Evan Tanner
Evan Tanner was born on 11th February 1971 in Amarillo, Texas. Graduated from the “Caprock High School”, Evan is a professional mixed martial arts fighter.
Right from his school age, he was an active participant in wrestling. This was seen, when he won the “Texas State Championships” in 1989. Deciding to leave his college halfway, Tanner then traveled around the country for a few years. It was much after that, when he decided to return to Amarillo and enter a local mixed martial arts tournament, to begin his professional career in this field.
He began his career in 1997, with a win against “Mike Kennedy” at the “USWF 4- Unified Shoot Wrestling Federation”. After a series of wins in the “USWF” he moved on to the “PSDA” with a win against “Joe Frailey”. Tanner made his debut in the “Ultimate Fighting Championships” by winning against “Darrel Gholar” at “UFC 18”. His last match was a win against “Justin Levens” at “UFC-59”. With his first defeat at the UFC against “Franklin”, Tanner decided to be a part of the “Middle weight division”. This would give him an added advantage, as he would be physically bigger than other athletes in this division.
Tanner has been titled the “UFC- Middleweight Champion” and the “USWF- Heavyweight Champion”. He also won the “Championship Gold” at the “USFC 7” which, he retained for fives continuous matches. His records shape his career with 32 wins and 6 losses.
Tanner is known for “teaching himself”. He trains himself, by using instructional videotapes of various submissions and grappling techniques. However, he then changed this method, once he made his debut in the “Ultimate Fighting Championships”. He moved on and trained with various profession MMA fighters, after which he trained with the “American Top Team”.
Evan Tanner is currently building a foundation for all those MMA artists, who do not get the right direction and the right kind of training. He has set up this foundation in his own house, which he has refurnished according to the athletes needs. It was in February 2007, when Tanner announced that, twelve athletes from six different weight classes would reside in his house. These members will train in the “Braveheart Gym”. Professional fighters and trainers will help them mould their training sessions further.
Currently, Tanner will be moving to California, where he would continue his MMA career. He is also planning to become the official member of the “Chute Boxe Team”. His main focus as if now, is to develop his foundation.
In all, Tanner had had a life, which includes living every aspect of what he enjoys. Being a dishwasher, plumber, landscaper to a steel worker, Tanner has done it all. A “Buddhist” by religion, Tanner believes that fighting is not what defines him. It’s an act that will help him, accomplish his ultimate purpose of life.
By Sherdog.com Staff
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