When it comes to MMA the stories told are full of Hope, Triumph, and Victory. The tales included in this video feature no such themes. There is only Hopelessness, death, and Heartbreak. Today I am sharing with you some of the most disturbing UFC and MMA stories, tragedies known only on the fringes of this sport, as we go down the list they only get more disturbing and more obscure. The final tale truly tough to put together. So sit back and relax and enjoy the next 40 minuets of despair.
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Josh Sammans' Book:
More Information on Evan Tanner:
• What We SHOULD Learn F...
Thumbnail: @hotcyder
Alternative Thumbnail: @mttnz.
Thanks for waiting out for this one guys, took a while to put together, but I also have another video coming later this month!
Love Always,
The Academic.
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the saddest story from a ufc fighter is easily chael's. His dad barely made 100k a year. The maid only came over twice a week. truly horrific
I honestly didn’t want to include the story because I didn’t want this video to get age restricted
your words are breaking my heart
Oh yes chal is a guy that was meant for fighting being that he was able to survive in the combative area in Oregon that he grew up , I remember him talking about the abuse he survived from his abusive parents , he has shared the horrific experience he suffered by having to go to his room for an hour (he was let be out in 30;minutes) and there was some kid thàt he thought that maybe was calling him names , he just couldn't be sure,oh and an old girlfriend , of chals , didn't give him a gift on Valentine's day once ,you have to go through low points like this so you can have the hunger to fight.
I get a cold shiver down my spine anytime I think about the other 5 days the Sonnen family had to live without her.
Fs in the chat for Chael
The Josh Samman story gets me every time. He was the first Facebook live video I watched and he seemed like such a genuine and good guy. Drug addiction is the saddest thing ever.
His journey just destroys me everytime I think about it man
@@MixedMartialAcademic it's awful especially because he seemed like a good guy. I can also kind of relate because I have family members that are awesome people but deal with addiction. It's very hard to see people self-destruct and not being able to help.
A real sad story indeed. It happened in my hometown during the rise of my growing love for MMA. Couldn't believe the badass dude I watched fight was gone just like that.
Best way to not be an addict is to not do drugs
Honestly, him willfully texting his girlfriend while he knows she's driving on a highway... I'm not saying anybody deserved it, but that's about as dumb as it gets. It's infinitely safer to talk with a handheld phone than text. No text is ever that important.
Rest in peace, Evan Tanner. I had only watched his fights. I didn't know the struggles he went through in life. That's an incredibly heart-wrenching story. I'm sure he didn't want to die, but dying in nature is a beautiful way to pass on for those of us who feel a disconnect with society.
His story is 100 tough to go through, but I agree, I think he went out doing what he loved
@@MixedMartialAcademicpretty sure theres heaps of things he'd rather be doin😬
@@brianwilhelm3777don’t think you get it friend. He didn’t seem that interested in trinkets and distractions of this world.
@@brianwilhelm3777don’t think you get it friend. He didn’t seem that interested in trinkets and distractions of this world.
Love you man 🫡❤️
I met Evan Tanner about two weeks prior to his death. He was a big dude, and he was really nice to me and my friends.
I’ve heard he was nothing but a gentle soul
Very cool , very rare
I never knew about Josh Samman. As someone who battles his demons every day, this was so close to the bone. Classy work, mate. You're a wonderfully engaging storyteller. RIP Josh & Hailey 💔
Stay in the fight brother, you got this man
@@MixedMartialAcademic one day at a time, my friend.
Keep going brother, tomorrow is always a new day
I understand your struggle all too well, my friend. I'm a former addict, 5 years clean and sober. Those demons are always in the background, along with the intrusive thoughts and guilt I feel over hurting everyone that deserved better. It doesn't necessarily get easier, but it does get more bearable, in time. Stay strong, brother. When you beat it for good, it'll be the greatest gift you can ever give yourself, and everyone you love.
My guy, as a recovering addict myself, I feel for you. If you can get to Toledo Ohio, I can get you into detox/treatment. No bullshit and I don't want paid for it, I'm just grateful to have the standing, track record and right people on a first name basis. Feel free to reach out if/when you're ready, offers on the table when you reach that point. You matter. Add the right next chapter
As someone who's dealing with strong depression and love martial arts, these stories touched my rotting heart.
Same. Same bro. Hope you do good and will be only better mate. ❤
Never rotting bro. Re growing and flourishing into something new and beautiful. Keep your head up. Always in the fight man.
Keep fighting bro, one day things will be bright again trust me, in the darkest holes the brightest lights can shine and they will
Aww ! Diddums
@@indigohammer5732 i k ow ur miserable
Evan was a modern day warrior/philosoher. I trained w/ a few guys from Team Quest in the early 2000s, and the stories they had of him were always interesting. He was a guy who read everything he could find, studied every subject he stumbled across and really just wanted to find his purpose. He easily constantly searching for his “tribe”, but he was a good dude by every account I’ve ever heard. Chael once said that he wasn’t the most naturally talented guy, but he was always the hardest worker in the room. It’s a shame that he went in the way that he did, yet at the same time I can’t help but feel that it was kind of fitting. He went out doing his own thing, alone, searching for something he felt missing. Rest easy, Evan.
Every death sux my dad's was a brutal horrible one so was my brothers n friends n mine but I was brought back cuz a guy seen the drunk driver run me over but I'm half paralyzed n 100lbs heavier n can't even take care of my daughter I was a 147 lb skateboarding am with a Renzo Gracie purple belt with golden gloves n yes I would take Evan death over this slow rotting death
@fallrivaPDnMagovRincompetent sorry to hear that brother, life is hard af
@@rylanlittle261 yup sure is
@fallrivaPDnMagovRincompetent oh brother I hope you find a way to truly enjoy your life. I'm also rotting to death in a way and can feel the sharpness of your words. Do you at least like play video games or have hobbies to pursue that you're able enough to enjoy? I wish you well wherever you are.
Can’t begin to imagine the pain Josh was going thru, may he rest in peace and be reunited with Hailey
Josh's story made me literally tear apart. I know how it is to battle addiction and lose everything you love. Rest in peace Hailey, Josh.
Man up
@@ClassifiedDocz Get lost.
🥺@@ClassifiedDocz
haha
@@kiraqueen2558 People who actually laughs at Josh's story or my comment does not understand what it is to loose everything and at the same time battle most dangerous addiction ever.
I have no idea how each video keeps getting better. The construction keeps getting better and better and the editing is on point each time.
Damn, thanks so much for your kind words! Thank you
Ugh the Josh Samman story is so damn tragic. He was so full of life on TUF, and you can clearly see a completely different person when doing the book interview. Heartbreaking stuff.
Perfectly pitched as usual mate. Insightful, respectful & moving. The quality of your content is undeniable.
Thank you so much mate! Means a lot
@@MixedMartialAcademicI already knew both of these stories but the way you narrated everything wow It's gut wrenching very powerful stuff
Rest in peace to all of these people Evan Tanner, Josh Samman, Hailey Bevis, Josh and Hailey's dog Juice, and Hailey's mother Susan Bevis and condolences to their families and friends. May they never be forgotten. 🙏❤️🙏
Just did a video on Josh Samman recently. Yesterday was the 7 year anniversary of his passing. Such a sad story. Everyone I’ve talked to that knew him said he was such a cool dude too. RIP
I was really trying to get it out yesterday but yeah just missed it. Man that guy breaks my heart
@@MixedMartialAcademic you did a fantastic job brother. you definitely did right by him and hailey. keep up the great work. one of my favorite channels of all time.
Appreciate you brother, you keep up the work to my man!
He was an amazing person despite how he was painted on “TUF.” .Tallahassee misses him dearly. Josh was a staple in the local fight community and is spoken on with great respect and fondness in the 850❤
Literally have tears in my eyes. Beautifully made video bro. Rip Evan. Rip Josh. 🙏
I really wasn't expecting to tear up when I clicked on this video!
This is going to be a Masterpiece
Hope you enjoy it brother!
Great video! Damn, Josh’s story weighed on my mind so heavy, hard not to put yourself in his shoes and be overwhelmed by the thought of his circumstances. Subscribed!!!
RIP Josh Samman. This is one of the most tragic in all of MMA history. I felt so much joy when he won his fight after his GF passed. it made it hurt so much more when i heard the news about Josh. I though he was passed that worst part.
My dearest brother, this is both intriguing and so heart-wrenching. It goes to show that behind the macho virility, lethal virulence, and unabashed display of sheer toughness in the octagonal cage are people who use their suffering and pain to constantly empower themselves and have the best fight against their opponents. However, it is not really against their opponents that they are trying to one-up with the strength of ten million men and the sharp focus of a condor, but it is really themselves that they are fighting against. Kimbo Slice declared it perfectly when the true enemy is the "inner me", and this is what mixed martial artists constantly had to endure both physically and mentally.
Beautiful comment, thanks for sharing my friend
Mma and jogging clears my mind. A lot of pain I can turn around and embrace. Just can’t give that an option anymore. That’s the fight. Not turning around keep going. Some of us in the community go through a lot and they find true beauty in the sport. But I have learned the past couple years to jog and train is the best way to win. Clear the inner me. Not put it aside but to understand and accept it. Isolation is always the worst thing for someone who refuses to accept their reality. Then it becomes your best friend once you accept it and make the best of it
I dont like how its called the "fight game". Its just life. A bunch of flawed men, fighting, and surviving. These stories are dark, but I think most of us know that feeling well. Astounding work.
There's no perfect men.
no man is good
4:03
We are all flawed and anyone of us are capable of the highest highs and lowest lows. Take care of each other.
Josh's story really spoke to me. Can completely understand the pain that man went through.
Man this channel is destined to be successful, you have great quality,effort, and thought put into these and always keep it classy and respectful. Great video
What a beautiful documentary, mad props for you to make this. So much heart and soul was put into this, almost felt like a netflix special, mad respects dude, great job. Definitely subscribed!!
I already knew these stories as a long time MMA fan and fan of team Quest. Thanks for posting as it’s always nice to go back and remember the ones we’ve lost along the way. Also to let the newer fans learn their stories. Was a good watch, very nostalgic.
Rest in peace, Josh. You are no longer in pain and you are with Hailey for eternity. 🕊️
You have a way of telling some truly incredible stories. More than one's made me cry too, not least of which was this. Well done. May they rest in peace ❤
Thank you rebel, means a lot! Truly tough stories to put together, rip to both those men
Your videos are without exception incredible man. You really hit the lives and stories of these fighters and the wild wild world of MMA on the button. Fantastic work. You can be really proud of the work you do.
Excellent video! You really made both these great men real + their struggles in both their lives in a way that most of us can, each in our own way, identify with. How I wish both their lives had changed somehow for the better + that they both were still with us. Once again a great docu -vid!!!
An amazing video, detailing not just well known stories of ego filled superstars like Jon’s for example. But this video tells the story not heard by many but truly illustrate the unique animal that fighting is, it offered some of the only refuge these broken men could ever receive. This is a beautiful sport and a beautiful video.
Thanks so much for the comment! The sport offers us more than just fights that’s for sure
Well done man, you are a very vivid story teller. Makes the listener feel his pain. Keep it up.
Appreciate you mate thanks 🙏
Two absolutely tragic stories told absolutely masterfully. Incredible video sir, thank you!
Absolutely beautiful video, Josh sammon always gets me teared up your story telling made me steady looking at my phone impatiently trying to skip ads
great job on this video, you did such an amazing job of capturing the essence of what these 2 guys were like outside the cage. such sad stories but beautiful the way you told them.
Damn, thanks so much for the kind words!
That Evan Tanner story is crazy, it's unreal that someone so talented died that way. 💯
Yeah man his story is so tragic
A very very well done, well thought out, and very respectful video. Thank you, your work stands alone. I knew both of these stories but a lot of the details I was unaware of and this was done perfectly.👍
Great video man. It’s obvious you are passionate about your work and it shows. RIP to these two legends ❤
Wasnt expecting to cry tonight, but god damn. If Joshs story doesnt get you, I hope you can heal and find peace
I had no knowledge about Samman's history, seriously soul crushing has someone who also lost a SO with whom plans for life were made, brings a lot of familiar feelings. Great job with the video
AMAZING piece of work, thank you for giving these stories new breath.
Took me a whole ass work day to finally find the time to watch this video, but I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing to unwind than watching the Academic work his magic. Great video, as expected! Not an uplifting watch, but deeply impactful and entertaining despite the dark subject matter, just as the title promised.
You really are an excellent storyteller. I hope your channel blows up like it deserves.
I appreciate that! Happy with what I have tho, you guys are all awesome
i love this nexpo style video. great work handling such a dark topic. rest in peace to all who have sacrificed their lives for something they love and the ones who couldn't take the pain anymore. i pray their families can find healing. much love ya'll.
Very well done mate, lovely production - glad I listened to Josh quoting BIG lyrics at the end - as an addict/ alcoholic both these stories have hit hard
Thanks for listening, Josh Samman is just a wonderful soul, shame man… a real shame
Beautiful work ❤ this was great
Thank you so much!
I love Nexpo and MMA and so this is an amazing surprise.
Made just for you brother
This video was so well put together, keep it up man
Great video. I never knew about Josh Samman story and you did a great job describing it.
Glad you got something out of it man, tough story to put together!
“Time is like a river made up of the events which happen, and a violent stream; for as soon as a thing has been seen, it is carried away, and another comes in its place, and this will be carried away too.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
Lovely and fitting quote
Aurelius has so many incredibly profound quotes if you're just able to think deep enough
@@DaileyShorts First off you need time to think. As crazy as that sounds most people don't have time to think at any level.
@@MixedMartialAcademic mate, this is my third time watching this, top notch work.
Tyson Fury said “All we truly own , are moments in Time”
Josh was a talented guy. Ferocious fighter. That jump round kick was insane. To play guitar and sing is incredibly difficult. Not all musicians can so for him to do it pretty well says alot. Nice touch with him singing California dreamin at the end.
Quite the piece of work you keep on getting smoother and smoother! Bravo sir you have a gift
Thank you so much 😀
Very well put together. I enjoyed it a lot , pulled my heart strings.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I've never heard about Josh, but the whole entire had me in tears throughout the whole story.
You did a great job with Evan’s story. Far too often I see it told solely from the empathetic perspective given how difficult it is to also be mindful of how avoidable some tragic deaths can be. The was a fair balancing of the two IMO. Ive read a lot of what he wrote at the time including that “into the wild” comment which was highly alarming. At first glance you’d think he’d know the lesson from that tale but even someone far from a voracious reader knows for all his faults, McCandless managed to survive in an equally harsh environment albeit polar opposite for over 100 days. Tanners supposed plan was to be in the desert no more than a few weeks. He couldn’t have thought he knew more about the desert than Chris did about the land even with the evidence showing how unprepared he was for Alaska. I wish he had read about McCandless instead of just a cynical comment off hand and out of pocket . He may still be around. Much like Chris, I suspect there was a lot more going on and he would have done his best to mask that so logical decision making isn’t the only culprit here. It’s a story atleast partly about his own struggles as much the danger of the wild. But imo it’s dissimilar from Chris as Evan I don’t think lost himself. I genuinely think he lost his way, in the literal sense. If you haven’t seen Bobby Razak’s reporting on this, check it out. I think there’s a write up free on the Athletic. Retracing his steps, Evan actually displayed some phenomenal strength if the investigation is to be believed after they retraced his gps while fighting for his life battling dehydration. It’s presumed he made a navigation error that led him down a deadly chase back to camp - something he was miraculously close to accomplishing. Anyways, cheers as always for telling the difficult stories. It’s not easy despite you seemingly making it appear so.
Great stories and great job telling them.
This is very well done. Great job
Rare to witness such a love like the one they shared. Man, this tore my heart out. RIP to both Josh & Hailey. Together again for eternity. Rip Evan!
Just Sammans story really broke my heart. I am currently reading his book and this guy had one hell of a strugglesome life. But he worked so heart to conquer it, regardless. So sad he passed.
These are so well produced. Amazing work telling these stories.
This was really done mate. Hope you do more 👍🏻
What a talented guy Josh was, weird how sometimes the ones with amazing natural gifts have to battle such demons. Anyway, banger of a vid!
Nexpo is amazing and this was put together well, definitely resembled his editing style. The ambient background music was a nice touch.
Much appreciated!
Bro this is a phenomenal video. Keep them up!
Bro this is so well done! 👍 Great job 🌟
100k is just not enough, the effort, thought, respect in these documentaries are second to none, beautiful representation of both fighters lives yet enough to show the tragedy, incredible work man should be proud of yourself
Academic, you sick, twisted man. This is great.
Love you Lionel
@@MixedMartialAcademicthat's....that's nice
Say it back
@@lionelrivera_MMASay it back, Lionel! No judgment, just two awesome KZheadrs telling each other how they feel. Bromance is a beautiful thing.
Incredible video. It was just so engadging. I really hoped ut wasnt over or there was another part to follow when the credits began to roll. This was truly feature quality stuff. Thank you for all the wirk put into honoring the stories/lives of these iconic men. The way they were painted as complete human beings with both strengths as well weaknesses, joy as well as pain. Just such good work here.
Appreciate you mate thank you
Great stuff dude I really enjoy these long videos
Evan Tanner is truly a fucked up and sad story.
I'm happy that you respected both Evan's memory, and the truth. Not that I was expecting anything different, but well done.
"I killed the thing I loved the most." Not gonna lie, that brought me to tears. I can't imagine the pain he must have been in.
You are a great storyteller. Please keep giving us these wonderful stories! Ty
Great episode! I hope you make more like this!
I've only just heard of these 2 fighters through this video and I feel the need to pay my respects to the both of them. Evan Tanner had gotten so far by himself, it really is impressive. He seems to be a very thoughtful and considerate guy and as a fighter he was ruthless. He's like a modern day Ronin. Unfortunately, no man can do everything by himself. And if you managed to get that far in life like Evan did on your own, then I wouldn't blame you if you didn't believe that. Life was truly vicious to Josh Sammam. Losing your girlfriend, your mother figure and your dog in quick succession like that would definitely break any man. Props for him to be able to pick himself up again, even if for a brief time, so that he could honour Hailey's memory. That warrants so much respect from me. I hope these two warriors find the peace in death that they were searching for in life. Thank you Mixed Martial Academic for bringing these two to my attention. I've been watching your videos for some time now and the quality of each never ceases to amaze me. You've earned this sub.
24:18
This one gets very very emotional...be prepared!
Fantastic video. I did not know the story of Josh's passing even though I'm an avid follower of the sport. Thank you for sharing his and Evan's story
Beautiful video, very well put together
How is connor in the thumbnail ? I honestly was expecting him to come out in the video because of that sigh
You watched the video though, and i hope you enjoyed it!
Damn I feel for Josh 😢
This is the best MMA channel on KZhead, seriously. MixedMollyWhoppery and you guys rule MMA KZhead. I love how you diversify the content too
Never seen your channel before but as soon as I heard what you named the first story (the last pilgrimage of Evan tanner), I knew this was bout to be 🔥
Kinda weird to have conor mcgregor in the thumbnail
Yeah his story is more of a comedy
Great video, but why is Conor in the thumbnail?
Clearly for click bait purposes. Or he thinks conor is gonna have a tragic end as well?
Great vlog of 2 very poignant stories. So sad I ended up in tears.😢.RIP to all.❤
Great job on this video. Very well paced .
Much appreciated!
Great video bro but why’d you make that clickbate ass thumbnail with Conor in the back looking like a demon 😂
Why is Conor McGregor the center of the thumbnail? Attempt at clickbait?
Your work is art. Truly beautiful things you are creating sir
This is outstanding, keep making content
Thanks for watching guys, means a lot! Help Support the Channel by Joining Patreon for early access and other rewards: www.patreon.com/MMAacademic Or Grab Some Merch: www.mixedmartialacademic.shop
Some merch for me Hell Yeah.
I need to get a PO Box though. I don't want you showing up drunk at my door quoting War Machine.
You need a proof watcher. I’ve noticed a lot of small mistakes in the subtitles and you call Samman “Tanner” @28:31. I’d love to help and am not just being a troll xx
@@paulsneddon1234 Nah, Just leave it. Cheers! 🍻
@@paulsneddon1234i agree, even in the comment thread he spelled watching as watchinf. Just sayin, if you're going to post, grammar and spelling are key. Hard to take shit seriously if someone doesn't care enough to correct themselves.
31:33 Amidst the tragedies so thoroughly documented in this excellent video, can we just take a minute to appreciate the fact that the beautiful Octagon girl Brittney Palmer is STILL working in the same capacity for the UFC, nearly 10 years since this footage was shot? Amazing how little she has aged during that time. That said, RIP Evan and Josh.
Not hard to conceive. Let’s say she was 18, then she’s in her late 20’s now. So yea..
@@Ishbikes Let's say? She's 36 now. There's this thing called an online search. Check it out sometime. There is typically a huge and very visible difference between a 26-year old girl and a women pushing 40. If you haven't noticed that, perhaps you need to pay attention more.
Very classy and well put together 👍
Thanks for sharing 🙏🏾 Prayers out for those trying to recover from the passing of their loved ones 🕊️
When the hell is this airing?
20 mins
@@MixedMartialAcademic thanks
I love your feel-good videos like this! Now I'm motivated to tackle my week! /s Great work though, for real 👍
As always, thank you for this. Easily the deepest mma channel and after every one of your videos I feel like I learned something on top of being entertained. Again, thank you.
My pleasure! Thanks so much for the kind words!
Absolutely chilling throughout this entire video. Amazing work as always, may God bless everyone
Thank you so much!
Reporting for duty
As you should
And rightly so
@@Last_Chance. always
Hi Academic I hope your knee issues have been resolved. Keep up the good work! This video is real dark. Perfect for a long session of heavy bag work. Fight the shadow to step into the light.
Dang dude... best MMA docs in the game right now; amazing subject choices, composition, direction and just overall great, great stuff
Thanks so much my friend! That means a lot my man!
Terrible video doesn't even bring up the horrors chael sonnen had to live through in his early life
😂
Holy shit 😂😂😂
Just stopping by to say the thumbnail is absolutely in bad taste, please don't paint the dead as creepy pasta characters for clickbait. Ite, thanks