Let's Get It On!

"Big" John McCarthy, the most recognized referee in mixed martial arts, presents his memoir of the sport's evolution from underground spectacle to mainstream phenomenon. His first-hand account covers the early days of the UFC through its transformation into a regulated athletic competition. McCarthy details his journey from LAPD officer to MMA's premier official, witnessing the development of rules, safety measures, and standardized practices. The book includes behind-the-scenes perspectives on historic fights and interactions with prominent figures in the sport's development. The narrative provides context for MMA's growth through regulatory battles, media controversies, and technical innovations that shaped modern combat sports. McCarthy's position at the center of the action offers an insider's view of crucial moments in the sport's history. This memoir serves as both historical document and commentary on the legitimization of mixed martial arts as a professional sport. The text highlights themes of perseverance and adaptation in the face of public scrutiny and institutional resistance.

Readers appreciate McCarthy's insider perspective on UFC's early days and his firsthand accounts of MMA's evolution. Many note the book provides details about rule changes, event logistics, and memorable fights from a referee's viewpoint. Fans highlight McCarthy's candid stories about fighters and behind-the-scenes moments, with one reader noting "his explanations of controversial calls help you understand the referee's mindset." Main criticisms focus on the writing style, which some find basic or repetitive. A few readers mention the book could have included more personal stories from McCarthy's life outside MMA. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (256 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (92 ratings) Top Amazon review: "McCarthy explains the evolution of MMA rules in clear detail. His stories about dealing with athletic commissions show how the sport became legitimate." Several reviews mention the book works best for existing MMA fans rather than newcomers to the sport.

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🥊 Before becoming MMA's most iconic referee, "Big" John McCarthy was a Los Angeles Police Department officer for 22 years, teaching defensive tactics at the police academy. 🥊 The book's title comes from McCarthy's famous catchphrase "Let's get it on!" which he says before starting MMA fights—a phrase he borrowed from boxing referee Mills Lane. 🥊 McCarthy was personally selected by UFC co-founder Rorion Gracie to referee at UFC 2 in 1994, and helped develop many of the unified rules of MMA that are still used today. 🥊 Co-author Loretta Hunt is one of MMA's pioneering journalists, having covered the sport since 1999 and written for publications like Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and Sherdog. 🥊 The book reveals that McCarthy initially opposed no-holds-barred fighting and thought it should be illegal, but changed his mind after witnessing the skill and discipline required in early UFC events.