Ultimate Fighting: The Brains and Brawn of Mixed Martial Arts

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

Fascinating nonfiction chapter book about Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) that began its popularity in the 1980's and has grown from a violent, no hands barred sport to an exciting and international world phenomenon. MMA is a type of contact sport that allows fighters with very different skill sets to square off. As the book states," Can you imagine boxing legend Muhammed Ali and martial arts master Bruce Lee battling against one another?" The book does a good job of covering the History of the MMA, 12 Classic MMA Fights, Greats of the MMA and Eight Memorable Moments. Full color expressive and action-packed photographs entice the reader to spend a few extra moments for close study.

Informative sidebars are included and this information thrown into the mix is interesting and definitive. A glossary, source notes, further reading, websites and an index are included. Young readers interested in this topic will fully enjoy this book. Perfect for reluctant readers of nonfiction. Recommend for both public and school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good