Team Tanner Represents the Fans

The following was sent out via Evan Tanner's official MySpace account:

I have been competing as a professional fighter for ten years. I was there near the beginning when the sport was small, struggling for legitimacy and acceptance. I was there when there was little pay, and little recognition, the only support coming from a small, hardcore underground fan base. We didn't fight for the money. We didn't fight for fame or glory. We were warriors fighting for the love of competion. I have been there since the beginning. I am one of those warriors.

I have watched the sport grow from those humble beginnings into the worldwide phenomenom is has become today. I am thankful the sport is finally getting the recognition it deserves, but it has lost much of it's purity along the way. It is now full of corporate sponsors looking to cash in, glamour boys looking for money and fame, so many people and groups working so many angles, all trying to get a piece, very few involved because of a true love of the sport. So many looking for the payout with no regard for pride or honor.

I don't want to play that game, using any angle to make a buck at the expense of my own self respect, begging the big companies for money, selling out to the highest bidder, stepping out to the ring looking like a walking billboard, my shirt and shorts plastered with logos of products I don't even use, insulting the intelligence of the fans with that display, wasting their time naming and thanking endless sponsors in interviews. I don't want to play that game.

Sponsorship is necessary though. I thought about the one thing besides myself, that I would be proud to represent when I step in the octagon. It's the fans. That is real. What could be more honorable, and what could I have more pride in representing than the fans that make this sport possible, and all the fans that have been there supporting me through the years?

So here it is. I'm going old school. I'm going to play by my own rules. The only sponsorship I will accept is from the fans. We are starting Team Tanner to make this vision a reality. It's a way for fans of MMA to be directly involed, to be a part of something real, and take things back to something pure. To those who become a part of it, when I step into the octagon, I will be representing you. Together we'll make this our game, and we'll play by our own rules.

I you are interested in being a part of Team Tanner, please contact Joel at teamtanner@gmail.com for more information. All members will receive an official Team Tanner T-shirt and other goodies, plus access to the Team website.

Tanner Signs with UFC, Then Gets Robbed

The UFC might be losing top middleweights in Yushin Okami and Nate Marquardt, but according to a MySpace bulletin sent out by Evan Tanner, the former champion has just signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC...

"Former Middleweight Champ Back in '08

K.A.O.S. caught up with former UFC Middleweight Champ Evan Tanner who broke the news that he signed a 4 fight deal with UFC. Date, time and opponent still to be determined. Listen to interview at:http://www.kennyholland.com/ "

Another bulletin was sent out today from Evan. It doesn't give any further detail about his return to the UFC, but at least he’s been spending time at a gym...

"If whoever took my stuff reads this:I'm really disappointed. I had some things stolen out of my Land Cruiser last night while it was parked in front of the gym. The UFC had just given me a brand new workout bag full of shirts and beanies, with a personalized engraved name tag. They took that. What I'm most upset about though, is that they took all of my mma trading cards that I sign for the fans and the kids. Come on now, that's really uncool. It was all in a storage container in the back of the Cruiser. I'm not sure what else was in it. If whoever did this happens to read this, be cool, at least give my trading cards back. I need those for the fans. It would also be nice to have the name tag back. My car will be in the same place as it was last night. You can just drive by and throw the cards in the back. No questions asked. It would be nice to have everything returned, but at least give the cards back."

Evan Tanner looking for sponsors...

...for his friend.

The following message was sent out via Evan Tanner's MySpace account yesterday:

Date: Oct 23, 2007 4:04 PM

Subject: Need sponsors for talented young fighter

Body: I'm posting this for my friend Ian. He's a very talented up and coming fighter. He could use some sponsors to help with training expenses. I expect big things from him. If any of you have any ideas, please contact him, or I can be contacted through my profile.

Here is the link to his myspace account.

http://www.myspace.com/tcobsfinest

Thanks

Evan

Evan Tanner's Numbered Soldiers

The following was sent out via Evan Tanner's MySpace earlier this morning:

The date is set. Who’s joining this band of rabble rousers?

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

That is the day. Something new begins.

I have set up a group here on MySpace for everyone who wants to be part of the adventure. It will be a private forum, a place where everyone can exchange ideas, and tell some stories without being harassed. Can't go in unless you're a member. Let's make this fun though. Everyone who wants to be a part of it has to sign up a MySpace account under "Soldier Number 1" Soldier Number 2" etc. I've already checked it out, they're available. If you need another email to create the new account, there is always hotmail, and yahoo. I had this idea of finding a T-Shirt sponsor that would be willing to make shirts for everyone. BELIEVE at the top and SOLDIER NO. 1,2,3 below, etc. etc. Just for fun. Wearing it would be a show of support for everyone with enough courage to join this little band of brothers and make some changes in their lives. I'll wear one for all of you when I step back in the Octagon. Who knows, just an idea.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out my posting from October 1.

Choosing to be Strong

Another day, another MySpace bulletin from Evan Tanner. Here's the latest:

Not a victim

October 2, 2007

6:29 pm

What I would like to do is set up a forum on my website, where those who want to be a part of this journey, can sign up and exchange ideas, and maybe help each other out a little. I would like for this forum to be private sot can't be viewed unless someone is a member. I would also like to set up a blog which allows comments. I would like to be able to tell the story of my struggles, and give everyone the chance to tell theirs. I want to set up a place where people can help each other make changes. I don't like the idea of AA, or rehab, etc. where a person is brainwashed into accepting the label of loser, that they have a disease, that it's not their fault, whatever. They carry that with them the rest of their life. I want to set up a place where someone can come, and just admit that they have some bad habits, maybe do too much of something, drinking, drugs, smoking. eating, etc. It's not a disease or a genetic defect. Some are weaker for certain vices, but we have free will, we make our own choice everyday.

I want a place where people can choose to be strong, choose to have courage to change some bad habits, and be proud of themselves the rest of their lives. The support system is important though. We are social animals and we all need friends. We need that connection and understanding. I'm willing to tell my story of my weakness, tell my story and face the embarrassment, the media articles, the ridicule. I would like to let those who are struggling know they are not alone. I’m not a victim. I take full responsibility for what I’ve done and where I am in life. I don’t feel sorry for myself, so don’t feel sorry for me either. I just thought telling my story, baring my ass to the world, might help someone, even if it’s only one.

My web designer doesn't really have the resources at the moment to get all of that set up. He's helped me out so much. I owe him a lot. He's the reason my website even exists. So for this adventure we're about to start, we're going to have to use myspace for now.

The Evan Tanner Saga Continues

The following message was sent out via Evan Tanner's MySpace account:

October 1, 2007

10:26 pm

I am setting a date.

I have been drinking like a madman for fifteen years.

I am done with it.

I am setting a date.

It has ruined my career. It has ruined my health. I have lost the respect of my peers. I have lost my family. I have lost so many friends. I have lost the women I have loved. I have been arrested, wrecked cars, spent nights in jail, gotten in fights, gambled and drunk away hundreds of thousands of dollars, raged like a beast, talked like a fool. I lost my home, gone deep into debt, ruined my credit, and now I’m at risk of losing the last few things I own. I have destroyed my life. All because of drinking. I have made so many mistakes. I have disappointed so many who believed in me. Embarrassed so many who loved me. Almost everything bad that can be said about a man, has been said about me.

I am done with it.

I am setting a date.

There will be those of you who understand me, who will hear me. There will be those who laugh, and ridicule. I am willing to bear the weight of that if any of these words might reach anyone, might have meaning to anyone, if this vision might give hope to anyone.I choose to BelieveI will always believe there is some magic out there. I will always believe there is some magic within me. If we stop believing, our spirits die. I refuse to let my spirit die.

I choose to Believe.

I am setting a date.

I am setting a date, and on that day I will stop drinking. That will be the day I begin to be a better man. That will be the day I begin to find the best of me. That will be the day I begin to find the best of what life can be. I want to find the magic. Join me. If you want to make a change in your life, join me. If any of you want to find the best of yourself, join me. If you want to find your own magic, join me. I am going to quit drinking, get back into training, and step into the Octagon again, and when I do, it will be dedicated to all of you who have the courage to believe in the best of what you can be, all of you who have the courage to stand up with me and face your fears and weaknesses. We will stand shoulder to shoulder, an unconquerable army. BELIEVE in what you can do, and it will happen.I am setting a date.It has been said that I am done, that I will never fight again. It has been said that I have no chance of ever being a champion again. I refuse to accept that. I challenge you to believe in yourself. I challenge you to do what they say can not be done. Join this army of unconquerable souls.

I choose to believe.

I am setting a date.

Come Back, Evan!

I came across a Sherdog thread that led me to this sad bit of news from Kodiak MMA favorite and former UFC middleweight champion Evan Tanner:

I haven't written in so long I'm not sure where to start. My stay in Oceanside has been one big misadventure. It's beautiful here. I have met some of the best people, but it is not my place for now. I've done nothing but get into trouble. I quit drinking for a while. I was doing so well. I thought I was in control of that vice. I went out with some friends and decided to have a beer. It's been downhill since. I'm drained of money. My friends are worn out with me. I've gotten tickets. I've spent thousands on the boat. I've been in fights, accidentally pushed police officers. I've met beautiful women and hurt their feelings, I sailed out on the ocean, I sank a boat, and I got into a fight with the woman who has been my best friend. She is losing faith in me. I hope we will find our peace soon.

My friend Jorge took care of me. He took time out of his work to build and engine for me, and he has a family to take care of. So much time and effort and mad scrambling, while I drank beer. The plan was to take her south to find a harbor for her. I had used up my time here. We didn't leave early enough. The swell was big. She started taking on water. The bilge pump went out. We were miles out, desparately bailing out water. We made it into Mission Bay as night fell. Being unfamiliar with the bay, and finding it diffucult to navigate in the dark, we ran aground. I stayed up all night, much of it spent down in the hold in the cold water trying to save her. I tried, but I couldn't do it. She was hurt too much. She lies there now, on her side in Mariners Cove in Mission Bay. I don't know what to do. I think I have pneumonia now. I've been staying on the couch at my friend Dan's house for the last week, too sick to take care of any business. Those in power are asking for more money than I have to pull her out, and it's a criminal offense if I don't do something with her soon. She's been there a week now. She is a classic, and I hate to have her cut up. I would sign her over to someone for free if they wanted to take here over, sails and hardware included. She is a beautiful boat.

I've been on the road for almost two years. I'm tired. I'm tired of drinking, I'm tired of living out of bags, I'm tired of not feeling home. And where is home? I imagine being in the gym again. I imagine stepping into the Octagon again, and in some strange way, those thoughts bring me comfort. That is my home. I know it's time to come home.

I have not been training at all, despite what the rumors say. I've signed no fights. I'm so far gone, living on the road, drinking myself into oblivion, that in moments of weakness, I wonder if I can make it back. It's going to be a long road. I started drinking heavily, long before fighting was even a thought in my head. There was a definite reason I began. There was a method to my madness with good purpose. I'll tell that story later.

I never wanted to be a fighter. I never dreamed of it. Those I most respected were men of peace. Despite what the general public thinks, I don't train full time or year round. I never have. Throughout my career, if you wish to call it that, I have been a heavy drinker. I've only trained for a month or two at a time when I sign a fight. Sometimes I've put down the alchohol, sometimes I haven't. I think the fights where I haven't are obvious.

I keep having this idea of what I could do, what I could be if I put put the vices aside and dedicated myself to the sport. I've been obsessed with the idea lately. It's funny. A friend told me I was doing Wing Chun in my sleep, lying there, working techniques. The next night I was throwing elbows and knees. I take it as a sign.

All that has been on my mind is getting back in the gym. As soon as I can take care of the boat, that is where I will be.

I hope so.

Ladies and Gentlemen...Evan Tanner!

That's what I'm talking about!

Evan "No Nickname" Tanner - whether braided, bearded, or bald - is one of my guys. Always will be. Talks of him fighting on the UFC 76 card in September has brought me a pleasure I haven't known since I discovered Ben & Jerry's cinnamon bun ice cream.

For the benefit of those who may not know, here's the scoop on one of MMA's most beloved stars.

It was the late 90's and Tanner out for adventure, "collecting stories that I would be able to tell to my future children and grand children," he says. He was passing through of Amarillo, Texas, his hometown, when he decided that being in a local shoot fighting event "would be a really interesting story," he explains.

Tanner signed up for the next local fight card, intending his fight career to begin and end that very night. Long story short, he won the local heavyweight tournament and was invited to fight for a title.

Having learned the finer points of MMA under his own tutelage for the most part, Tanner was more than battle-tested by the time he debuted in the octagon at UFC 29 in 2000, having seen action against the likes of Paul Buentello, Heath Herring (twice), Ikuhisa Minowa, Justin McCully, and Travis Fulton.

After beating Elvis Sinosic, Shannon Rich, Phil Baroni (twice) and Robbie Lawler, the only man between Tanner and the middleweight championship was a very dangerous and a much younger Davis Terrell, who had been highly touted for his Gracie jiu-jitsu prowess and for having knocked out the legendary Matt Lindland in the first round. (Note: I hadn't seen Lindland dropped like that, and I don't think I have since.) Terrell was for real.

Early on against Tanner at UFC 51 (Feb. 5, 2005), things looked good for Terrell, who had secured what looked like a night-ending guillotine on Tanner. Somehow, Tanner popped his head out, found himself on top of a fatigued Terrell, and peppered him with what seemed like a never-ending barrage of punches and elbows. With just 25 seconds left in the first round, the referee rightfully stopped the fight. Evan Tanner was the new middleweight king.

In his first title defense four months later, Tanner took on Rich "Ace" Franklin, who'd beaten Tanner decisively back in 2003. In their rematch, Franklin picked up right where their first fight left off, earning a vicious TKO win and the middleweight belt. Four months later at Ultimate Fight Night 2, Tanner fell farther down the 185-pound food chain after suffering a highlight reel whooping from the very tough, very Canadian David Loiseau.

Tanner returned to the octagon in April, 2006 at UFC 59, where he choked out Justin Levens in the first round. After that, Evan stepped away from the UFC and MMA altogether.

In December, 2006, Tanner set up an MMA foundation for disadvantaged young men and remodeled his home for the prospective foundation members. For a variety of reasons, the foundation hit a rough patch, and last month, Tanner pulled the plug on the foundation - for now, at least. Tanner poured his heart into helping young fighters at risk, so with this project now defunct, Tanner has redirected his efforts toward the UFC 185-pound division.

Evan Tanner will now fight under the Chute Boxe USA banner in what I hope will be his return journey to the top of the middleweight mountain.

"I think that no matter how peaceful we live, we all have a little anger inside. Maybe that is why I fight. It's not who I am, it's not how I define myself. It's just something I do. I could just as easily be doing anything else, but fighting is what the fates put before me. There must be some ultimate purpose to it." - Evan Tanner