1996 Tank Abbott vs Royce Gracie

I never thought about this match up until recently.

It intrigues me.

How would it have played out?

Tank's wrestling/tdd was much better than that of Kimo's was.

Tanks punching power was also much greater than Kimo's was.

How does this fight play out?

Royce wasn't known for toe holds, nor did Royce possess Frank Mir type of strength.

Image result for royce gracie 1995

If Royce could weather the storm and wait for Tank to gas he would win by submission. It's a dangerous game with Tank though. 

In shape Tank smashes Royce.

1 Like

tank by uppercut ko

1 Like
Matticus - 

If Royce could weather the storm and wait for Tank to gas he would win by submission. It's a dangerous game with Tank though. 

Agree but that is a huge IF. 

 

Royce did a pretty good job of avoiding big hits throughout his career.  The one that stands out is vs Kimo, a big strong hw and Royce weathered the storm and eventually got a sub, so it's possible.

Tank always found a way to lose to the top guys. Even if he gave them hell. I think I'd heavily favor Royce. Say what you want about Royce but he was tough as hell. Also Tank wasn't smart enough to sprawl n brawl.  Hed come in guns blazing and end up in guard in the first minute. 

1 Like

In a Gi Royce wins. No Gi, Tank wins.

It's honestly a toss up in my opinion. If Royce lasts 2 minutes he wins. Big if. 

chupecabre - 

It's honestly a toss up in my opinion. If Royce lasts 2 minutes he wins. Big if. 

This fight is no gimmie for Royce.

Tank would be difficult to get down, and would never shoot.

The gas tank was dubious though.

Royce would pretend getting hurt by punches and pull guard. From there it is weathering the storm and getting a sub. A smart Tank should not follow Royce to the ground, but I doubt that would happen. Gracie isn't taking him down unless Abbott is gassed.

buddie - 

Tank always found a way to lose to the top guys. Even if he gave them hell. I think I'd heavily favor Royce. Say what you want about Royce but he was tough as hell. Also Tank wasn't smart enough to sprawl n brawl.  Hed come in guns blazing and end up in guard in the first minute. 

Probably the best breakdown thus far imo.

He may not get the W, but he'll get in another fight at the bar tonight.

One would think Tank to be better than Kimo, but IMO they are pretty close.

Kimo subbed Tank – granted they were both older.

In 96 I would have picked Tank over Kimo, but I wouldn’t be betting the house on it.

That said, Tank never really beat the top tier fighters.

He was more of a dangerous gate keeper.

Taktarov

Severn

Frye

Belford

Smith

Even a decision loss to Ferrozo.

Tank lost all those – even when he started of looking good against Frye.

Duarte was probably his best win – and later the revenge match with Cabbage.

Royce beat better fighters than Tank, straight up.

But… MMA math aside, Tank was a powerfully strong brawler who could wrestle and was not an easy or safe takedown.

I think the smart money is on Royce to weather a storm.

The submission itself I think would come fairly easy once Royce was in position.

But until that time – Royce would certainly be playing with fire.

Royce 8-9/10 times.

But if Tank got that 1/10, it would have been brutal!

Ultimate ultimate 96' Tank gives Royce convulsions.

I got Tank in this one,as long as tank doesn't go for the g,n,p finish.

I wonder how different MMA would have looked if Tank an Royce took place at ufc 1 and Tank koed Royce?

Bukkaked by Bombers - I got Tank in this one,as long as tank doesn't go for the g,n,p finish.

I wonder how different MMA would have looked if Tank an Royce took place at ufc 1 and Tank koed Royce?

There probably would have been no mma.

FatBuddha - 
Bukkaked by Bombers - I got Tank in this one,as long as tank doesn't go for the g,n,p finish.

I wonder how different MMA would have looked if Tank an Royce took place at ufc 1 and Tank koed Royce?

There probably would have been no mma.

well I know you wouldn’t be watching for sure haha.

IMO Tank would have smashed him.

If fought by 1996 rules and Royce could use his gee I give even odds.  No gee no chance.  I would have liked to see Tank against Yarborough.

Ahhhh the legends of a prime Tank. Tank beat nobodies, Gracie beat both Shamrock and Severn in their primes. Tank taps, and fast.