The MMA Encyclopedia [Paperback]

Jonathan Snowden (Author), Kendall Shields (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2010

Whether a casual fan or a longtime mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiast, all MMA spectators will benefit from the information in this detailed reference. The complicated nature of MMA can create a barrier for potential fans, but this clear, concise guide breaks the MMA language barrier for those who don't know the difference between a wristlock and a wristwatch, while also offering various perspectives and analysis. This combination of facts, fundamentals, and fighters of the world’s fastest-growing combat sport will delight and engage fans of this wildly popular sport.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The most comprehensive reference now available on the fights, fighters, managers, and executives defining contemporary mixed martial arts (MMA) and its related commercial industry."  —Library Journal

“If the history of MMA was taught as a college course, Total MMA would be the official textbook used for the class.”  —Sam Caplan, www.FiveOuncesofPain.com, on Total MMA

“Snowden is undeniably a talented writer who has done his research, and the work here is impressive.”  —Tommy Hackett, www.Total-MMA.com

"An exhaustive look at the arts, athletes, promotions and techniques that make up mixed martial arts." —USA Today (June 13, 2011)

"An incredible resource for any fan . . . the book is a treasure trove of MMA stories, people and history. From  A (David 'Tank' Abbott) to Z (Zuffa), all the major players are included with records and recaps of past UFC, Pride and other major events."  —Chicago Sun-Times

"The MMA Encyclopedia is one of the more exhaustive references you'll find on the sport of mixed martial arts I highly recommend the book. Snowden's first book, Total MMA, was one of the better MMA books I've ever read, and this one may be even better."  —Houston Chronicle

"The latest offering from Jonathan Snowden, author of Total MMA, [this is] one of the best and most complete accounts of where this sport came from ever written. Inked in tandem with Canadian Kendall Shields, The MMA Encyclopedia is exactly that: an A-through-Z of mixed martial art, covering fighters, promotions, industry figures and the Just Bleed Guy . . . This is the kind of book that you'll go back to time-and-again."  —Province

"Hundreds of pages jam-packed with so much mixed martial arts history, facts, interviews, detail, and dramatic photography, can leave you with multiple headaches if you read it too fast . . . Take time to enjoy this read, it is a book you will want to read over and over again."  —Ringside Report

About the Author

Jonathan Snowden is a former lawyer, a radio DJ, and a television producer. He is the author of Total MMA, has worked for the U.S. Army and the White House Communications Agency, is trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the Army Combatives Program, and currently works for the Department of Defense. He lives in Vienna, Virginia. Kendall Shields teaches English at Saint Mary’s University and judo at the Dalhousie University Judo Club. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 340 pages
• Publisher: ECW Press (November 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550229230
• ISBN-13: 978-1550229233
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #134,906 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Sports
  • #26 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Mixed Martial Arts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Snowden has the best books on mma out there!, November 17, 2010

By 

Robert J Irvin "Ronnin" (Cisne, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The MMA Encyclopedia (Paperback)

This book covers over 200 of the top fighters of all time, all the major mma organizations, the different disclipines in mma,the different positions, finishing holds, teams,etc. The best thing I liked about this book was the reference pages at the end with all the stats and event results of Pride and the Ufc. I would recommend this book along with Total mma as your starting point in collecting misc.mma books because in my personal opinon, they're the best.

12 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Informative, biased, and quite a few errors, October 25, 2010

By 

G M S - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The MMA Encyclopedia (Paperback)

The book is very informative. However but the authors have a very biased opinion on some fighters and some history on the sport. I thought I am reading an ENCYCLOPEDIA, not a book called "MMA - How I See It". There are blatant errors in the book such as fighter records, wrong events and others.

Overall the feeling of reading the book is just mediocre. Obviously the quality of the publisher is terrible if they are missing errors in the information and authors interjecting their opinions aimlessly throughout information. If they want to called it "The MMA Encyclopedia" then it should be unbiased telling of facts and history.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must for any fan!, October 26, 2010

By 

andrew - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The MMA Encyclopedia (Paperback)

I don't consider myself a particularly nascent MMA fan anymore, I've seen most of the big fights of the past 5 years and many of the insignificant ones as well. But who among us has a perfect knowledge of all things? Certainly not I and pardon my presumptuousness but not you either. That's where the MMA Encyclopedia comes in. Confused as to why Vitor Belfort is viewed so highly by Dana White? Read his entry and a lot will be explained. Curious who the best fighter is? (The authors never make such a bold claim but I will tell you it's Ikuhisa Minowa, whose entry is fascinating.) And so on.
The writing is fun, light, and informative, the book achieves tome status in its size and scope, and it is just a handsome looking book all told.