannay to eulogize as a legacy. RIP, Tanner.

[@stevent4955]

The road of alcohol always ends badly . Why do people drink alcohol 🍺 ?

[@corey69000]

It doesn’t always. Alcoholism is a terrible disease and the truth is some folks are just predisposed to it, while others simply make bad choices that lead to DUI, death, etc. You have to recognize though that this doesn’t affect everyone, and some can actually handle it responsibly. Alcohol itself is not the issue, it’s more about who uses it and how. (This is not about Evan Tanner)

[@tomgabriel5150]

Depression, anxiety, ptsd, trauma etc.

[@stevent4955]

@@tomgabriel5150 4 idiotic reasons to drink alcohol . Thank you for your input douche bag

[@robirhodes7411]

Great man and Ty to his friend for sharing !

[@vegeta420z6]

I trained at team quest in 2005, and never crossed paths with Evan while I was there. I eventually got kicked out of the gym, and had the opportunity to train with Evan at Curts ultimate fitness and fighting arts (Curts gym). I took some time off training and got to train with him again at Braveheart MMA, never saw him outside the gym but seemed like a cool guy, definitely some social awkwardness but aren't we all a little off. RIP.

[@klintonantich7513]

That's awesome you trained at Curts gym, I went there for about a year when Jerald Moorer was helping out. Unfortunately I never ran into Evan but I can tell by the documentary that's he was a solid guy

[@DavidBarton777]

R.I.P. evan and the all the old g's That we have lost 🙏🏻

[@truegreensmokerconcrete6149]

Beautiful stuff .. best documentary I’ve seen on KZbin in some time great work 👍🏻

[@RMJerich0]

Legend.

[@josephdegeorge2027]

i still get sad thinking about him and how it all ended. a great martial artist

[@theoneandonlycarlton]

What A Great Guy. RIP Man.

[@RogerLoera]

This is beautiful! I vividly remember when I first read the article about Evan's death in Men's Journal. As I was reading it, it truly felt like I was watching an Academy Award Film. Very profound and very well written article. I cut the entire article out of the magazine and saved those pages and I still read that article every so often. Very touching piece. Great man. Please, if you do find this article READ IT! Maybe one day they will make a movie about this man.

[@JA-ev7om]

R.i.p brother. Team Tanner for life.

[@markmzhickteno7274]

Peace be with you CHAMP!!!

[@stevebrown9002]

rest in power Evan

[@dominator146]

Really needed to hear this today the power of one

[@nathanray4927]

Legend!

[@da1onlynickvicious]

I would read a book written by Evan tanner .. that would’ve been great

[@markwatson5995]

'Be true, dream big, live strong'

[@saulosilva1236]

Real man are like these in my opnion, kind, strong, emphatic. I didnt knew that much about him despite the fighting, im impressed. I guess he is still causing waves.

[@Mauvaiseodeur]

We lost Amazing gentlemen like : Evan Tanner Elias Theodorou "Kid" Yamamoto Kevin Randleman Stephan Bonnar Anthony "Rumble" Jonhson Josh Samman Etc.. Terribles loses for MMA World, these men were to young for die :( ✝️

[@user-ff6hp6xy3s]

Surprisingly, lots of them died recently, suddenly, and developed long term conditions that could be attributed to a side effect. We'll never know...

[@craiganczelowitz7225]

well, other than rumble beating on women and all.......

[@shanenashsr]

RIP legend! You will not be forgotten

[@michaelrodriguez1244]

Hi remember renting DVD's from Hollywood Video, and watching his fights. He's one of my all-time favorite fighters. RIP Evan

[@stephaniestone1012]

Some of the 1st fights I saw in ufc was Tanner vs Rich Franklin I think the 2nd fight…here I am years later still a fan thanks to that fight

[@cabilgibbs]

Love ya Bro.. you are Unique!

[@cambo6911]

I always enjoyed watching Evan compete, he was gritty competitor, solid dude, and a great ambassador to the sport of MMA, a very unique individual indeed.

[@kanebanner]

Used to talk to him online. Was a really nice dude.

[@worldscollide2796]

Wow, no words. I like that this has been brought to light. His life deserves to be celebrated by the people who weren’t into mma at that time. Or may have only seen highlights of classic fights. This gives us an insight into the person 🫡🙏

[@hugh2hoob668]

Evan Tanner had that Shawn Micheals look and voice 😂

[@jayhamiltonwild]

Great piece UFC, thank you for honouring some of the earlier warriors! Poor guy was dealing with massive traumas, but alcohol never helps! The desert is brutal, his friend should have called search and rescue straight away, without a request! The deadly sun without water will kill you fast! I'm Australian we have similar desert 🙏 rest in peace evan! God bless you brother🙏 your a true good man deep down! And you were the champion of the UFC! Amazing

[@NIJHR]

"what if you never lost yourself?' a minute later 'you have to lose yourself to find yourself'

[@Childofsaxonwood]

Great series 😊

[@Shmyrk]

24:12 *“Believe in the Power of One”* If even one of us implements Evans philosophy as a motive force for doing Good, he will have made the change he sought to.

[@LouSpedale]

R. I. P. Evan Tanner. You are missed.

[@yankees29]

I remember watching him fight Baroni. I went to school with Phil so everyone I knew was watching. Evan beat him pretty convincingly. He was a tough SOB. RIP

[@Squatch34]

Not all who wander are lost. RIP

[@vegeta420z6]

Would love to see one of these on Robert Follis, he never fought in the UFC but he was behind the scenes training many of the TQFC guys that made impacts in the UFC. Was really odd when Robert took his own life, because when I knew him he was super positive and upbeat about everything, and always tried bringing people up around him.

[@AnglephileSwedenGerman]

Evan will always be a champion

[@LIVEFOREVERHD]

These are dope

[@super-man1088]

Second one rip tanner 🙏

[@kduffin33]

These are amazing, would love to see more docs like this!!

[@tylerscott2116]

I think the first fight I saw Tanner in Tito got the underhooks and slammed him ferociously from a basic bearhug body lock position and knocked him out with a slam. It scared me just how easy it is to knock someone out with a basic grappling move.

[@lolmouf]

this is where spiritual belief crashes against reality. Sometimes you need to be rational and logical or you will die.

[@IvynTaasin]

Believe in the power of one

[@user-ww1vr9ss5f]

It’s sad that men who aren’t as real as Tanner become idols of humanity. Opinion leaders and role models.. Happy travels Evan! I hope you find peace!😐

[@nedaCFilms]

Bas Rutten said that Evan Tanner was the ONLY man that could drink him under the table….

[@jorismous1422]

Seems like a legit good person.. beatnik martial artist!!

[@kittychancool888]

These kids don't know about Evan Tanner 🎉

[@lakanron640]

We truly lost a great guy.

[@_brandonkeith-te5oj]

🙏

[@thegreenmercenary]

Great documentary. Thank you. I'm really glad I know more about Evan Tanner the man now.

[@cultofmodernism8477]

Who's making these videos? They're awesome.

[@secretmuse420]

Evan wasn’t an idiot, he just approached that trip with a “whatever happens, happens” approach. I’ve done that myself, surfed big waves alone, gone backpacking multiple days alone and not telling others where I am. Done cocaine with hookers not knowing if it was cut with anything deadly. Depression and loneliness/emptiness always present. I don’t want to die, but my behavior indicates otherwise.

[@scottiewaters7684]

R.I.P. Evan. A true pioneer and legend.!

[@joebuczkowski8605]

That danita is pretty 😍

[@charlescharlemagne4907]

Record of 16-1 after only two years as a pro. They don't make em like they used to.

[@horvatgaming5990]

this fightlore videos are 🤌

[@theriskid]

Wonderful to see Phil Baroni getting smashed @8:22. Thank you for that, Evan Tanner. R.I.P.

[@yankees29]

I went to high school with Phil. Not exactly the most liked guy.😂

[@billythedreamer]

I like to think the ufc had a soul and it was Tanner. He was the total embodiment of a warrior in their search for spiritual nirvana. When he went to the desert, that was the UFC figuring out the path it was going to take. To stay true to the warrior path and not achieve the potential success, or to embrace money/success and to lose your soul. I think the ufc, as an entity, decided on the latter and gave away tanner/its soul for what it is now.

[@georgemartyn5268]

19:30 "I was working and I couldn't go"

[@energybarr4]

I missed my best friends messages before he died..

[@scottb7347]

:(

[@energybarr4]

@@scottb7347

[@scottb7347]

respect to Randy btw

[@Nogi520]

It's crazy that this dude learned bjj of a vhs

[@rener44]

Movie is in the works

[@jamesrudd6757]

It's hard to think about it for a reason so only y'all know what that reason is. Mental health can be horrible if you let it

[@jailbreakoverlander]

And just another reason to hate Tito Ortiz.

[@jcmac7709]

Forest either got something else in that cup or severe CTE

[@davestonehill6177]

What a shame. He seemed like a good guy. RIP.

[@mor9n243]

I drank cases of beer daily and also thought my liver was too far gone but tests and x-rays showed minimal damage Evan I think bought into the belief that he was dead already so he went on that trip He could of healed his liver if he stayed sober

[@100racks88]

Is he in the hof? He should be . Evan was a solid dude rip

[@bryanfrombuffalo7685]

17:38 maybe he had cirrhosis and or issues w a ped cycle he ran in conjuction w booze Idk its a tragic event either way😢

[@Whateveryoutube-cs9gi]

Very good story, but if the one guy called search and rescue the day after he heard from him.. what happened? He was already dead when they showed up the next day?

[@dylanr8481]

What's done is done.

[@dbnoho]

No one mentions that headbutt is what ended the Tito fight.

[@christopherrefusal4843]

From nothing, held the chip, walked off into the sun. See you in oblivion, brother.

[@explorewithme4707]

My sherlock skills says he was drunk riding his bike. Drove until he was out of gas in the desert. Woke up hungover and dehydrated. Had little to no water. Sun came up hit 100 degrees plus. Dried him up like a prune and he died.

[@bryanfrombuffalo7685]

He was probably detoxing of booze...i could see him doing that

[@erikwalters3009]

Seems like nobody was there for the man.all he needed was help