Overview

A riveting memoir by acclaimed combat sports and entertainment journalist Fiaz Rafiq, as he shares captivating stories of fighting legends and entertainment stars alongside the story of his own personal hardships, struggles against prejudice, and ultimate triumph. Fighting Against the Odds is the culmination of Fiaz Rafiq’s decades of work behind the scenes as a mixed martial arts and combat sports journalist, gaining the trust and confidence of the best fighters in UFC and boxing. Rafiq shares candid accounts, hidden histories, and thrilling experiences from his time with some of the most famous and prominent personalities in fighting sports. Included are never-before-told stories of UFC’s most decorated and revered champions in Randy Couture, Royce Gracie, Daniel Cormier, Brock Lesnar, Georges St-Peire, and Conor McGregor and boxing icons such as Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali. Reaching the pinnacle of his career was anything but a smooth ride for Rafiq. The writer faced adversities, obstacles, and even harassment at American airports. Fighting Against the Odds is a fascinating odyssey, one man’s inspiring coming-of-age story populated by some of the most colorful characters in the world of sports and entertainment. It is a powerful story of hard work, tenacity, and success against overwhelming odds.

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9781538154830

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Reviews

Fiaz Rafiq and I bonded over Bruce Lee. His interview-heavy books on Lee, Muhammad Ali & Arnold Schwarzenegger and pioneering coverage of full combat 'cage' sports was impressive. However, I didn't understand him before Fighting against the Odds, his moving memoir which doubles as a self-help book. He's the Islamic Horatio Alger. With a H.S. education, while adhering to his religion, he's become a well-regarded entertainment and sportswriter, among the first to identify MMA-style combat sports as a phenomenon. As a shy, introverted kid, he fixated on Bruce Lee, hiding it from his strict parents, . Like Lee, he was a small-boned kid, and saw martial arts as an avenue. His passion became his life's work as a writer. No one else covers MMA with such insight. Now, he spins out his unlikely life story with entertaining energy, verve, sincerity and passion.--Alex Ben Block, former editor, The Hollywood Reporter, veteran showbiz journalist An inspiring story of a kid who discovered his path in life -- and success -- through his passion for Bruce Lee and the martial arts. Highly recommended.--Matthew Polly, New York Times bestselling author Fiaz knows exactly how to get to the heart of every story seamlessly - and telling his own is no different. A must read for fans of combat sports, MMA and Hollywood.--Ellie Henman, The Sun He (Fiaz) studies his subjects and does his homework so much that he can't go wrong. Fiaz studies the person - like he studied about me, Bruce Lee, Muhammad Ali, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and all those guys. And he knows more about the person than the person knows about himself.--Royce Gracie, Three-time UFC champion The story of an obsessive individual who drew inspiration from his boyhood idol Bruce Lee to follow his dream and shape his life. It reflects how his passion forged friendships and taught him to roll with the blows that journalism can throw at you.--Simon Jones, Daily Mail This is a gripping memoir which doubles up as an insightful deep dive into the world of entertainment and sports by a journalist who identified the phenomenon of MMA fighting as well as one man's journey to discover who he really is.--Halina Watts, Sunday Mirror

Author Information

Fiaz Rafiq is a sports and entertainment journalist and author. After 15 years writing for bestselling magazine Martial Arts Illustrated (MAI) and contributing to magazines such as MMA Uncaged, Fighter’s Only, and Men’s Fitness, he became a contributing writer for multiple national newspapers. He solidified himself as an acclaimed biographer of some of the towering figure in sports and Hollywood, writing Muhammad Ali: The Life of a Legend, Bruce Lee: The Life of a Legend, and Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Life of a Legend. Rafiq is the co-author of My Brother, Muhammad Ali: The Definitive Biography—a Sunday Times Book of the Year published in six languages—with Ali’s brother Rahaman Ali. He contributed to the authorized documentary How Bruce Lee Changed the World.

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