The fight game, for all its spectacle and athleticism, has a shadowy underbelly. Vice TV, no stranger to poking around in life’s less glamorous corners, aims to expose that darkness with its new docuseries, “Dark Side of the Cage.” The series premiered on January 8, 2025, and if the first two episodes are any indication, it’s shaping up to be essential viewing for fight fans. This week’s episode tackles the tragic and perplexing end of UFC veteran Evan Tanner.
Tanner, a fan favorite known for his tenacity and unorthodox fighting style, was found dead in the California desert in 2008. The official cause of death? Heat exposure. But the circumstances surrounding his final days remain murky, sparking speculation and unanswered questions. What led this former champion to wander alone into such a hostile environment? “Dark Side of the Cage” sets out to examine the events leading up to Tanner’s death, painting a picture of a complicated man grappling with inner demons.
While the episode will undoubtedly revisit the highs and lows of Tanner’s career inside the Octagon, its focus is clearly on the man behind the fighter. Expect a deep dive into his personal life, his struggles outside the ring, and the factors that might have contributed to his tragic fate.
“The Final Days of Evan Tanner” airs Wednesday, January 22nd at 10:00 PM on Vice TV.
