Book description
A cultural and business history of the UFC, tracing the unlikely rise of mixed martial arts from what was derided in the '90s as "human cockfighting"--more violence than sport--to a global pop culture phenomenon. Senator John McCain once decried mixed martial arts as "human cockfighting," while the New York Times despaired that the sport offered a "pay-per-view prism" onto the decline of western civilization. But the violent spectacle of cage fighting no longer feels nearly as scandalous as it did when the sport debuted in 1993. Today, it's spoken of reverentially as a kind of "human chess" played out in real-time between two bodies and the UFC is one of the most valuable franchises in the world, worth more than any team in the NFL, NBA, or MLB and equal to what Disney paid to acquire Marvel Comics. Once banned in thirty-six states and hovering on the edge of bankruptcy, the UFC has evolved into a $10 billion industry. How did cage fighting go so mainstream? A rollicking behind-the-scenes account of one of the most spectacular upsets in American sports history, Cage Kings follows the desperate fighters, audacious promoters, fanboy bloggers, fatherly trainers, philosophical announcers, hustling sponsors, and three improbable twentysomething corporate titans on a darkly comic odyssey to normalize a new level of brutality in American pop culture--and make a fortune doing so. Stylishly written and poignantly observed, the book offers a provocative look at how the hollowing out of the American dream over the past three decades and the violence endemic to modern capitalism left us ready to embrace a sport like cage fighting.
Granola
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Runway Darling
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Mr. Fabulous
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
FireBerry
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Kevlar Wanted
Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
Divine Bramble
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Uncle Psycho
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings.
QuestQuill
ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
PixelPilgrim
With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. π Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking β this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! π²π
Mud Eye
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Pockets
Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Shimmy Shammy
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality β it's evident in every feature. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem!
Scuffs
π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks.
The Beekeeper
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Wrangler Jim
This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
180
ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Trixie Doodle
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Sly Bible
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true.
Manly
This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Eye Devil
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! The interface is sleek and modern. Itβs a joy to use. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. Itβs perfect for my listening style.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience