Beast: Blood, Struggle, and Dreams at the Heart of Mixed Martial Arts

In this insightful look at mixed martial arts (MMA), Merlino offers a window into the sport's octagon ring through four "high-level fighters" from one of the three MMA "supercamps" in the U.S. Unlike other writers on the same topic, Merlino doesn't profile fighters whom readers might have heard about or seen on television; instead, he focuses on the guys who are still trying to make it to the top level. They are the men who fight to fight another day. While their paths are all different, with some fighting strictly within the U.S. while others travel all the way to Kazakhstan or Russia, each has one goal in mind: to make it in the sport. Success would provide money to support their families and their dreams, and they are all willing to do what is necessary, even if it means the destruction of their own health. One of the men Merlino profiles takes a second fight two weeks after being knocked out, because he was stiffed by the first fight's promoter and needed the money. Merlino provides an enhanced picture for anyone who wants to look past the glitz and glamour of the spotlights presented on television and see the grit and sacrifice required from anyone who wants to step into the octagon. Agent: Zoë Pagnamenta, Zoë Pagnamenta Agency. (Oct.)