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Hendo: The American Athlete
A riveting memoir by the first MMA double champion and two-time Olympic wrestler who cut a polarizing path as a firebrand figure and went on to become a legend.
“Dan Henderson is a savage. He came from a pure, wrestling background with very little striking training, and he went and became one of the most dangerous, one-punch knockout artists in the history of the sport.” —Joe Rogan
Dan “Hendo” Henderson was the first fighter in MMA history to become a double champion, winning championships in PRIDE Fighting Championships and Strikeforce. He faced the biggest names in MMA, on his unparalleled run through the early days of MMA through its remarkable rise in popularity, squaring off against the likes of Fedor Emelianenko, Anderson Silva, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Wanderlei Silva, Michael Bisping, Vitor Belfort, and Renzo Gracie. Henderson’s first fight against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in 2011 is considered one of the greatest fights in UFC history.
In this no-holds-barred look back on his life, Henderson provides context and insight into the biggest fights of his career, while reflecting on the wholly unique upbringing that shaped him into the warrior he needed to be to win. With his trademark humor, he sheds light on his two trips to the Olympics, his transformative time training in Europe and Russia, and his up-and-down relationship with Dana White.
The American Athlete is a thrilling window into the life and mind of a true legend. There will never be another fighter like Hendo.
“Dan Henderson is a savage. He came from a pure, wrestling background with very little striking training, and he went and became one of the most dangerous, one-punch knockout artists in the history of the sport.” —Joe Rogan
Dan “Hendo” Henderson was the first fighter in MMA history to become a double champion, winning championships in PRIDE Fighting Championships and Strikeforce. He faced the biggest names in MMA, on his unparalleled run through the early days of MMA through its remarkable rise in popularity, squaring off against the likes of Fedor Emelianenko, Anderson Silva, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Wanderlei Silva, Michael Bisping, Vitor Belfort, and Renzo Gracie. Henderson’s first fight against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in 2011 is considered one of the greatest fights in UFC history.
In this no-holds-barred look back on his life, Henderson provides context and insight into the biggest fights of his career, while reflecting on the wholly unique upbringing that shaped him into the warrior he needed to be to win. With his trademark humor, he sheds light on his two trips to the Olympics, his transformative time training in Europe and Russia, and his up-and-down relationship with Dana White.
The American Athlete is a thrilling window into the life and mind of a true legend. There will never be another fighter like Hendo.
- GenresSports
248 pages, Hardcover
Published October 24, 2023
3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Dan Henderson
27 books1 followerLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 25, 2024
While he's not going to win a Pulitzer any time soon, Hendo tells some amazing stories about his time in the US wrestling world and the amazing number of years he spent in MMA. Loved hearing more about his time fighting in Pride, as well as what fighters go thru while trying to negotiate their contracts.
Definitely a must read for any MMA fan.
Definitely a must read for any MMA fan.
March 3, 2024
A fantastic look into one of America’s greatest MMA heroes. A fast and fun read!
The thing I love about Dan is his realness and rawness. American culture is becoming soft and this guy is anything but soft.
Dan carries a warrior and competitive spirit and I really admire that. More men should fight with a tenacity like him, the world would be a better place.
The thing I love about Dan is his realness and rawness. American culture is becoming soft and this guy is anything but soft.
Dan carries a warrior and competitive spirit and I really admire that. More men should fight with a tenacity like him, the world would be a better place.
February 20, 2026
Dan Henderson is a great fighter and will always be memorable to me.
I like how he is always humble, but, I noticed in this book, he always has an excuse as to why he lost a fight.
It got a bit annoying after a while, but still a good listen.
I liked the narrator's voice too, it actually sounded like Dan Henderson.
I really liked this, 9/10
I like how he is always humble, but, I noticed in this book, he always has an excuse as to why he lost a fight.
It got a bit annoying after a while, but still a good listen.
I liked the narrator's voice too, it actually sounded like Dan Henderson.
I really liked this, 9/10
December 7, 2023
Good read
Dan's one of my all time favorite fighters. A class act, humble, one of the best representatives of wrestling and MMA anyone could ask for. His career is legendary and this book is a fitting tribute. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Dan's one of my all time favorite fighters. A class act, humble, one of the best representatives of wrestling and MMA anyone could ask for. His career is legendary and this book is a fitting tribute. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
October 31, 2023
4.25 stars
Hendo is one of the all time greats in mma.
Good story about his life/career
Any wrestling/fighting/mma fan should read this book!
Hendo is one of the all time greats in mma.
Good story about his life/career
Any wrestling/fighting/mma fan should read this book!
January 31, 2024
Review:
Good summary and inside point of view on the career of Dan Henderson. Very tough dude and one of the pioneers of MMA.
Key Ideas:
- Confidence
- No fear
- Strong work ethic
Good summary and inside point of view on the career of Dan Henderson. Very tough dude and one of the pioneers of MMA.
Key Ideas:
- Confidence
- No fear
- Strong work ethic
April 20, 2024
well written
Dan is a legend and it was great to learn about his early years that led to his great career.
Dan is a legend and it was great to learn about his early years that led to his great career.
June 27, 2024
Very fun read. Fascinating insight into the early years and behind the scenes of an incredible career.
June 23, 2025
Great insight in the life of one of the greatest combat athletes of all time!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews