Champions of the Octagon

Champions of the Octagon

Author: Fiaz Rafiq

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2022-06-21

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 1683584430

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Learn the stories, history, and strategy of the sport's greatest champions—in their own words! Mixed martial arts (MMA) has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. With Dana White helping bring Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to prominence and respectability, as well as Conor McGregor becoming one of the sport’s biggest stars, fans are skipping the squared circle for the Octagon. In Champions of the Octagon, writer Fiaz Rafiq interviews many of the greatest MMA and UFC champions of all-time, including Georges St-Pierre, Holly Holm, Daniel Cormier, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Randy Couture, and many others. Readers will learn of their upbringings, their introductions to the sport, and how they worked their way to be the best ever. Spending decades covering the sport and building relationships with those who have fought in the Octagon, Rafiq shares never-before-seen interviews and intimate stories from these greats. Learn from Royce Gracie how his family helped bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to America, Anderson Silva on challenging boxing champion Roy Jones Jr., BJ Penn on how he got introduced to MMA, Brock Lesnar on using his skills from WWE and bringing them to UFC, Alexander Volkanovski on a quest to dominate his division, Holly Holm on dethroning Ronda Rousey, and so much more. From the early days of the sport and its rich history to today’s stars and the future of MMA, Champions of the Octagon pulls back the curtain on their lives and careers. Including interviews from thirty-six UFC champions (seventeen Hall of Famers), hear never-before-told stories from the fighters who helped build the sport to what it is today.


Broken Before Battle

Broken Before Battle

Author: Suzette Howe

Publisher: Showuhow2.com

Published: 2018-06-12

Total Pages: 182

ISBN-13: 9780692127797

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Mixed martial arts (MMA) is often identified with violence and greed, but is that an accurate portrayal? Many MMA fighters grew up having to overcome bullying, gang activity, drugs, and violence. Success as a fighter is their opportunity to share life-altering concepts and inspire others through the sport they enjoy.


Broken Before Battle

Broken Before Battle

Author: Suzette Howe

Publisher: Showuhow2.com

Published: 2021-07

Total Pages: 218

ISBN-13: 9780578945262

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Champions are made through life; their choices and actions position them to overcome odds to accomplish their dreams...Is it possible as a child, or maybe as a parent, to change the future by our thoughts? People are challenged every day by life circumstances beyond their control. But what is it that gives certain people an edge over their conditions and allows them to succeed to the highest levels? This question is the foundation of this second book in the Broken Before Battle Trilogy. Author Suzette Howe, the mother of MMA champion and commentator Dominick Cruz, shares her personal story of raising a champion and also the stories of seven other champions and overcomers from across the globe. Howe encourages readers of all ages by sharing their deeper thoughts through times of self-doubt, devastation, tragedy, perseverance, and triumph. Despite their different backgrounds, they all share a common drive to reach their ultimate dreams. In Raising Champions for Tomorrow, they reveal their secrets using mindful tactics to establish new habits of growth--even in the darkest of times. These compelling short biographies are vulnerable and will speak to families everywhere about how to encourage personal growth as individuals and as parents.


Quitters Never Win

Quitters Never Win

Author: Michael Bisping

Publisher: Diversion Books

Published: 2020-01-21

Total Pages: 423

ISBN-13: 1635767075

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The Ultimate Fighting Champion Hall of Famer tells his story in this no-holds-barred memoir—featuring a bonus chapter in this updated American edition. In Quitters Never Win, Michael Bisping—Britain’s own Rocky Balboa—tells his life story from childhood as a British Army brat to a legendary mixed martial arts career and induction into the UFC Hall of Fame. The ultimate UFC underdog, Bisping fought his way to Number One contender three times, only to be knocked back each time. But he refused to give in, clawing his way to his first World Title shot at the age of thirty-seven—and becoming the first ever British UFC world champion. Bisping offers fresh insights about his fighting career, never-before-told stories about his film and TV career, and a harrowing account of his fighting off attempted kidnappers while filming in South Africa. Loaded with the humor and brutal honesty that first won him a following on the television show Ultimate Fighter 3, Bisping recounts his record setting thirteen-year fight career battling the likes of Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and Dan Henderson.


To The Top

To The Top

Author: Fiaz Rafiq

Publisher: eBook Partnership

Published: 2021-04-26

Total Pages: 476

ISBN-13: 1785319272

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When it comes to sports and entertainment, the glitz and the glamour of celebrity life, most of us only aspire to gain something small such as an autograph. Few of us ever have the chance to sit down with stars and discuss their lives, or rub shoulders with those closest to them. Being up close and personal with UFC, boxing and entertainment stars is just part of Fiaz Rafiq's daily routine. He's worked closely with some of the most revered champions and pioneers of UFC. In this gripping memoir he shares riveting behind-the-scenes stories of the top MMA and boxing champions and legends - from Randy Couture, Royce Gracie, Brock Lesnar, Daniel Cormier and Conor McGregor to Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee (to many the Godfather of MMA) - their gritty beginnings and their most triumphant moments. The result is the culmination of over two decades of work, gaining the trust and confidence of the greatest fighters and personalities in MMA and combat sports. To the Top is a fascinating odyssey that uncovers the hidden history of the most brutal combat sport on the planet.


Is This Legal?

Is This Legal?

Author: Art Davie

Publisher: Ascend Books

Published: 2014-07

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780991275649

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With the very first UFC, the new sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) was launched-although it wasn't even called that yet-and fighting would never again be the same. Now, for the first time, the true story of how the Ultimate Fighting Championship came into existence is told by the man who started it all. In this vivid and fast-moving, first-person account, Davie explains how his idea to crown the World's Best Fighter painstakingly evolved into the UFC, which now stands as a billion-dollar sports franchise.


MMA Manuscripts: 30 Must-Reads in the World of MMA and Combat Sports

MMA Manuscripts: 30 Must-Reads in the World of MMA and Combat Sports

Author: James Bren

Publisher: James Bren

Published:

Total Pages: 68

ISBN-13:

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Embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and combat sports with "MMA Manuscripts: 30 Must-Reads in the World of MMA and Combat Sports" by James Bren. This comprehensive anthology brings together 30 essential books that delve into the rich tapestry of MMA, covering its history, techniques, strategies, and personal narratives. From gripping memoirs of legendary fighters to insightful analyses of fighting styles and training methods, this curated collection caters to both seasoned MMA aficionados and curious newcomers alike. Explore the iconic matches, celebrated fighters, and pivotal moments that have left an indelible mark on the landscape of MMA. Delve into the inner workings of the Octagon, unravel the stories of revered champions, and gain profound insights into the mental and physical rigors of combat sports. With titles spanning a diverse range of topics, including training manuals, biographies, and philosophical treatises, "MMA Manuscripts" offers a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted world of MMA culture and history. Featuring contributions from esteemed authors and experts in the field, each book is meticulously chosen to provide readers with a deeper understanding of MMA's evolution and its profound impact on sports culture. Whether you're intrigued by the technical nuances of grappling and striking or captivated by the human drama and triumphs that unfold inside the cage, this anthology promises an immersive exploration of the MMA universe. Ideal for fighters, coaches, fans, and anyone with a passion for combat sports, "MMA Manuscripts" serves as an invaluable resource and reference guide for delving into the intricacies of MMA and its enduring allure. Whether you seek inspiration, knowledge, or simply an engaging read, this anthology is certain to satiate your appetite for all things MMA. Embark on a captivating odyssey through the pages of "MMA Manuscripts" and immerse yourself in the electrifying world of mixed martial arts.


My Fight / Your Fight

My Fight / Your Fight

Author: Ronda Rousey

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2015-05-12

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 1941393853

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THE ONLY OFFICIAL RONDA ROUSEY BOOK “The fight is yours to win.” In this inspiring and moving book, Ronda Rousey, the Olympic medalist in judo, reigning UFC women's bantamweight champion, and Hollywood star charts her difficult path to glory. Marked by her signature charm, barbed wit, and undeniable power, Rousey’s account of the toughest fights of her life—in and outside the Octagon—reveals the painful loss of her father when she was eight years old, the intensity of her judo training, her battles with love, her meteoric rise to fame, the secret behind her undefeated UFC record, and what it takes to become the toughest woman on Earth. Rousey shares hard-won lessons on how to be the best at what you do, including how to find fulfillment in the sacrifices, how to turn limitations into opportunities, and how to be the best on your worst day. Packed with raw emotion, drama, and wisdom, this is an unforgettable book by one of the most remarkable women in the world.


The Last Round

The Last Round

Author: Randy Couture

Publisher:

Published: 2011-12

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780956258663

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Randy Couture, the most decorated fighter and champion in UFC history and acknowledged by many to be the greatest fighter in the sport of mixed martial arts, is revered by champions and fans alike. Couture has been able to parlay himself from the Octagon into Hollywood, landing major roles in Sylvester Stallone


The Pact

The Pact

Author: Cody Garbrandt

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Published: 2018-05-08

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 0785216774

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A UFC champion and a boy with leukemia, in the fight of their lives. Cody Garbrandt dreamed of being a UFC champion. In his darkest moments, when those dreams were dashed, he dug deep with the help of an unlikely friend—five-year-old Maddux Maple, a local hometown fan with leukemia. They made a pact: Cody would be in the UFC and win the championship, and Maddux would beat cancer. Read their moving story in Cody’s new book, The Pact, and go behind the scenes into Cody’s training and how he made his dreams come true. Cody Garbrandt grew up in a rough town in the Central Appalachian region of Ohio, surrounded by a longstanding culture of fighting—and drugs. Raised in this environment by a single mom (his dad left him at the young age of three to reside in the Ohio State Penitentiary), Cody grew up fighting, and he grew up wild. His future seemed predestined to end in the coal mines, or in prison. Thankfully, Cody had visions of something more. His American Dream? Mixed Martial Arts. But a path to success wasn’t clear. He spent as much time fighting in the streets as he did in the gym—one bad decision away from losing everything. Then, at age 20, Cody’s brother introduced him to five-year old Maddux Maple. Maddux was deathly ill with leukemia, his survival by no means assured. A unique friendship developed as they made a promise to each other: Maddux would beat cancer, and Cody would make it to the UFC and become world champion. Through five long years of pain and hardship, they both persevered; Cody, through the agony and sacrifices of fighting his way to the top, and Maddux through the horrors of chemotherapy. They loved and supported each other. They served as each other’s inspiration. And in December 2016, they made good on their pact: Cody won his UFC Championship belt, which he promptly presented to Maddux—the boy who had beaten cancer into remission.