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Nick Gullo’s Into The Cage, published by Pan MacMillan Australia, offers many “Oh, sh*t!” moments for old and new fans alike.
Gullo, nicknamed ‘The Tooth’, is a childhood friend of Dana White’s and possesses the same propensity for profanity as the UFC’s colourful leader.
Gullo channels White’s energy into his writing – uncensored, opinionated and completely candid.
The book provides a fly-on-the-wall look at the astronomic ascent of the UFC machine.
You’ve all heard the story: the floundering organisation that was purchased by the Fertitta brothers and spearheaded by White into the thrifty realms of reality TV, pay-per-view and a network cable deal.
In between the fairy tales were the entrepreneurial realities of dealing with abysmal fiscal reports and losing money prior to the first season of The Ultimate Fighter.
This isn’t a history book – it’s an eclectic account of Gullo’s experience as a UFC reporter.
He recounts his fright at trying to snag an interview with Tank Abbott at a Huntington Beach bar (and drinking with the brawler’s father in the process).
He tells of the thrill in shadowing fighters as they walk from backstage into the Octagon.
In between the words are stunning photographs that illustrate and enhance the story being told.
For new fans, the sections on the UFC’s history and various martial arts styles will prove to be quite educational.
Older fans will read this for the stories, as Gullo interviews numerous fight people throughout and uncovers their motivations and idiosyncrasies – from TUF hopefuls to reigning champions and elite trainers.
In particular, the section on the UFC’s evolution –both as a sport and as a business – will be of interest to all.
The book also offers a unique insight into Dana White, beyond his role as president and “Do you want to be a f*cking fighter?” persona.
As a childhood friend, Gullo has seen a side of White that few will ever get a chance to -from his beginnings growing up in a broken home to how he treats those close to him.
It’s an interesting look at a man who is disliked by many but has forced his detractors to begrudgingly respect him for bringing the UFC to the mainstream.
In the end, the book works as a time capsule of sorts for the UFC’s first 20 years.
It’s not an encyclopaedia; most of the early years are glossed over and the chapters are only somewhat sequential.
Instead, it aims to peel back the layers and put you right next to the action. It’s a metaphor for the sport of mixed martial arts – eclectic, evolving, ever-changing and cuts to the core of both mind and heart.
Rating: 4.5/5
Into The Cage will hit bookshelves on December 2013.
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