Ric Flair describes a clash between UFC legend Tank Abbott and NHL legend Bob Probert

Long time fans of the National Hockey League will be intimately familiar with legendary NHL enforcer Bob Probert and his dominance as one of the scariest men to ever lace up the skates in the NHL. A lot of fans however don't know that Probert's act on the ice was not much of an act at all and even away from the game of hockey the man had a reputation for being as tough as a 2$ steak. 

How tough? Well we may never truly know the answer to that question as Probert played in an era where there wasn't such readily available access to camera phones or social media, but that does not mean that he did not leave his rather unique mark on the world, including on some rather high profile individuals. In a recent podcast conversation WWE Hall of Famer Ric "The Nature Boy" Flair described one such incident involving the legendary NHL enforcer and another man with a reputation as a very tough customer, Ultimate Fighting Championship legend Tank Abbott.

As Flair tells it this occurred in Rockford, Illinois and took place at some time during Probert's tenure as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. According to Flair Probert was just coming out of rehab when one day he crossed paths with the legendary UFC fighter, although it's unclear where the two men were that they would have run into one another. Based on Flair's recollection of the event however the two men got heated with one another when Abbott threatened to take Probert inside the octagon to teach him a lesson. 

Now most men, at least those with any sense, would not want to step into a cage with a literal cage fighter much less one who had a reputation for putting people to sleep with huge power punches. That being said though according to Flair Probert didn't even flinch, instead calling Abbott a "fat boy" and telling him that he would settle the score right then and there, or in the ring if that's what Abbott really wanted. 

It seems like that was enough for Abbott as based on Flair's telling of the story that is where things ended. Probert may be gone, but his legend continues to grow even in his absence. 

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