All I can say is your a real person chael. My respect went up for you tenfold. That was the realest 8 minutes I’ve ever heard. You lost a brother. I couldn’t imagine how sad/angry you must have felt when it happened. Rest In Peace the self taught champ Evan Tanner
@Jon B He was the middleweight champion for a period of time. I think he was DAMN good. If you can say you’ve been a champion in the UFC, then you’re pretty good.
@@lillyanp4 He must mean compared to fighters today, which makes sense. Rich Franklin probably wouldn't get in the top 10 today and he was better than Evan if my memory serves me correctly.
I remember when Even Tanner died- how it shook up the whole MMA community in Utah where I was living at the time. I didn’t know Even, but I knew a couple guys who did. I’m sure they would appreciate this kind of honesty.
Throwdown was the gym 22 miles south of Salt Lake and it rocked our Gym. The thing that always makes me remember is he died the day before my birthday and exactly 3 weeks after my first professional Fight. A few fighters at the gym "made it" to the UFC, LOOKING back they seemed like they took it the hardest. Time Fly's.
@@tysoncowan5192 No, it’s Ramsey Dewey. I only met Ramsey Nijem once at an MMA event in Salt Lake City. He said “So, your name is Ramsey too, huh?” I said, “Yep.” And then we both nodded knowingly because there are so few people on earth with that name, that you get teased so much as a child because of it that you basically have to grow up to become a cage fighter.
You can tell how this still bothers Chael with his tone, Evan was dumb for doing this period and people like Chael are some of the few guys to keep it real about it.
@@loslo5684 he was a grown man who made his own decision, he already had thoughts of and wanted to do it. can’t blame random people on the internet for this
@@rhysjones1108 yes he was grown and yes he made his own decisions but you can't underestimate the power of words. They can literally make or break people. That's why we should watch what we say
@@loslo5684 he was already planning it out and studied to try and pull This trip off. He didn’t get the idea from random internet people and then get pushed to do it. Words are powerful I agree but he already had the mind set to do it with or without a few people encouraging him online
I fought Evan in his home town of Amarillo for the World Heavyweight Championship of Unified Shoot Wrestling Federation. He was the toughest person I even fought in the Ring, Cage or the street. He humbled my big ass. We talked a long time at the after party. Was the nicest guy I knew. I was the big guy in his Documentary. RIP Evan.
@MrBrenman 21 do you seriously think IMMA is more popular than NBA, NFL, or baseball? Most people could recognize LeBron James, but not Jon Jones husband on top for just as long. Especially when Evan Tanner died, who made his name a decade prior to that.
@MrBrenman 21 Listen I've been watching all of these guys for the last 15 years but no one in the street knows who fedor is or bob sapp or ken shamrock are. japan is a tiny country & actually mma was probably more popular there in the late 90'a & early 2000's than in is now. thirdly Ronda Rousey and Connor McGregor are very popular. perhaps more popular than the sport itself even. That just shows you that the sport itself isnt that mainstream. This year it grow soo much, it being the only live sport to watch for a while but Demetious Johnson Couldn't even get into a club after his title title defense and being a current champion, it's a story told by Daniel Cormier. That just shows how not popular even some of the longtime champions are.
@MrBrenman21 you're looking at it from an American standpoint UFC fighters more recognisable around the world than LeBron most countries have their own sports I'm an Australian we have Australian football and rugby and yes basketball ect but every country love UFC and martial arts 💯
@@Jessica-to8um You both critique calling Evan an alcoholic and claim that he went into the desert to get free of alcohol because the presence of people made him drink. Idgaf what you think of Chael, but anyone with any experience in nature knows Evan was either committing suicde or was just an egotistical idiot.
This is a sad video. I was a fan of Evan Tanner, but sadly never got to meet him. I did however get to meet Robert Follis at a Team Quest mini camp, he was a walking encyclopedia of MMA knowledge. RIP Evan Tanner & RIP coach Follis
I clearly remember reading Evan’s blogs and this is completely on point. I was a young impressionable guy and was compelled by Evan’s writing. I’m a little older and realize that Chael couldn’t be more right (as usual)
I can hear the pain and frustration in his voice. This is quite possibly the most honest and real Chanel Sonnen you’ll ever get to witness. I’ve too lost a close friend due to sheer stupidity and it is exhaustingly frustrating knowing that if someone just set him straight and said dude you’re an idiot don’t do that he’d still be around. Condolences mate
Same. Friend of mine died due to sheer stupidity and disregard for his safety, and the hole he left in his friend circle, to his family, and to his girlfriend (whom he had just moved in with a week prior) will never heal. Most of the time I'm not even sad, I'm angry.
Sounds like he could have used some serious therapy starting at a young age. Displaying heavy mania with the grandiose ideas, not sleeping and alcohol abuse. Its a shame that there’s a stigma of being weak if you go talk to someone to get your mind right, and in Evan’s case, probably some strong meds to balance things out. Mental health is just as important as physical well being!!
Justin - My thoughts exactly. He clearly needed some sort of help-what that was who knows. He wasn't right in the head for sure. Poor fella thought he was doing the right thing. And had a flock of supporters probably in just as much need of help as him nagging him on. What a shame....
Its tough hearing your emotions around your brother. Sorry for your loss, unfortunately life is never fair nor will it be. Best of luck with this Chael.
You see a lot of bad advice on the internet. Not everyone should do shrooms or run marathons. Evan was encouraged to go on those weird pilgrimages that cost him his life
A lot of people go out into the elements (mountains, desert, oceans, etc.) and don't fully prepare or do any kind of research beforehand. With the internet, even simple searches can be very helpful to find out weather, preparedness, and alert information for an area BEFORE you go. Bringing the right gear and having the information could literally SAVE your life! Stay safe out there guys and gals.
Evan was the first professional athlete I remember watching and rooting for just because we were from the same town. Not many people make it to the big time from here.
Fans of the sport know who he was. They also remember the beating Franklin put on him right before his unfortunate death. Evan was a class act and is missed, no doubt.
I still rock my Evan Tanner Believe T-shirt. Everybody has some demons, he tried to fight his with alcohol. Tanner lived his life on the edge and died that same way. RIP
I have the same T shirt. He signed it for me many years ago while touring thru Muncie, Indiana. Got my picture taken with him. His fists were sooo big when he knuckles up. Geez. This was a long time ago and I was shocked to hear the unfortunate news. Never knew some of the things Sonnen talked about though, but it makes perfect sense. Evan told me he worked construction when he wasn’t fighting. Doesn’t suprise me there either. I’m sure he was going solo thru life
I can’t believe this and I wouldn’t be able to control my anger either but also breaks my heart I wish I could of even be there for them. Rip Evan and thank you for all the great content and stories.
I have a friend. He took a lot of meth for a couple of years. About 8 or 9 years ago he stopped, by that stage he had messed up his brain. He started seeing things, feeling like he was being spied on, connecting dots that weren't there.. We eventually sat him down and told him what we thought, honestly. He took that on board. Now he's in his 4th year of college for biochemistry and doing great, me and him got lucky. Sorry you lost your friend Chael, much love brother.
He was probably going through some things internally probably depression seeking some peace while most people thinking clearly can’t fathom why someone would do that. Easy to judge harder to understand
I was also a big fan of Evan Tanner! I’ll never forget seeing him fight Rich Franklin live in Atlantic City. He lost the title, yet he still stopped and posed for a photo for me on the way to the locker room afterwards and was all smiles. Legend.
Damn Chael, I never indulged too much into the story further than he went into the desert on a motorcycle and died.. Without any reading I assumed he went to go camping. Your elaboration struck me as critical yet sincere.. Thank you. That lesson hopefully stops people just being 'yes' men to people they idolize instead of maybe making a rational suggestion that something someone may be doing is ignorant. Even if that someone is your hero.
Watched a couple of them and definitely a romanticized story considering this. Thanks for sharing and RIP Mr Evan’s, may you have found what you were seeking 🙏
Whenever a story starts with "my friend got really drunk and". It always ends with either one of the funniest stories you've ever heard or one of worst things that ever happened
Evan Tanner. Really enjoyed his fights and the corn rows. Props to Uncle Chael since this research helped me realize I have potential heatstroke or hyperthermia from work. Head was still hot so started eating otter pops and feeling much better after a few days of struggle.
On point here as usual Chael. I live in the UK and MMA was just beginning it's ascent to mainstream popularity when Evan died, and whilst it was shocking, when I read some of his Myspace posts, I thought it was all pretty twisted. If only there had been more help available for MMA fighters back then..
Evan was my favorite fighter back in the day. His walkout song was my last myspace song. He was a talented fighter. I just knew he died in the desert. Thanks for sharing your truth!
Thank you, Chael. Voice the hard truths for what they are even when it’s hard to hear. I’m sorry for your loss. Maybe your brutal honesty will dissuade the next guy from a well intentioned but foolish mistake that would cost him his life.
I just watched “Once I was a Champion” , I had thought that Chael’s statements were tough, but this makes more sense. I loved some of Evan’s ideas but he seemed like a difficult person to be connected to. RIP champ
Nice honest post Chael, I was huge fan of Evan and his musings were interesting and informative, but we all know that Evan had issues with alcohol, I would rather have Evan alive than dead - the film "Once I was a Champion" shows his issues as well as his conquests. The world misses Evan, but the way he died was just careless.
I liked before the video even started When I saw Evan Tanners name.. Thank you Uncle Chael PS Educate these new and casual fans in the great history of our sport !!!! Team Quest 4 Life !!!!!!!!
Evan was likely depressed, perhaps even suicidal and tempting fate. I've done similar dumb shit like walking through dangerous neighborhoods at times because of suicidal depression, it's a strange thing.
Well I was I. Georgia . I went to the Singer brothers in Athens Georgia . it was just a storage unit . I thought I was the shit and I stayed drunk . that is the truth . I almost died. . I appreciate what you shared . it's so hard to lose a friend . thank you for being honest . you are a good man .
Chael .... Every cage fight could be a mans last walk also. Getting out of bed could be someone’s last breath. Some things we just don’t understand or control. Alcoholism is a very REAL epidemic in this world . Evan Tanner was ( as we all are ) human and had choices and decisions he made . Loved all of his fights back in the UFCs infancy. Hopefully this movie will portray him in a good light and also shed light on alcohol /drug/ mental health issues . (Not saying he used drugs or had mental issues)but these things usually go hand in hand . Millions of people suffer from this or have suffered ,myself included . I really hope it teaches younger generation to realize every decision we make of every min could be life or death and alcohol and drug abuse helps no problem . R.I.P Evan Tanner 🙏
At the end i felt like Chael was yelling at us what he wanted to say to Evan if he had of known or had the chance. R.I.P. tanner. The first fight i ever saw after watching the oldschool UFC 1-10 as a kid was him vs Franklin. He always reminded me a lil bit of Nick Nolte so its sad to hear he had similar struggles
I wish I had a dad like Chael who gave me the 'desert talk' before I went to Afghanistan. Twice. He's right - the desert sucks. Did see a tortoise wandering out there all alone so not all bad.
I had a chance to speak to Evan on Myspace once. It always meant a lot to me too. I love to hear stories about the old days when there weren't any MMA or BJJ gyms around and all we had to go by were old VHS tapes lol.
I remember Evan and Rich Franklin fighting a slugfest early in the UFC. It was so good a fight Dana gave them both $7,000 Rolex watches. This was back when Dana had a heart and took care of his fighters.
this is odd... but not having a dad... hearing all these things all this time... i can say without a shadow of a doubt, thanks and i love you Chael u say a lot of things i need to be said outthere really man you doing great stuff here
@@Steven-rp8zo im 39... all the way asking for advice gettin close to grown (mind wise) ppl... no one gave a fk... in fact at my 37 i asked my dad for help(why?) long history short he would lose money if he say yes he would lose money if say no.... so . he just suicide (no joke) ... im a little passed out tbh and im amazed am not a villian yet lol well dont get scared im a comedian too, also from mexico that xplain the eye hurting writting etc etc.... but the history is true... also a gamer sabbotaged by my isp.... hmmmm i just need a lot of money rn
i remember watching 'once i was a champion', bawling my eyes out through some of the more gut-wrenching interviews where these absolute beasts of men that were UFC athletes were crying recounting their memories of evan, chael said something very similar in his interview that hes saying now and i dont think its lost any truth over the years, especially considering social media has only became more influencial.
Just saw an interview with Steve Nelson, and he mentions training with and helping Evan Tanner get his start in MMA. For those that have never heard of Steve Nelson, he was an Oklahoma State wrestler and sambo competitor in the 80s. He was also one of the first Americans to fight shootout/MMA in Japan, and his biggest fight was probably the ones with Ralph Gracie way back in the mid 90s. I know of him because my buddy wrestled at Oklahoma State too and hung out with him.
He was a personal friend of mine. And everything he is saying is facts. His last ride was, at least what he told me, was a suicide ride. He wanted to drive so far out, like stated, to where he would have to walk back to survive. Knowing that it's not humanly possible. Rip Tanner lost but forgot. Dude had demons that would kill us all.
Loved Evan Tanner god rest his soul. Separately though, best part of the video is when Chael admitted to blaming the “kids on the computer” 0:48 for Tanner’s demise (that part is not funny of course).
All I can say is your a real person chael. My respect went up for you tenfold. That was the realest 8 minutes I’ve ever heard. You lost a brother. I couldn’t imagine how sad/angry you must have felt when it happened. Rest In Peace the self taught champ Evan Tanner
This was an incredibly honest and articulate way to express an uncomfortable truth. #RIPEvan
Evan is one of my favorite fighters alongside Leben. R.I.P. Evan.
@Jon B He was the middleweight champion for a period of time. I think he was DAMN good. If you can say you’ve been a champion in the UFC, then you’re pretty good.
@Jon B for the standard? He was the CHAMPION at his time.?
@@lillyanp4 He must mean compared to fighters today, which makes sense. Rich Franklin probably wouldn't get in the top 10 today and he was better than Evan if my memory serves me correctly.
@@sukhdevr3489 I can understand that! Makes way more sense. Rich took the title from Evan I think.👍🏻🧐
@@sukhdevr3489 you don’t think Rich would crack the top 10 today? Idk man, middleweight is sorta shallow right now and Rich was an amazing fighter
I remember when Even Tanner died- how it shook up the whole MMA community in Utah where I was living at the time. I didn’t know Even, but I knew a couple guys who did. I’m sure they would appreciate this kind of honesty.
Throwdown was the gym 22 miles south of Salt Lake and it rocked our Gym. The thing that always makes me remember is he died the day before my birthday and exactly 3 weeks after my first professional Fight. A few fighters at the gym "made it" to the UFC, LOOKING back they seemed like they took it the hardest. Time Fly's.
@@AcoIyteeI think it's Ramsey Nijem, from Throwdown in orem before it was The Pit Elevated. If it is what up???!!!!
I didn’t know we had the same uncle Ramsey.
@@tysoncowan5192 No, it’s Ramsey Dewey. I only met Ramsey Nijem once at an MMA event in Salt Lake City. He said “So, your name is Ramsey too, huh?” I said, “Yep.” And then we both nodded knowingly because there are so few people on earth with that name, that you get teased so much as a child because of it that you basically have to grow up to become a cage fighter.
@@RamseyDewey wishful thinking. I was fortunate enough to train with a bunch of great guys and yeah anyway wishful thinking on my part. Sorry.
It’s always tough but compelling listening to Chael talk about Evan
You can tell how this still bothers Chael with his tone, Evan was dumb for doing this period and people like Chael are some of the few guys to keep it real about it.
I was about to comment the same thing. Poor guy got gassed up by some losers now he's not here anymore.
@@loslo5684 he was a grown man who made his own decision, he already had thoughts of and wanted to do it. can’t blame random people on the internet for this
Yup to be honest he sharing it because doesn’t want a repeat
@@rhysjones1108 yes he was grown and yes he made his own decisions but you can't underestimate the power of words. They can literally make or break people. That's why we should watch what we say
@@loslo5684 he was already planning it out and studied to try and pull This trip off. He didn’t get the idea from random internet people and then get pushed to do it. Words are powerful I agree but he already had the mind set to do it with or without a few people encouraging him online
Tanner was a troubled guy with a huge heart. Refreshing to see an honest take on what went down.
I fought Evan in his home town of Amarillo for the World Heavyweight Championship of Unified Shoot Wrestling Federation. He was the toughest person I even fought in the Ring, Cage or the street. He humbled my big ass. We talked a long time at the after party. Was the nicest guy I knew. I was the big guy in his Documentary. RIP Evan.
Wow that’s incredible! I am so interested in the USWF, but there just isn’t much out there about it today.
I got to work security for the shoot fights. Evan Tanner, Paul Jones and Steve Nelson. Fun times.
Media doesn’t care Chael. Anything to make a buck. The truth is too simple.
umm no, mma is a niche sport, & evan tanner is not that popular..
@@mmafyasco To casual fans like you he isn't. To proper MMA fans he is.
@MrBrenman 21
do you seriously think IMMA is more popular than NBA, NFL, or baseball?
Most people could recognize LeBron James, but not Jon Jones husband on top for just as long.
Especially when Evan Tanner died, who made his name a decade prior to that.
@MrBrenman 21
Listen I've been watching all of these guys for the last 15 years but no one in the street knows who fedor is or bob sapp or ken shamrock are.
japan is a tiny country & actually mma was probably more popular there in the late 90'a & early 2000's than in is now.
thirdly Ronda Rousey and Connor McGregor are very popular. perhaps more popular than the sport itself even. That just shows you that the sport itself isnt that mainstream.
This year it grow soo much, it being the only live sport to watch for a while but Demetious Johnson Couldn't even get into a club after his title title defense and being a current champion, it's a story told by Daniel Cormier. That just shows how not popular even some of the longtime champions are.
@MrBrenman21 you're looking at it from an American standpoint UFC fighters more recognisable around the world than LeBron most countries have their own sports I'm an Australian we have Australian football and rugby and yes basketball ect but every country love UFC and martial arts 💯
There was something special about Evan Tanner. Thank you Mr. Sonnen for shining the light on Evan Tanner life. I definitely feel your frustration.
Dont do stupid self-destructive egomaniacal stuff just because strangers told you to. Advice to live by.
I like self destructing
@@Jessica-to8um You both critique calling Evan an alcoholic and claim that he went into the desert to get free of alcohol because the presence of people made him drink. Idgaf what you think of Chael, but anyone with any experience in nature knows Evan was either committing suicde or was just an egotistical idiot.
This is a sad video. I was a fan of Evan Tanner, but sadly never got to meet him. I did however get to meet Robert Follis at a Team Quest mini camp, he was a walking encyclopedia of MMA knowledge. RIP Evan Tanner & RIP coach Follis
I clearly remember reading Evan’s blogs and this is completely on point. I was a young impressionable guy and was compelled by Evan’s writing. I’m a little older and realize that Chael couldn’t be more right (as usual)
Love how you keep it real Chael. So few of us do.
Congratulations
I can hear the pain and frustration in his voice. This is quite possibly the most honest and real Chanel Sonnen you’ll ever get to witness. I’ve too lost a close friend due to sheer stupidity and it is exhaustingly frustrating knowing that if someone just set him straight and said dude you’re an idiot don’t do that he’d still be around. Condolences mate
Same. Friend of mine died due to sheer stupidity and disregard for his safety, and the hole he left in his friend circle, to his family, and to his girlfriend (whom he had just moved in with a week prior) will never heal. Most of the time I'm not even sad, I'm angry.
Thanks for this Chael. He paved the path for some, encouraged some, and is in my heart if champions.
Sounds like he could have used some serious therapy starting at a young age. Displaying heavy mania with the grandiose ideas, not sleeping and alcohol abuse. Its a shame that there’s a stigma of being weak if you go talk to someone to get your mind right, and in Evan’s case, probably some strong meds to balance things out. Mental health is just as important as physical well being!!
Justin - My thoughts exactly. He clearly needed some sort of help-what that was who knows. He wasn't right in the head for sure. Poor fella thought he was doing the right thing. And had a flock of supporters probably in just as much need of help as him nagging him on. What a shame....
Well said Chael, Evan was a good guy who ended up in a real bad situation.
Its tough hearing your emotions around your brother. Sorry for your loss, unfortunately life is never fair nor will it be. Best of luck with this Chael.
You see a lot of bad advice on the internet. Not everyone should do shrooms or run marathons. Evan was encouraged to go on those weird pilgrimages that cost him his life
A lot of people go out into the elements (mountains, desert, oceans, etc.) and don't fully prepare or do any kind of research beforehand. With the internet, even simple searches can be very helpful to find out weather, preparedness, and alert information for an area BEFORE you go. Bringing the right gear and having the information could literally SAVE your life! Stay safe out there guys and gals.
Evan was the first professional athlete I remember watching and rooting for just because we were from the same town. Not many people make it to the big time from here.
Evan was a great fighter that too many people forgot about. RIP
Fans of the sport know who he was. They also remember the beating Franklin put on him right before his unfortunate death. Evan was a class act and is missed, no doubt.
I still rock my Evan Tanner Believe T-shirt.
Everybody has some demons, he tried to fight his with alcohol.
Tanner lived his life on the edge and died that same way. RIP
I have the same T shirt. He signed it for me many years ago while touring thru Muncie, Indiana. Got my picture taken with him. His fists were sooo big when he knuckles up. Geez. This was a long time ago and I was shocked to hear the unfortunate news. Never knew some of the things Sonnen talked about though, but it makes perfect sense. Evan told me he worked construction when he wasn’t fighting. Doesn’t suprise me there either. I’m sure he was going solo thru life
I can’t believe this and I wouldn’t be able to control my anger either but also breaks my heart I wish I could of even be there for them. Rip Evan and thank you for all the great content and stories.
Sorry for your loss Chael. Thank you for posting this
I’ve always appreciated Chael’s take on the Evan Tanner situation. He’s really the only one to speak the truth with respect to his decline and death.
I had no idea! That’s wild and sad at the same time! Thanks for sharing Uncle Chael 🙏
Thanks Chael for the brutal honesty... and I am sorry for your loss.
I loved watching Evan fight. He was a great addition to the sport. Thanks for sharing more of the story.
Much love and RIP to Evan Tanner. One of the guys I really liked when I first was following mma. Great video much love
Thanks, Chael. RIP, Evan.
Chael you're winning, you've created a whole fan base that will take it to the grave that you're the *GOAT*
And that's all u really need tbh 😂
I have a friend. He took a lot of meth for a couple of years. About 8 or 9 years ago he stopped, by that stage he had messed up his brain. He started seeing things, feeling like he was being spied on, connecting dots that weren't there.. We eventually sat him down and told him what we thought, honestly. He took that on board. Now he's in his 4th year of college for biochemistry and doing great, me and him got lucky. Sorry you lost your friend Chael, much love brother.
Thanks for sharing. I am deeply sorry for your loss and the circumstances in which it occured.
Hey, always enjoyed your fights. I’m glad i’m glad you trained with him. Take care brother man.
He was probably going through some things internally probably depression seeking some peace while most people thinking clearly can’t fathom why someone would do that. Easy to judge harder to understand
I didn't know that MySpace part crazy. Thanks for the info Nothing but love for ya guys. R.I.P. Evan Tanner
It’s capturing how you let out raw emotion Chael. I couldn’t look away.
Kudos, for Being Responsible...with The Truth!
I was also a big fan of Evan Tanner! I’ll never forget seeing him fight Rich Franklin live in Atlantic City. He lost the title, yet he still stopped and posed for a photo for me on the way to the locker room afterwards and was all smiles. Legend.
Thanks Chael. He was always one of my faves.
Damn Chael, I never indulged too much into the story further than he went into the desert on a motorcycle and died.. Without any reading I assumed he went to go camping. Your elaboration struck me as critical yet sincere.. Thank you. That lesson hopefully stops people just being 'yes' men to people they idolize instead of maybe making a rational suggestion that something someone may be doing is ignorant. Even if that someone is your hero.
Watched a couple of them and definitely a romanticized story considering this. Thanks for sharing and RIP Mr Evan’s, may you have found what you were seeking 🙏
Chael......greatest story teller ever !!!! GOAT 🐐
Thank you for this, I was going down the Evan rabbit hole..I needed to see this Uncle Chael.
Thank you for your perspective on this Uncle Chael.
Chael that was the heaviest thing I ever heard you talk about... Thank you
Whenever a story starts with "my friend got really drunk and". It always ends with either one of the funniest stories you've ever heard or one of worst things that ever happened
This talk was incredible! Thanks for sharing this Chael.
Evan Tanner. Really enjoyed his fights and the corn rows. Props to Uncle Chael since this research helped me realize I have potential heatstroke or hyperthermia from work. Head was still hot so started eating otter pops and feeling much better after a few days of struggle.
On point here as usual Chael. I live in the UK and MMA was just beginning it's ascent to mainstream popularity when Evan died, and whilst it was shocking, when I read some of his Myspace posts, I thought it was all pretty twisted.
If only there had been more help available for MMA fighters back then..
Evan was my favorite fighter back in the day. His walkout song was my last myspace song. He was a talented fighter. I just knew he died in the desert. Thanks for sharing your truth!
Thank you, Chael. Voice the hard truths for what they are even when it’s hard to hear. I’m sorry for your loss. Maybe your brutal honesty will dissuade the next guy from a well intentioned but foolish mistake that would cost him his life.
I just watched “Once I was a Champion” , I had thought that Chael’s statements were tough, but this makes more sense. I loved some of Evan’s ideas but he seemed like a difficult person to be connected to. RIP champ
Thanks Chael you did right by him
facts brah..Chael always keeps it real
This is the realest we've ever seen Chael.
Chael always keeps it real and sticks to his guns, respect
You can tell Chael really cared for Evan. He is a champ that will never be forgotten.
You still hear the pain in his voice, I'm sorry about your friend....
Nice honest post Chael, I was huge fan of Evan and his musings were interesting and informative, but we all know that Evan had issues with alcohol, I would rather have Evan alive than dead - the film "Once I was a Champion" shows his issues as well as his conquests. The world misses Evan, but the way he died was just careless.
Happy that Chael is setting the record straight. I think it’ll make people more considerate of Evan’s legacy.
Have been waiting for this exact video for some time now.
I always loved watching evan fight live. Those were good times
I liked before the video even started When I saw Evan Tanners name.. Thank you Uncle Chael PS Educate these new and casual fans in the great history of our sport !!!! Team Quest 4 Life !!!!!!!!
Evan was likely depressed, perhaps even suicidal and tempting fate. I've done similar dumb shit like walking through dangerous neighborhoods at times because of suicidal depression, it's a strange thing.
can you develop
Chael is the truth.
Sorry to hear bout even tanner, always thought he just retired. A fight home would've been a great idea...and riding off into the sunset does to...
A perfect example of, you may not Always be right, but you're Always my Brother. R.I.P. Evan Tanner
Chael will never understand. Love you Chael.
Thanks for setting me straight Chael. I get it now.
One of my favorites of all time. I remember all this happening.
Mental illness and addiction are terrible things and its usually too late by the time it's realized. RIP 🙏
I could listen to this for hours: Evan Tanner was an interesting man and Chael one of the best MMA story tellers.
Well I was I. Georgia . I went to the Singer brothers in Athens Georgia . it was just a storage unit . I thought I was the shit and I stayed drunk . that is the truth . I almost died. . I appreciate what you shared . it's so hard to lose a friend . thank you for being honest . you are a good man .
Sorry for your loss
RIP to my Brother Santino Fernandez
RIP Evan Tanner
RIP to a great person you lost too
My grandma sucked
Chael .... Every cage fight could be a mans last walk also. Getting out of bed could be someone’s last breath. Some things we just don’t understand or control. Alcoholism is a very REAL epidemic in this world . Evan Tanner was ( as we all are ) human and had choices and decisions he made . Loved all of his fights back in the UFCs infancy. Hopefully this movie will portray him in a good light and also shed light on alcohol /drug/ mental health issues . (Not saying he used drugs or had mental issues)but these things usually go hand in hand . Millions of people suffer from this or have suffered ,myself included . I really hope it teaches younger generation to realize every decision we make of every min could be life or death and alcohol and drug abuse helps no problem . R.I.P Evan Tanner 🙏
damn Chael......👏👏👏💪💪💪🔥🔥🔥 not afraid, and has the character and respect for his friend to say it like it is
Well said Chael.
This was real as fuck, can tell you seriously cared about your friend Uncle Chael, RIP to Evan
At the end i felt like Chael was yelling at us what he wanted to say to Evan if he had of known or had the chance.
R.I.P. tanner. The first fight i ever saw after watching the oldschool UFC 1-10 as a kid was him vs Franklin.
He always reminded me a lil bit of Nick Nolte so its sad to hear he had similar struggles
Damn I love your honesty! Some times it’s hard but damn it’s needed!
Amen. I think Evan would second everything you said.
I wish I had a dad like Chael who gave me the 'desert talk' before I went to Afghanistan. Twice. He's right - the desert sucks. Did see a tortoise wandering out there all alone so not all bad.
I never knew all these details to the story. Daaaaamn
I was going to design merch for Evan and he was a truly nice and gentle dude. Sad loss.
Awesome story uncle Chael, I always liked Evan Tanner.
I had a chance to speak to Evan on Myspace once. It always meant a lot to me too. I love to hear stories about the old days when there weren't any MMA or BJJ gyms around and all we had to go by were old VHS tapes lol.
I remember Evan and Rich Franklin fighting a slugfest early in the UFC. It was so good a fight Dana gave them both $7,000 Rolex watches. This was back when Dana had a heart and took care of his fighters.
Tito changed him lol
this is odd... but not having a dad... hearing all these things all this time... i can say without a shadow of a doubt, thanks and i love you Chael u say a lot of things i need to be said outthere really man you doing great stuff here
@@Steven-rp8zo im 39... all the way asking for advice gettin close to grown (mind wise) ppl... no one gave a fk... in fact at my 37 i asked my dad for help(why?) long history short he would lose money if he say yes he would lose money if say no.... so . he just suicide (no joke) ... im a little passed out tbh and im amazed am not a villian yet lol well dont get scared im a comedian too, also from mexico that xplain the eye hurting writting etc etc.... but the history is true... also a gamer sabbotaged by my isp.... hmmmm i just need a lot of money rn
5:32 for the leg cross, but such a sobering topic any time Evan Tanner is discussed.
i remember watching 'once i was a champion', bawling my eyes out through some of the more gut-wrenching interviews where these absolute beasts of men that were UFC athletes were crying recounting their memories of evan, chael said something very similar in his interview that hes saying now and i dont think its lost any truth over the years, especially considering social media has only became more influencial.
I get your point but I also get Tanner and the way he lived his life~he did it his way. The journey in the desert is symbolic of his life.
To die a fool's death? Okay.
Devastating story but that's the internet for ya. Thanks for the story Unc. Rip Evan
Just saw an interview with Steve Nelson, and he mentions training with and helping Evan Tanner get his start in MMA. For those that have never heard of Steve Nelson, he was an Oklahoma State wrestler and sambo competitor in the 80s. He was also one of the first Americans to fight shootout/MMA in Japan, and his biggest fight was probably the ones with Ralph Gracie way back in the mid 90s. I know of him because my buddy wrestled at Oklahoma State too and hung out with him.
He was a personal friend of mine. And everything he is saying is facts. His last ride was, at least what he told me, was a suicide ride. He wanted to drive so far out, like stated, to where he would have to walk back to survive. Knowing that it's not humanly possible. Rip Tanner lost but forgot. Dude had demons that would kill us all.
I'll share a pic of us if I can figure out how to, that way I don't get stupid comment
You forgot to mention Nate Quarry was at the gym then too. Joined back in 2002 when you would give out flyers at Roseland Theater fights.
Loved Evan Tanner god rest his soul. Separately though, best part of the video is when Chael admitted to blaming the “kids on the computer” 0:48 for Tanner’s demise (that part is not funny of course).