City Libraries, City of Gold Coast

Beast, blood, struggle, and dreams at the heart of mixed martial arts, Doug Merlino

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

contains biographical information

photographs

index present

non fiction

Beast

bibliography

Doug Merlino

blood, struggle, and dreams at the heart of mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts is America's fastest-growing sport - around the country, new gyms open their doors as enthusastic viewers tune in to UFC matches. Although some dismiss it as brutal combat, its fighers are among the most dedicated athletes in any arena. But MMA also takes a heavy toll on the body, and it's a rare fighter who can earn a living in the sport's top ranks. Beast follows four high-level fighters at one of the sport's elite gyms, Florida's American Top Team. Doug Merlino had unprecented access, training alongside the men for two years, travelling to their matches, and eating in their homes. Mirsad Bektic, a young Bosnian refugee who started in karate as a boy in Nebraska, dreams of stardom. Jeff Monson, a batttered veteran at forty-one, is an outspoken, tattooed anarchist enjoing a bizarre burst of celebrity in Russia. Steve Mocco is a newcomer - a former Olympic wrestler from a close-knit, intellectual family. Finally, there's Daniel Straus, who, from a life short on opportunity, fights his way up to the title contention. All will experience electrifying highs and career lows, and Merlino takes us along every step of the way while also examining the history, culture, business, and meaning of professional cage fightimg. A book for both the uninitiated and hard-core fan, Beast offers a fascinating journey into an often misunderstood world