My Book Review: <i>Blood in the Cage: Mixed Martial Arts, Pat Miletich, and the Furious Rise of the UFC</i>

I just finished reading this book and I recommend it for every MMA fan out there. The author of the book (Sports Illustrated senior writer L. Jon Wertheim) follows the early life of Pat Miletich and his beginnings and progression into the sport of MMA. Wertheim also digs deep in the history of the UFC and its strong push into mainstream sports. He examines the sport's early beginnings from fights in small arenas, to its slow demise due to lack of Pay-per-view buys, and to its underground cult following on the Internet, leading up to the fast ascend back into pop culture to recognize itself as a strong sport enterprise in the world. The book was well researched and the extensive biography of many past and present fighters flows well with every chapter. Names such as Pat Miletich, Tim Sylvia, Matt Hughes, Chuck Lidell, Tito Ortiz, and a brief yet entertaining biography of the controversial UFC President, Dana White.

“A seamless combination of sport, entertainment . . . Wertheim has pierced the veil to create an edifying book for die-hard MMA fans and curious bystanders alike. “ —Sam Sheridan, author of A Fighter’s Heart

“Blood in the Cage is not only factually accurate, but also a joy to read. Jon Wertheim poignantly writes about the less than glorious rise to the top of MMA legend Pat Miletich while taking you for a ride down the historical trail blazed by some of MMA’s biggest stars . . . this book is a must read.”—Big John McCarthy, legendary UFC referee and founder of Big John McCarthy’s Ultimate Training Academy

“In a book as bracing and forthright as an open-handed slap, Jon Wertheim transcends easy caricature and cheap sensationalism to deliver the first honest journalism about Mixed Martial Arts that this country’s ever seen. Half hype, half hemoglobin—and from its bareknuckles beginnings to its recent arrival as a national pay-per-view pastime—the brief, brutal history of MMA has confounded even its own fans. Blood in the Cage stands above the din.” —Jeff MacGregor, special contributor, Sports Illustrated and author of Sunday Money

“In Blood in the Cage, L. Jon Wertheim tells the story of Pat Miletich, the consummate professional athlete turned world class trainer. Miletich is someone for whom I have considerable respect and admiration and who puts his athletes and our sport first and foremost.” —Randy Couture, UFC champion

“As Voltaire said, ‘That’s why they invented the squeegee.’”—David Mamet, author, playwright, and director

I rate it: 5/5