Mixed martial arts (MMA) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events continue to rival boxing and professional wrestling as today's most popular contact sport. In The Fighter Within, readers will learn what it takes to be an MMA competitor as Christopher Olech interweaves the intimate chronicle of his own journey through the MMA world with incredible stories shared by numerous other elite MMA fighters and martial artists. "Olech brings the average reader into the world of Mixed Martial Arts that few, outside of the realm of its elite participants, will ever experience. A truly uplifting memoir, with a brawler's backbone." —Conner Cordova, MMA journalist "Just like any great fighter, this book is about all heart. Christopher's view of the fight game is both romantic and realistic. This book is the journey of his love of the sport and its ability to force you into self acceptance." —Phoenix Carnevale, producer of everything martial arts, fight commentator, wise-cracking nerd "The Fighter Within is a wonderful collection of essays on the personal journeys of several world class athletes and inspiring individuals. . . A must-read for any serious MMA fan." —Brian J D' Souza, author of Pound for Pound: The Modern Gladiators of Mixed Martial Arts