Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: Borderline Candidates, Part 1

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David Abbott
“Tank” Ultimate Fighting Championship (1995-2003); Rumble on the Rock (2005); Pride Fighting Championships (2005); Strikeforce (2006); Cage Rage (2007); EliteXC (2008); War Gods (2009); King of the Cage (2013)
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CASE FOR: There was no more colorful character in the early days of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Abbott in many ways symbolized the outlaw sport of the time and fought many of its biggest stars. His loudmouth style made him a memorable figure that is well remembered to this day. He also pioneered the use of today’s MMA gloves and scored some of the most unforgettable highlight-reel knockouts of the period. CASE AGAINST: With that said, Abbott lost to pretty much every high-level opponent he ever faced and plenty of fighters who were not at such a high level. When put in the position to sell tickets and pay-per-views as a featured attraction, he usually fell short. VERDICT: Should he go in? No.

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