Ditch the gloves and grapple with the pages where the pulse of combat is mastered.
From gritty tales of resilience to the cunning strategies in the cage, this compilation of essential reads is your ring-side access to the raw adrenaline, wisdom, and heart of warriors.
Eager to unlock the secrets penned by fighting legends?
Best Mixed Martial Arts Books:
- The Fighter’s Mind – Inside the Mental Game
- Got Fight? – The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat
- The Way of the Fight – Insight into the Mind of a Fighter
- A Fighter’s Heart – One Man’s Journey Through the World of Fighting
- The Laws of the Ring – The Laws of Fighting and Life
- Blood in the Cage – Mixed Martial Arts, Pat Miletich, and the Furious Rise of the UFC
- The Voice of Reason – A V.I.P. Pass to Enlightenment
- Inside the Lion’s Den – The Life and Submission Fighting System of Ken Shamrock
- Pound for Pound – A Biography of Sugar Ray Robinson
- Tapped Out – Rear Naked Chokes, the Octagon, and the Last Emperor: An Odyssey in Mixed Martial Arts
Table of Contents
- #1 The Fighter’s Mind – Inside the Mental Game
- #2 Got Fight? – The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat
- #3 The Way of the Fight – Insight into the Mind of a Fighter
- #4 A Fighter’s Heart – One Man’s Journey Through the World of Fighting
- #5 The Laws of the Ring – The Laws of Fighting and Life
- #6 Blood in the Cage – Mixed Martial Arts, Pat Miletich, and the Furious Rise of the UFC
- #7 The Voice of Reason – A V.I.P. Pass to Enlightenment
- #8 Inside the Lion’s Den – The Life and Submission Fighting System of Ken Shamrock
- #9 Pound for Pound – A Biography of Sugar Ray Robinson
- #10 Tapped Out: Rear Naked Chokes, the Octagon, and the Last Emperor: An Odyssey in Mixed Martial Arts
- FAQ
#1 The Fighter’s Mind – Inside the Mental Game
- ✍️ Author: Sam Sheridan
- 📆 Year Published: 2010
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching, Biographies and Autobiographies
“The Fighter’s Mind” offers a fascinating look into the psychological aspects of combat sports. Author Sam Sheridan traverses the world of mixed martial arts, meeting with fighters and trainers to unlock the secrets of mental toughness and competitive edge.
Through interviews with some of the top fighters in the industry, Sheridan provides a compelling exploration of what it takes to win not only in the cage but in any of life’s challenges. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the mindset of a champion and the profound mental strategies behind elite performance in sports.
#2 Got Fight? – The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat
- ✍️ Author: Forrest Griffin and Erich Krauss
- 📆 Year Published: 2009
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching, Biographies and Autobiographies
“Got Fight?” reveals the irreverent spirit and astute insights of UFC legend Forrest Griffin. Co-written with Erich Krauss, the book blends humor with wisdom, offering 50 Zen principles that apply both to the octagon and daily life.
Readers will enjoy Griffin’s no-holds-barred style as he touches on fighting techniques, the importance of mental fortitude, and the trials and tribulations of a professional fighter. This candid guide will not only entertain but also inspire gutsiness and resilience in the face of adversity.
#3 The Way of the Fight – Insight into the Mind of a Fighter
- ✍️ Author: Georges St-Pierre
- 📆 Year Published: 2013
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, Strategy and Coaching
Discover the intellectual depth behind one of MMA’s greatest athletes in “The Way of the Fight,” where Georges St-Pierre shares his journey and the philosophy that has shaped his approach to fighting and life.
This intimate autobiography reveals St-Pierre’s reflections on his rise to fame, his methodology for staying on top, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. The book is an essential read for fans and practitioners alike who seek to understand the dedication behind greatness and the strategic mind of a champion.
#4 A Fighter’s Heart – One Man’s Journey Through the World of Fighting
- ✍️ Author: Sam Sheridan
- 📆 Year Published: 2007
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
Serving as an enthralling memoir and cultural insight into combat sports, “A Fighter’s Heart” takes readers through writer Sam Sheridan’s global quest to understand and engage in the world’s fighting disciplines.
This journey uncovers the core principles binding fighters across different cultures—a shared hunger and heart. Sheridan’s firsthand experiences and thoughtful narrative provide a multi-faceted perspective on what it truly means to be a fighter, making this book an insightful read for those fascinated with the ethos that drives combat sports.
#5 The Laws of the Ring – The Laws of Fighting and Life
- ✍️ Author: Urijah Faber
- 📆 Year Published: 2012
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, Strategy and Coaching
In “The Laws of the Ring,” MMA icon Urijah Faber shares his compelling life story and the principles that have guided his career and personal life. The book serves as a manual, intertwining life coaching with tales from inside and outside the octagon.
Faber offers insight into his mind and spirit, the blend of which has contributed to his success as a fighter and as an individual. For readers looking for both inspiration and practical advice on achieving greatness, Faber’s narrative provides a unique blend of life lessons learned through the discipline of mixed martial arts.
#6 Blood in the Cage – Mixed Martial Arts, Pat Miletich, and the Furious Rise of the UFC
- ✍️ Author: L. Jon Wertheim
- 📆 Year Published: 2009
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, History
Journalist L. Jon Wertheim paints a vivid picture in “Blood in the Cage,” chronicling the remarkable journey of Pat Miletich, a pioneer of MMA, and the explosive growth of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
This gripping narrative delves into the life of Miletich and the evolution of a sport that went from underground spectacles to mainstream success. The book is a comprehensive look into the struggles and triumphs of the fighters and leadership who shaped the UFC, making it an essential reading for understanding the historical roots and cultural impact of mixed martial arts.
#7 The Voice of Reason – A V.I.P. Pass to Enlightenment
- ✍️ Author: Chael Sonnen
- 📆 Year Published: 2012
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, Strategy and Coaching
In “The Voice of Reason,” Chael Sonnen delivers a blend of autobiography, social commentary, and life philosophy, capturing the multifaceted nature of his career as a fighter and media personality.
Sonnen’s wit and wisdom shine through his stories about the trials of athletic competition and his opinions on various aspects of society. The book is a ticket into the mind of one of MMA’s most articulate and engaging figures, offering unconventional yet enlightening views on the fight game and beyond.
#8 Inside the Lion’s Den – The Life and Submission Fighting System of Ken Shamrock
- ✍️ Author: Ken Shamrock and Richard Hanner
- 📆 Year Published: 1998
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, Strategy and Coaching
“Inside the Lion’s Den” is an absorbing recount of Ken Shamrock’s ascension from troubled youth to MMA legend. Written with Richard Hanner, it offers not only a biography but also a look into Shamrock’s influential submission fighting system.
With personal anecdotes and detailed techniques, Shamrock provides an inspirational and instructive tale for anyone passionate about mixed martial arts. Readers seeking an authentic glimpse of the early, raw days of modern MMA will find this book both revealing and educational.
#9 Pound for Pound – A Biography of Sugar Ray Robinson
- ✍️ Author: Herb Boyd and Ray Robinson Jr.
- 📆 Year Published: 2005
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
While “Pound for Pound” steers towards the realm of boxing, the story of Sugar Ray Robinson is a source of inspiration transcending any single combat sport.
Authors Herb Boyd and Ray Robinson Jr. explore the intricate life of this boxing icon, bringing to light the compelling narrative of his achievements within the ring and the societal impacts he made outside of it. Understandably a touchstone for mixed martial artists, this biography offers a compelling dive into the attributes of athleticism, grace, and resilience necessary for success in any fighting discipline.
#10 Tapped Out: Rear Naked Chokes, the Octagon, and the Last Emperor: An Odyssey in Mixed Martial Arts
- ✍️ Author: Matthew Polly
- 📆 Year Published: 2011
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies, Strategy and Coaching
“Tapped Out” follows author Matthew Polly’s grueling two-year journey into the world of professional mixed martial arts. As a 36-year-old with more enthusiasm than experience, Polly immerses himself in the sport, training with legends, and ultimately fighting in a professional bout.
His deeply personal and humorous account not only narrates his physical and emotional journey but also sheds light on the lives of MMA greats. This book is a testament to the challenges and rewards of the fighter’s path and offers an authentic behind-the-scenes look at the making of a mixed martial artist.
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FAQ
What are the best Mixed Martial Arts books of all time?
“A Fighter’s Heart,” “The Fighter’s Mind,” “Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge,” “Becoming the Natural,” and “The Laws of the Ring” are the best Mixed Martial Arts books of all time, providing a mix of personal fighter experiences, technical knowledge, and an in-depth look into the fighter’s psyche.
What is the best Mixed Martial Arts book for adults?
“The Fighter’s Mind” by Sam Sheridan is the best Mixed Martial Arts book for adults, delving into the mental preparation and discipline required for high-level competition.
What are the best books for Mixed Martial Arts fundamentals and strategy?
“Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge” by B.J. Penn and “Mastering Jujitsu” by Renzo Gracie are the best books for Mixed Martial Arts fundamentals and strategy, offering expertise on techniques, training, and the philosophy behind MMA.
