{"title":"Michael Thomsen","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the collection of works by Michael Thomsen, a distinguished author whose narratives capture the essence of human experience through a poignant lens. Known for his compelling writing style, Thomsen delves into the realms of Biography and Memoir, offering readers an insightful exploration of unique lives and events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne notable work in this collection is \u003cem\u003eCage Kings\u003c\/em\u003e, where Thomsen artfully chronicles the dynamic world of mixed martial arts. With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, he pulls back the curtain on this electrifying sport, revealing the personalities, challenges, and triumphs that define it. Thomsen’s ability to blend factual accuracy with vivid narrative makes his books both educational and engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're an avid follower of biographies or simply curious about stories that expand your understanding of diverse human experiences, Thomsen's works promise an enlightening journey. His books are not just a window into fascinating lives but also a reflection on the broader societal impacts and personal stories that shape our world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDive into the writings of Michael Thomsen and discover a category brimming with insight, exploration, and the intrigue of real-life adventures.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cage-kings-by-michael-thomsen-9781529103717","title":"Cage Kings","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCage Kings\u003c\/em\u003e is 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSenator John McCain once decried mixed martial arts as 'human cockfighting,' while the \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e despaired that the sport offered a 'pay-per-view prism' onto the decline of western civilisation. 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?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA rollicking behind-the-scenes account of one of the most spectacular upsets in American sports history, \u003cem\u003eCage Kings\u003c\/em\u003e 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 normalise 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46370106212588,"sku":"9781529103717","price":26.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/11458893482732.jpg?v=1744805425"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/michael-thomsen.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}