Jonathan Snowden and Kendall Shields
Paperback, 340 pages
Published November 1, 2010 by Ecw Press
ISBN# 9781550229233
Sports, Non-Fiction
NetGalley Review
Jonathan Snowden Website
Whether a casual fan or a longtime mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiast, all MMA spectators will benefit from the information in this detailed reference. The complicated nature of MMA can create a barrier for potential fans, but this clear, concise guide breaks the MMA language barrier for those who don't know the difference between a wristlock and a wristwatch, while also offering various perspectives and analysis. This combination of facts, fundamentals, and fighters of the world’s fastest-growing combat sport will delight and engage fans of this wildly popular sport.
*deep sigh* I HEARD THAT! *rolls eyes* I SAW THAT!
Now, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) may not interest you in the least, but it should. Gimme one good reason you say? I can give you My Reason. The same one why I read romance: Alpha Males. (It’s also why I watch NASCAR, but we’ll leave that for another day.) It takes a well developed specimen to get into the cage, go balls-to-the-wall and fight an equally matched opponent. You would be surprised to learn that many of these fighters are devoted family men. To pique your interest, UFC has the latest and greatest on the fighters and upcoming bouts.
My Rating~~
Review
The MMA Encyclopedia takes a massive amount of information and delivers it in a straightforward and clear package. Whether you are a long-time fan or newbie, like me, it is written for a broad audience. Don’t let the word “encyclopedia” frighten you. Yes, it is written alphabetically A through Z, but you will find yourself skipping to different pages to read this and reference that and back again. There are just enough pictures throughout the encyclopedia not to overwhelm, but to whet one’s appetite for more. Don’t overlook the two appendices at the end: UFC Results and Pride Fighting. These are chock-full of so many statistics your head will spin.
Did you ever wonder about the gear the fighters wear? It’s in there. How about “the Voice” - you know - the guy at the beginning of each bout; the announcer? He’s in there. Or maybe the Ring Girls holding the signs? Have a favorite referee you want to know more about? I do, and I did! Do the fighters cheat -- Do they ever! This is not a volume to put on the shelf and forget about. It’s a conversation piece. Put it on the coffee table, end table, kitchen table. You will be returning to it time and again.
Oh, by the way, if you do need a reason for this one. If your other half is a MMA fan and a reader, this would make a great gift.
No comments:
Post a Comment