The Millcreek Mall in Erie, Pennsylvania has a terrific reputation as one of the best in the United States.
Earlier this month, I was roaming the facility and came across a ” Boosters ” Book Store and naturally went right to the Sports section.
One of two books I elected to purchase was by L.Jon Wertheim, a Sports Illustrated author, called ” Blood In The Cage- Pat Miletich and the furious rise of the UFC. “
It’s an fascinating read to see how Miletich & the UFC were tightly linked, especially during the formative years of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and now have a disconnect that I assume will last forever.
Both Miletich & the UFC came from meagre beginnings and while both the fighter/trainer and the organization have had astronomical success, this is certainly not a overnight success story.
If you’re looking for a Hallmark-Happy ending type of book, this one isn’t it.
It’s grim, and the reality presented for both the central character and the trailblazing organization goes in and out with each great moment seemingly followed the next day by a downer.
But it’s a great read.
Some passages are well known by even the casual UFC or Miletich fan.
Many other sections of the book though are very illuminating and often shatter what has been considered fact or folklore for most of this decade.
” Blood in the Cage ” by L. Jon Wertheim,
I’m Fred Wallace