Public Libraries of Suffolk County, New York

Fighting against the odds, an insider's life in UFC, boxing, and entertainment, Fiaz Rafiq

eng

autobiography

illustrations

no index present

non fiction

Fighting against the odds

Fiaz Rafiq

an insider's life in UFC, boxing, and entertainment

"Fighting against the Odds is the culmination of Fiaz Rafiqs decades of work behind the scenes as a mixed martial arts and combat sports journalist, gaining the trust and confidence of the best fighters in UFC and boxing. Rafiq shares candid accounts, hidden histories, and thrilling experiences from his time with some of the most famous and prominent personalities in fighting sports. Included are never-before-told stories of UFCs most decorated and revered champions in Randy Couture, Royce Gracie, Daniel Cormier, Brock Lesnar, Georges St-Pierre, and Conor McGregor and boxing and martial arts icons such as Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, and Bruce Lee. Reaching the pinnacle of his career was anything but a smooth ride for Rafiq. The writer faced adversities, obstacles, and even harassment at American airports. Fighting against the Odds is a fascinating odyssey, one mans inspiring coming-of-age story populated by some of the most colorful characters in the world of sports and entertainment. Itis a powerful story of hard work, tenacity, and success against overwhelming odds."--publisher's website

Crazy obsessions -- It's a man's world -- Feeling despondent -- The American dream -- Enter the gracies -- Returning to Los Angeles -- Enter the journalist -- UFC assignment -- More real than the UFC -- The giants -- Hollywood, here we come! -- Home sweet home -- Sport of MMA hits mainstream -- Ringside and Brock 'the Beast' Lesnar -- UFC 105 encounters -- Boxing versus UFC: tTe Tyson-Gracie challenge -- UFC, royals and rich Arabs -- Mike, managers and me -- Muhammad Ali encounters -- From martial arts to movie magic -- I'll be back -- From hospitality to MMA chaos -- Adventures in New York -- Las Vegas -- Canada: MMA mad -- The Massive MMA fiasco -- I'm no terrorist -- Racism to road rage -- Mr Rocky -- Bruce Lee: Enter the ring -- Enter the octagon -- Old school meets new -- Challenging Conor McGregor -- Tough man tales -- Notorious -- Meeting with an underworld figure -- Perils of sports fame -- Michael, Matt and martial arts -- A new direction: New world -- Flying high -- A tumultuous year

Insider's life in Ultimate Fighting Championship, boxing, and entertainment