When author Clyde Gentry III first published No Holds Barred: The Complete History of Mixed Martial Arts in America in 2001, it appeared like it could serve as an eulogy of sorts for the sport. MMA was on its deathbed at the time, with the UFC banned from most pay-per-view channels and the company hemorrhaging money. As we all know, the sport came back from the dead to breath the rarefied air that in inhabits now, rubbing elbows with the mainstream. So it is fitting that Gentry has updated his tome and re-released it earlier this year.
Just how much has changed in the past decade in the MMA world? Try just about everything. For instance, Chuck Liddell was one of the author’s interview subjects for the original printing of the book, but considering Liddell was such a minor player he didn’t make the cut for inclusion in its pages. He, of course, went on to become the biggest name in the sport’s history. In its updated form, this book is indeed the definitive history of mixed martial arts, not just in America but around the world, as the sport’s birth and presence in Brazil and Japan are also touched on. But, for the most part, it is a history of how MMA became what it is today in America. With over 250 interview subjects within its pages, no stone is left unturned and no story or angle is left untold. The author claims the book aims to be a “history book”, but I don’t remember any of my history books in school including the drunken adventures of Bas Rutten or Tank Abbott (sadly).
Just like the best MMA match, No Holds.. is fast, action-packed and has slick transitions. Any true fan of the sport should do themselves a favour and check it out:
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