A social media wildlife influencer who films himself wrestling large animals came close to being overpowered by a 19-foot reticulated python during a recent encounter captured on video.
Mike Holston, who posts under the name The Real Tarzann, holds a blue belt in jiu-jitsu and has built a following by testing his grappling skills against snakes and other wildlife. In the latest video, the python wraps around one of his arms and both of his legs simultaneously, putting him in what he later called his “toughest battle with a snake yet.”
As the snake tightened its grip, Holston told his cameraman, “I’m okay. For now. But I won’t be in a second.”
Moments later, as the python’s coils closed further around him, he admitted the fight was slipping away from him. “I’m losing this battle, guys,” he said. “For the first time, I’ve met one that I can’t beat.”
Even so, he didn’t call for help right away. Asked if he needed assistance, Holston responded, “In a sec, I’m gonna flip him over. I still got head control, but my legs are and arm… watch. Ready?”
Holston managed to flip the python onto its back and eventually work himself free. Afterward, he conceded that his blue belt was no match for the snake, joking that the python effectively held “a black belt in the jungle.”
Catching his breath after the encounter, Holston said it was the closest he had come “in a long time to being wrapped up” by one of the animals he wrestles for his videos.
The video does not make clear what backup plan, if any, was in place had Holston been unable to flip the snake, or whether anyone on scene was prepared to intervene if the situation had worsened further.
