Intriguing Look at How Extreme Combat Sports Landed in Trump's Corner

Jonas Cullhed's new book, "Fight! Fight! Fight!," delves into the fascinating and often controversial evolution of mixed martial arts (MMA). The work traces the sport's transformation from a bloody subculture into a massive global industry, now intertwined with figures like Donald Trump, right-wing extremists, and authoritarian regimes.

The book begins by placing Donald Trump in the audience at an octagon in Newark, New Jersey, posing the question of MMA's connection to American politics. Cullhed meticulously guides Swedish readers through the sport's origins in the 1980s, inspired by Hélio Gracie's Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and its early, often brutal, pay-per-view events. These initial UFC galas featured diverse combatants in unregulated bouts, a stark contrast to the sophisticated hybrid sport it is today.

Cullhed examines the growth of the sport under UFC President Dana White and its symbiotic relationship with Trump. The narrative then expands through detailed reportage, including Cullhed's experiences queuing at a Las Vegas gala and conversations with undocumented supporters and a far-right extremist in Kyiv. The book highlights MMA's expanding market in Southwest Asia and its surprising surge in popularity during the pandemic with the creation of "Fight Island" in Abu Dhabi.

"Fight! Fight! Fight!" captures the sport's peculiar trajectory and its increasing politicization. Cullhed notes how the sport's association with the Trump administration, the manosphere, and the far-right has alienated some of its early fans, while its financial backing and global reach continue to expand.