2008 Woodie Awards
"Made in America" review (book)
Erich Pilcher
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Web Exclusive
So many times we hear about an athlete or movie star writing a sensational tell-all autobiography. The story is often marketed as an ultimate behind the scenes look but it never lives up to the hype. This book is different. It lives up to the hype and so much more. Matt Hughes' "Made in America" tells the tale of the most dominant champion in Ultimate Fighting Championship history. Hughes dominated the welter weight division from 1999 to the present day. During those years he fought and defeated the who's who of Mixed Martial Arts.
Unlike most autobiographies Hughes does not make himself out to be a hero and all-around great guy but his story makes him that way on its own. Hughes begins by telling about his childhood and growing up in Hillsboro, Ill. During this time the Hughes family had to endure several hardships which Hughes reveals in painstaking detail. Throughout the book Hughes addresses his life and tells it with the brutal honesty fans expect from the UFC superstar. The great thing about reading this remarkable story is that it makes readers feels as though they are there.
With every fight Hughes takes readers inside what his thoughts were in situations such as being nearly choked out by B.J. Penn to his thoughts about beating Frank Trigg by not throwing a single punch. For fans this is the ultimate look inside the octagon. The best aspect of Hughes' book is he has accountability, unlike many other autobiographical accounts. Hughes does not point blame at anyone.
He just tells it like it is. Hughes pulls no punches about his life before becoming a born-again Christian or his college lifestyle and that just makes the story even better. For those looking for the next flashy "tell-all" autobiography this book is not for you. For those looking for a story that is as honest and heartfelt as it's writer - this book is a must read for MMA fans and sports fans alike.
Unlike most autobiographies Hughes does not make himself out to be a hero and all-around great guy but his story makes him that way on its own. Hughes begins by telling about his childhood and growing up in Hillsboro, Ill. During this time the Hughes family had to endure several hardships which Hughes reveals in painstaking detail. Throughout the book Hughes addresses his life and tells it with the brutal honesty fans expect from the UFC superstar. The great thing about reading this remarkable story is that it makes readers feels as though they are there.
With every fight Hughes takes readers inside what his thoughts were in situations such as being nearly choked out by B.J. Penn to his thoughts about beating Frank Trigg by not throwing a single punch. For fans this is the ultimate look inside the octagon. The best aspect of Hughes' book is he has accountability, unlike many other autobiographical accounts. Hughes does not point blame at anyone.
He just tells it like it is. Hughes pulls no punches about his life before becoming a born-again Christian or his college lifestyle and that just makes the story even better. For those looking for the next flashy "tell-all" autobiography this book is not for you. For those looking for a story that is as honest and heartfelt as it's writer - this book is a must read for MMA fans and sports fans alike.
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