' "Did you see the big fight this weekend'" The question used to be about boxing matches, when the giants of the fight world were Mike Tyson and Roy Jones. Now fans are leaving the sweet science in droves for the combat sport of the future: mixed martial arts (MMA). MMA has drawn millions on cable and network television, as well as out-performed professional wrestling and boxing on pay-per-view. Fans are attracted to the sport, but unlike boxing (where strategy and technique are limited to using both your left and right hands), an MMA fight can be surprisingly complicated. The MMA Encyclopedia puts the fighters, the facts, and the fundamentals of the world's fastest growing sport at your fingertips as the definitive reference guide to mixed martial arts. The encyclopedia will break the MMA language barrier for those who don't know a wristlock from a wristwatch, while at the same time offering perspective and analysis that will entertain the hardcore fan who already has the basics down pat. With three appendices that detail the results of every MMA'fight in history, this the ultimate reference book for the ultimate sport.

Building on the strength of the previous two editions, Bergman's Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Human Anatomic Variation is the third installment of the classic human anatomical reference launched by Dr. Ronald Bergman. With both new and updated entries, and now illustrated in full color, the encyclopedia provides an even more comprehensive reference on human variation for anatomists, anthropologists, physicians, surgeons, medical personnel, and all students of anatomy. Developed by a team of editors with extensive records publishing on both human variation and normal human anatomy, Bergman's Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Human Anatomic Variation is the long awaited update to this classic reference.

Part sport, part performance art, professional wrestling's appeal crosses national, racial and gender boundaries--in large part by playing to national, racial and gender stereotypes that resonate with audiences. Scholars who study competitive sports tend to dismiss wrestling, with its scripted outcomes, as "fake," yet fail to recognize a key similarity: both present athletic displays for maximized profit through live events, television viewership and merchandise sales. This collection of new essays contributes to the literature on pro wrestling with a broad exploration of identity in the sport. Topics include cultural appropriation in the ring, gender non-comformity, national stereotypes, and wrestling as transmission of cultural values.

MMA is one of the world's fastest growing sports. The Ultimate Guide to Preventing and Treating MMA Injuries offers professional and amateur fighters and fans alike the sound professional advice they need to prevent and treat injuries, find a good training camp and partners, train smarter — not harder — and choose the right equipment. Dr. Jonathan Gelber translates complicated medical topics into a guide full of practical, easy-to-follow information, complete with step-by-step photos and diagrams. From joint injuries to preventing infection, from muscle strains to the hot topic of head injuries and concussions, Dr. Gelber outlines all the need-to-know details. Featuring advice from more than 40 UFC Hall of Famers and champions, as well as many of MMA's top athletes and elite trainers, The Ultimate Guide to Preventing and Treating MMA Injuries is a must-have for anyone serious about today's fight game.

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.

Brings readers the history and information surrounding the contemporary world of MMA.

Throughout America's past, some men have feared the descent of their gender into effeminacy, and turned their eyes to the ring in hopes of salvation. This work explains how the dominant fight sports in the United States have changed over time in response to broad shifts in American culture and ideals of manhood, and presents a narrative of American history as seen from the bars, gyms, stadiums and living rooms of the heartland. Ordinary Americans were the agents who supported and participated in fight sports and determined its vision of masculinity. This work counters the economic determinism prevalent in studies of American fight sports, which overemphasize profit as the driving force in the popularization of these sports. The author also disputes previous scholarship's domestic focus, with an appreciation of how American fight sports are connected to the rest of the world.

A “propulsive and wildly engrossing” (Brad Stone, author of The Everything Store) account of how the UFC turned mixed martial arts into a multibillion-dollar business and global pop culture phenomenon. Decried as “human cockfighting” by Senator John McCain and dismissed by the New York Times as a “pay-per-view prism” onto the decline of Western civilization, the UFC seemed by 2000 to be bleeding out. The cage fighting promotion had been banned in thirty-six states and was struggling to cover production costs for its next event. But three buddies in Las Vegas—an ambitious personal trainer and two young casino heirs—saw something else in the UFC: a vision of the future. Over the next two decades, the trio would transform the company into one of the most valuable sports properties in the world, worth more than the Beatles catalog or the New York Yankees. And along the way, they would also transform the lives of some of the sport’s biggest stars, both for better and worse. A “captivating” (Christopher Leonard, author of The Lords of Easy Money) behind-the-scenes account of a once-reviled subculture’s strange path to pop legitimacy, Cage Kings embeds you in a world of desperate fighters, audacious promoters, fanboy bloggers, fatherly trainers, philosophical announcers, hustling sponsors, and three improbable twentysomething corporate titans on a darkly comic odyssey to normalize a new level of brutality in American pop culture—and make a fortune doing so. For in an era of generational poverty, eroding labor rights, radical media transformations, simmering political grievances, and an obsession with winning at any cost, the spectacle of two people fighting in a cage for another few months’ wages suddenly seemed to make sense. Stylishly written and poignantly observed, this “must-read for fans and the simply curious alike” (Matthew Polly, author of American Shaolin) offers a provocative look at how the hollowing out of the American dream and the violence of modern capitalism left us ready to embrace a sport like cage fighting.

‘Contemporary Issues in Sport Management presents an extensive array of absorbing contemporary issues relevant to managing sport. Internationally recognised scholars have contributed thought-provoking chapters on current global and local issues that are challenging traditional ways of thinking about and delivering sport. This exciting new book is rich in theory and stimulates readers to really think through the associated implications for sport management practice.’ -Tracy Taylor, Professor and Deputy Dean, University of Technology Sydney Business School Contemporary Issues in Sports Management offers a rich and dynamic introduction to the management of sport. An essential companion for all students embarking on a sports management course or module, it draws on research expertise from around the world and integrates these perspectives into engaging and accessible chapters. This book offers: Contemporary and international case studies followed by ‘Tools for analysis’ so students can put the methodology into practice. A range of pedagogical features including learning objectives, learning outcomes and short ‘Thinking points’ Useful websites and further reading at the end of each chapter A discussion of up-to-date issues including corruption in sport, sport policy, doping, athlete transgressions and much more. This book will lead students on a comprehensive exploration of global, national issues, and organizational issues in sport management. The authors encourage critical thought, investigation and the questioning of current practice in order to improve the leadership and management of sport in today’s society. Ideal for Undergraduate students of sport management, sport business, sport policy, sport marketing and sport development.