Tanner's lasting impact, Evans' potential impact and more

Former UFC champ Evan Tanner was found dead Monday. He was just 37. Courtesy of Zuffa Josh Gross's Mailbag Submit a comment or question for Josh. Name: Email: Hometown: Question: SEND

Much has happened since my last mailbag. I received a lot of reaction to the passing of Evan Tanner, some of which are posted here. Thanks to all of you who shared your thoughts. I also received some questions about Rashad Evans' knockout of Chuck Liddell and the impact of Randy Couture's return to the UFC.

I got to know Evan when he worked out at Team Quest in Gresham, Ore., from around 2002-05 or so. I was in my late 40s, a former mediocre kickboxer and even worse grappler. But I had my in. My son, Trevor, was an accomplished 11-year-old wrestler when he joined Team Quest in 2002, but there were no other kids then, so he worked out with the rest of us. All 105 pounds of him.

Occasionally, Trevor and I got to roll with Evan. For me it was an immense pleasure to work out with someone of his caliber, and though I'm sure Evan never got anything out of it, he was always smiling, always having a good time with it.

Sometimes I would just sit and watch my son spar and grapple, and he, too, had that same smiling face that Evan had. It was as if life had completely filled their bodies and was pouring out by smiling while doing something that most people would grimace. No doubt that these guys were really enjoying every moment.

Trevor died August 11, 2005.

There is something in this life that I can't define, can't organize words around.

That somehow there are those who were destined not to live a long life, but to have the opportunity to pack in so many experiences, so many accomplishments that they just couldn't be here any longer. If you knew my son and if you knew Evan, I believe you would catch a glimpse of what I cannot articulate.

So Evan, where ever you are at and if you can, track down that son of mine. He would love to see that smile again.
-- Tom Palmer, Portland, Ore.

***

Thank you for writing this piece about Evan Tanner. After hearing of his death I looked online for more information and came upon his blog. I couldn't stop reading his posts, one after another I was saddened even more when realizing that being a MMA fighter was the least of his gifts. I was also sad that the reports of his death didn't mention anything about him as a person, just as a fighter. I am an MMA fan, which is how I knew of him, but I wish I had paid more attention to him when he was alive, and I am sure I am not the only one.
-- Laura DeWitt, Glen Ellyn, Ill.

***

What a beautiful introspective reflection on a true warrior. A warrior who did not have any boundaries and lived his life as one should, as every day could be your last, and to cherish the little things that come across your way. R.I.P., Evan Tanner.
-- Ben, Freehold, N.J.

***

Thanks a ton for the Tanner article. I also was intrigued by of what little I knew of him, and I really liked him and his personality in the sport of MMA. Sad to see him go. He's just three years younger then me. But I believe he has lived a more real live then I ever will.
-- Scott Emmerling, Bartlett, Ill.

***

I don't know why I became a fan of Evan -- I just did. Then I read his blogs, looked at his pics and forked over more respect for him than many people I actually physically know. I'll miss him as a fighter, sure, but more as an online friend, someone I traveled with and, most importantly, learned from. His absence should be felt deeply.
-- Lisa, Bucks County, Pa.