Cage Kings: How an Unlikely Group of Moguls, Champions and Hustlers Transformed the UFC into a $10 Billion Industry

The UFC has evolved from being seen as human cockfighting to a global pop culture phenomenon, worth more than any team in the NFL, NBA, or MLB. Cage Kings is a book that explores how the sport went mainstream, following the fighters, promoters, and corporate titans who made it happen. It offers a provocative look at how the hollowing out of the American dream and the violence endemic to modern capitalism left us ready to embrace a sport like cage fighting.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Ebury Publishing

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has undergone a remarkable transformation from its early days as a controversial and often criticized sport to a global pop culture phenomenon. This cultural and business history explores the unlikely rise of mixed martial arts (MMA) from its perception in the 1990s as human cockfighting, characterized by more violence than sport, to its current status as a multi-billion-dollar industry.

In the 1990s, mixed martial arts faced significant opposition and criticism. Senator John McCain, for instance, referred to it as "human cockfighting," emphasizing its perceived lack of sportsmanship and respect for human life. The New York Times also expressed concern, describing MMA as a "pay-per-view prism" onto the decline of western civilization. However, it's important to note that the perception of MMA has changed significantly over the years. Today, it is spoken of reverentially as a kind of "human chess" played out in real-time between two bodies.

The UFC, in particular, has emerged as one of the most valuable franchises in the world. Its worth exceeds that of any team in the NFL, NBA, or MLB, and is equal to what Disney paid to acquire Marvel Comics. This remarkable turnaround is a testament to the UFC's ability to adapt and evolve in the face of adversity.

Once banned in thirty-six states and hovering on the edge of bankruptcy, the UFC has transformed into a $10 billion industry. The key to its mainstream success has been a combination of innovative marketing strategies, a commitment to safety measures, and the development of compelling storylines and athletes.

Cage Kings, a book by author Jeff Pearlman, provides a rollicking behind-the-scenes account of the UFC's journey to normalize a new level of brutality in American pop culture and make a fortune doing so. The book follows a diverse group of individuals, including desperate fighters, audacious promoters, fanboy bloggers, fatherly trainers, philosophical announcers, hustling sponsors, and three improbable twentysomething corporate titans, as they navigate the complex world of MMA.

Through its engaging storytelling and poignant observations, Cage Kings offers a provocative look at how the hollowing out of the American dream over the past three decades and the violence endemic to modern capitalism have left us ready to embrace a sport like cage fighting. The book explores the cultural significance of MMA, its impact on society, and the ways in which it has challenged traditional notions of masculinity and athleticism.

In conclusion, the UFC's journey from a controversial and often criticized sport to a global pop culture phenomenon is a testament to the power of innovation, adaptability, and perseverance. While mixed martial arts faced significant opposition in the past, it has successfully transformed itself into a multi-billion-dollar industry that captivates millions of fans around the world. Cage Kings provides a fascinating insight into the behind-the-scenes world of MMA, offering a compelling account of the unlikely rise of this sport and its impact on American pop culture.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 152 x 233 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529103717