1. Untamed Ferocity
Few men have matched David Abbott’s untamed ferocity in the cage, and no one felt his wrath quite like John Matua at UFC 6 on July 14, 1995 in Casper, Wyoming.
Their tournament quarterfinal lasted all of 18 seconds, and none of them went well for Matua. The monstrous 400-pound Californian came face to face with the man they call “Tank.” Seven strikes were landed in the bout, all of them by Abbott, the majority of them clubbing right hands. Matua stumbled on multiple occasions, only to return to his feet to absorb further damage. Abbott continued to uncork right hooks to the side of the head until an unconscious Matua hit the canvas, his arms rigid and outstretched. “Tank” delivered one final diving right hand to the defenseless Matua, as the impact stiffened him into a V and had his legs shaking involuntarily. Abbott showed no regard for his opponent’s well-being, as he stood over him and mocked the unfortunate state in which he found himself.
Sportsmanship at its finest it was not, but Abbott had nevertheless made certain his professional MMA debut would be unforgettable.