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Iceman Chuck Liddell : My Fighting Life
“When I walk out of the tunnel, I can see the lights, hear the music, feel the crowd, but it all begins to close off as I near the cage. By that point I’m thinking, I’ve been training hard, it’s time to focus....Every man is born with a fight-or-flight instinct, and mine is to fight. It always has been.” —From the Prologue What’s it like to have no fear, to make people cower in their shoes, to know the sweet satisfaction of knocking a guy out with a single, devastating punch? You have to read my book to find out. I’ve been called the baddest man on the planet. I’m the face of Ultimate Fighting Championship, the leader in mixed martial arts and the fastest growing sport in America. In 1998 I won my first MMA fight. Not long after, the UFC came calling, and eventually fought my way to become the #1 ranked light-heavyweight contender in the world. Not bad for a bartender with a college degree in accounting. I was raised by a single mother and inspired by my grandfather, a first-generation Irish American from Mafia-run Brooklyn. I learned how to fight at a very young age. Now I’m 6'2", 220 pounds, and a trained lethal weapon, but I’m also fiercely loyal, maybe even a bit sensitive, and unexpectedly romantic. In raw detail, and with total honesty, I’m going to tell you the story of my fighting life—both inside and outside the Octagon—including my childhood in the poor section of Santa Barbara, gritty insider accounts of my major fights, stories behind my trademark mohawk and nickname, my ongoing rivalry with Tito Ortiz and deep-rooted friendship with Dana White, and how I balance life as a father, a UFC champ, and a superstar—or try to, anyway. With never-before-seen photos, Iceman is my true, no-holds-barred story of fighting my way to become a champion.
Hardcover
First published January 29, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
November 1, 2025
This was one of the best biographies I have read this year. I was really surprised at how well the book is written. If anyone thinks the UFC athletes are just jobless brawlers PLEASE read this book.
In the book itself you find out how serious Chuck is about martial arts, not just fighting (even though he makes not secret that is his favourite part), but the discipline and dedication you need to be a serious martial artist.
One of the amazing thing about this book, is Chuck's ability to talk about his many accomplishments (and there are a hell of a lot of them) with out bragging. He gives his personal opinion on all the people he has met, from Dana White, to Tito, and everyone he has met and fought. This is a must read for all serious martial artists.
In the book itself you find out how serious Chuck is about martial arts, not just fighting (even though he makes not secret that is his favourite part), but the discipline and dedication you need to be a serious martial artist.
One of the amazing thing about this book, is Chuck's ability to talk about his many accomplishments (and there are a hell of a lot of them) with out bragging. He gives his personal opinion on all the people he has met, from Dana White, to Tito, and everyone he has met and fought. This is a must read for all serious martial artists.
April 13, 2018
Chuck Liddell. Fearless. Intimidating. Used wrestling in reverse, great takedown defence, knock out power. Chuck Liddell was one of my favourite light heavyweights. He maybe should have retired earlier. The younger guns that come through always topple the alpha lion eventually. Good biography if you like the MMA world.👍🐯
March 18, 2008
This may be the most poorly-written book to ever have received a 5-star rating. It definitely comes with it's share of warts, but just because something is ugly doesn't mean it's not beautiful inside (a sweet spirit, you might say). (I have somewhat of a love/hate relationship with Goodreads, because, anymore, I'm constantly thinking of what kind of a rating/review I will give a book as I read it. It would be nice, sometimes, to read less critically again.)
I have what doctors call a little bit of an MMA (mixed martial arts) addiction. What this book does for me is it gives me the story of one of MMA's biggest stars from his childhood through his rise to the top of the sport.
Here's an adjusted rating scale for this book. If you majored in English in college and you're not an MMA fan then you will burn the book before you finish reading it. If you are a regular Joe (or Jill), and you're not an MMA fan then you'll give this book 1 star. If you are a casual MMA fan then you may give this book 3 stars. If your love for MMA is far beyond enjoying MMA, or being an "enthusiast", but your MMA affinity has become an unhealthy addiction, then you'll give this book 5 stars despite the poor writing.
I have what doctors call a little bit of an MMA (mixed martial arts) addiction. What this book does for me is it gives me the story of one of MMA's biggest stars from his childhood through his rise to the top of the sport.
Here's an adjusted rating scale for this book. If you majored in English in college and you're not an MMA fan then you will burn the book before you finish reading it. If you are a regular Joe (or Jill), and you're not an MMA fan then you'll give this book 1 star. If you are a casual MMA fan then you may give this book 3 stars. If your love for MMA is far beyond enjoying MMA, or being an "enthusiast", but your MMA affinity has become an unhealthy addiction, then you'll give this book 5 stars despite the poor writing.
May 10, 2009
In one sentence..."I love to fight, I enjoy having sex all the time, I'd fight for $500 but I'd rather get priveleges of the rich like skipping to the front of the line at Disneyland, and I think my outdated mohawk is supercool and the chicks will dig it." Oh, give me a break! I'm not sure if I'm more disgusted with Chuck Liddel for writing this, the editor for allowing so much repetition and bad writing, or the publisher for promoting this unworthy book.
March 22, 2008
Super easy, quick read. Liddell is a cool guy.
October 21, 2012
Basically the entire book was about how far Chuck could climb up Dana White's a** to get to the top. Don't get me wrong, I used to be a fan of Chuck Liddell. In fact, he was my first favorite UFC fighter. After reading his book, I became very disappointed. He spoke badly of other fighters – yeah, there are feuds and sh*t-talking that happens in this sport – but personal jabs at other fighters I can live without. The book was an eye-opener for me. I’ve read other books written by UFC fighters and none of those books belittled others in the game like Chuck’s book. It was a good read though.
June 20, 2008
The story of an Ultimate Fighting Championship champion, telling how he started out fighting as a kid (his grandpa taught him) and moved on to martial arts and then graduated into UFC. Tries to say that UFC or MMA (mixed martial arts) fighters are more than thugs beating on each other; there may be something to that, but ultimately, it comes down to two men in a ring trying to beat the other into unconsciousness. Yeeha.
January 19, 2014
3.5 stars would be more accurate than the 4 I gave it, but I really enjoyed reading it. If you're a fan of the UFC and/or Chuck Liddell it is definitely worth reading. The word "deftly" shows up repeatedly in this book, and that's just not a word that I picture Chuck using. My guess is that's Chad Millman's co-authoring coming into play :-)
February 21, 2009
I'm a HUGE UFC fan. Love Chuck Liddell but the book was pretty uneventful and slow. Not very well written. My 12 yr. old son could have done a better job.
April 29, 2010
I liked this book. Easy to read and he tells a good story.
July 8, 2011
Kind of a mindless read, a lot of and then I beat the hell out of this guy, and then I beat the hell out of this other guy, etc.
May 11, 2012
I love the Iceman. This book sucks. Reading it hurt both my eyes and brain.
June 17, 2015
Good read
May 12, 2021
How could a book from the Iceman be anything but cool? In retrospect his boasting of a strong chin came back to haunt him, eventually ending his career after being knocked out one too many times. Even pesky Tito got a chance to avenge his losses against a 48 year old Chuck. Time waits for no man.
March 9, 2024
Ah, nostalgia! 😍
March 23, 2016
I had such hopes for you, Liddell! I mean, anyone who knows anything about the UFC has heard about how amazing your knockout power is, and how you pretty much dominated the sport for a while and had that crazy #deathstare and took no prisoners etc etc etc #legendary And you won me over with your childhood stories and those cute pictures of you in your Cubs outfits and all that talk about “just wanting to fight, I just want to scrap, I don’t care about the money, it’s about my passion, I’ll work for it until I die because I just love it so much”.
I was buying everything you were selling until you blew that crap wide open and basically stopped pretending to be a humble guy and started regaling me with how much money you were or weren’t making on every fight you had. Just because you preface every single statement with “it wasn’t about the money”, it doesn’t mean you’re not obviously preoccupied with money. My favourite was when he went into this long description of how it’s not about the money, but he made like, $125,000 just for showing up, and bought his mom a house, and bought HIMSELF a million dollar house, and bought a car, but it’s NOT ABOUT THE MONEY, GUYS. NOT AT ALL.
And my life, the PAINFUL recaps of EVERY. SINGLE. FIGHT he’s ever been in. Give me strength! This type of stuff is interesting WHEN YOU’RE ACTUALLY WINNING THE FIGHTS. There were way too many chapters (albeit short ones, but still, wasting my time here) basically saying “I wanted this fight, I got this fight, I didn’t listen to ANYTHING my coaches told me and so I lost this fight, I want to keep fighting though because I’m obvs the best” CHUCK PLZ. I honestly left this book impressed with how great OTHER fighters are – all Chuck can do is throw a great KO punch which is impressive, but I’m clearly of the new UFC generation who’s into that cross-disciplinary mixed martial art business. #givemeroryorgivemedeath I actually laughed out loud when Liddell claimed he had proved he was a master of all forms of MMA. Buddy, there’s like, thousands of strains, and also, you’re not. You can throw some punches and have decent cardio for a light heavyweight, BIG DEAL. Like, the fact that you have the record for most KO punches is a big deal, sure, but I want more diversity and please, get more of a personality. You’re boring. Reading about how much sex you have and money you make is such a yawn fest.
Finally, I hated the little inset boxes with random bits of information. Boring, unrelated, not interesting. You’re not quirky or cute, you’re entitled and trying too hard to make yourself personable. Just own the fact that you like punching people and that’s it. I’d like you a lot more in that case.
Was I entertained? No, but I did learn a heck of a lot more about UFC and big name fighters, including that I am NOT an Iceman fan (but #jokes that could change, I’m adaptable).
I was buying everything you were selling until you blew that crap wide open and basically stopped pretending to be a humble guy and started regaling me with how much money you were or weren’t making on every fight you had. Just because you preface every single statement with “it wasn’t about the money”, it doesn’t mean you’re not obviously preoccupied with money. My favourite was when he went into this long description of how it’s not about the money, but he made like, $125,000 just for showing up, and bought his mom a house, and bought HIMSELF a million dollar house, and bought a car, but it’s NOT ABOUT THE MONEY, GUYS. NOT AT ALL.
And my life, the PAINFUL recaps of EVERY. SINGLE. FIGHT he’s ever been in. Give me strength! This type of stuff is interesting WHEN YOU’RE ACTUALLY WINNING THE FIGHTS. There were way too many chapters (albeit short ones, but still, wasting my time here) basically saying “I wanted this fight, I got this fight, I didn’t listen to ANYTHING my coaches told me and so I lost this fight, I want to keep fighting though because I’m obvs the best” CHUCK PLZ. I honestly left this book impressed with how great OTHER fighters are – all Chuck can do is throw a great KO punch which is impressive, but I’m clearly of the new UFC generation who’s into that cross-disciplinary mixed martial art business. #givemeroryorgivemedeath I actually laughed out loud when Liddell claimed he had proved he was a master of all forms of MMA. Buddy, there’s like, thousands of strains, and also, you’re not. You can throw some punches and have decent cardio for a light heavyweight, BIG DEAL. Like, the fact that you have the record for most KO punches is a big deal, sure, but I want more diversity and please, get more of a personality. You’re boring. Reading about how much sex you have and money you make is such a yawn fest.
Finally, I hated the little inset boxes with random bits of information. Boring, unrelated, not interesting. You’re not quirky or cute, you’re entitled and trying too hard to make yourself personable. Just own the fact that you like punching people and that’s it. I’d like you a lot more in that case.
Was I entertained? No, but I did learn a heck of a lot more about UFC and big name fighters, including that I am NOT an Iceman fan (but #jokes that could change, I’m adaptable).
March 18, 2018
There are very few MMA fighters who's fights I couldn't watch comfortably sitting down, because I was overwhelmed by the fan-boy in me and I automatically popped to my feet whenever these fighters entered the arena. Chuck is one of them, but sadly even that couldn't make-up for the fact that this was an underwhelming autobiography.
I didn't feel that he had an epic life-story to tell or offer. *By "epic" I mean on a Schwarzenegger scale.* Sure there was a short recap of his childhood and teenage years, but aside from that this book was basically a composite of two things:
1. "MMA and UFC for newbies" - this was an obvious [and smart] use of the book. Even though it was excruciatingly boring for me, because I am well acquainted with the history of the sport, I understand it's purpose. UFC decided to capitalize on Chuck's stardom and the fact that his book will be read by many casual readers: not necessarily MMA fans. So they offered a brief history and introduction to mixed martial arts.
2. "Exclusive Commentary" - basically, Liddell offered his detailed, move-by-move, minute-by-minute recap of almost every single fight he had. Again, for a casual reader this may be interesting, but for a guy who followed his career closely - this was redundant.
Based on this, I came to a simple conclusion: if you are new to MMA and know very little about this phenomena and The Iceman himself, you'll probably enjoy this book and find it to be pleasantly educating. But if you are a longtime fan of the UFC and started following the sport before 2008, then this book can offer you nothing more than you have already seen, read and heard.
I didn't feel that he had an epic life-story to tell or offer. *By "epic" I mean on a Schwarzenegger scale.* Sure there was a short recap of his childhood and teenage years, but aside from that this book was basically a composite of two things:
1. "MMA and UFC for newbies" - this was an obvious [and smart] use of the book. Even though it was excruciatingly boring for me, because I am well acquainted with the history of the sport, I understand it's purpose. UFC decided to capitalize on Chuck's stardom and the fact that his book will be read by many casual readers: not necessarily MMA fans. So they offered a brief history and introduction to mixed martial arts.
2. "Exclusive Commentary" - basically, Liddell offered his detailed, move-by-move, minute-by-minute recap of almost every single fight he had. Again, for a casual reader this may be interesting, but for a guy who followed his career closely - this was redundant.
Based on this, I came to a simple conclusion: if you are new to MMA and know very little about this phenomena and The Iceman himself, you'll probably enjoy this book and find it to be pleasantly educating. But if you are a longtime fan of the UFC and started following the sport before 2008, then this book can offer you nothing more than you have already seen, read and heard.
November 10, 2009
Chuck Liddell writes so well that reading ‘Iceman’ makes you feel like you’re hanging out with the man himself!
His personality leaps out from every page, a curious mix of laid-back attitude and fierce determination. Chuck just doesn’t seem to see the world like most people do, which is probably what made him such a big star in the UFC.
He covers his early days wrestling and (interestingly) karate, a hardcore style called Koei-kan which he still holds in high regard. He describes his various training regimes in some detail, which is always of interest to serious martial artists.
There’s also some good background into the UFC: its origins in Vale Tudo, the impact of Gracie Jiujitsu and the eventual arrival of Dana White. Dana and Chuck go way back and the book offers an interesting insight into the man in charge.
Chuck covers his major fights in exciting detail, in particular his rivalry with Tito Ortiz. Sadly, he only touches on the famous excesses of his rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, or perhaps the editor’s pen took it out to keep it good clean family entertainment. Never mind, there’s plenty enough to enjoy in this cool biography from the Iceman.
His personality leaps out from every page, a curious mix of laid-back attitude and fierce determination. Chuck just doesn’t seem to see the world like most people do, which is probably what made him such a big star in the UFC.
He covers his early days wrestling and (interestingly) karate, a hardcore style called Koei-kan which he still holds in high regard. He describes his various training regimes in some detail, which is always of interest to serious martial artists.
There’s also some good background into the UFC: its origins in Vale Tudo, the impact of Gracie Jiujitsu and the eventual arrival of Dana White. Dana and Chuck go way back and the book offers an interesting insight into the man in charge.
Chuck covers his major fights in exciting detail, in particular his rivalry with Tito Ortiz. Sadly, he only touches on the famous excesses of his rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, or perhaps the editor’s pen took it out to keep it good clean family entertainment. Never mind, there’s plenty enough to enjoy in this cool biography from the Iceman.
February 1, 2015
Being as I am a huge fan of MMA I found very little in this book that I hadn't previously read or heard elsewhere. I really wanted to like this book more than I ended up feeling about it. That is not to say I didn't like it at all just that wished it had offered more in the way of insight and depth in some areas. I did get I little tired of hearing how 'cool' Chuck felt his Mohawk was and how much he liked the attention it garnered him. Honestly I have no doubts how tough Chuck is but I felt I didn't need to be reminded as a footnote to any story again how tough he is. With all of this said I would recommend this book to fans of the sport as it is enjoyable and light reading material that will most likely bolster what you already know but told from Liddell's perspective... also to hear Liddell let rip a little on his dealings with Tito Ortiz!
September 1, 2015
Iceman is typical Hollywood, overcome fear and limits to become a major success story, though it is in fact a true story based on the life of UFC fighter Chuck Liddell. Beginning in the poverty stricken parts of LA, Liddell describes in detail the major events that led him to become the legend he is today. For example, in the book, it is explained how being raised by a single mother, with several brothers basically molded him into a tough independent figure from the beginning. Not to mention the constant sense to be street smart. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a great motivational story. The book contains little to no technical terminology(except that included in MMA references)and is easy to follow. Those who get bored with action should refrain from reading this book. In conclusion this a great read and should be enjoyable to most.
April 1, 2009
When I first started to seriously follow the UFC, Chuck Liddell was already light heavyweight champ and seemed untouchable. This book is a good recap of where he came from and how he rose to be champ, which was interesting UFC history to me, but to anyone who had followed the sport from earlier, there is no new information.
And as regards the Iceman's personal life, motivation, etc., there is little to no insight. I feel like I now know a little more about the history of the UFC and specifically about Liddell's path up, but I do not feel that I know anymore what makes the man tick than I did before reading the book. It may be that he is really that shallow and uninteresting outside of the Octagon, or it may be that he is reticent about opening up, or he may just be a poor writer.
And as regards the Iceman's personal life, motivation, etc., there is little to no insight. I feel like I now know a little more about the history of the UFC and specifically about Liddell's path up, but I do not feel that I know anymore what makes the man tick than I did before reading the book. It may be that he is really that shallow and uninteresting outside of the Octagon, or it may be that he is reticent about opening up, or he may just be a poor writer.
August 6, 2011
First and foremost i would like to say that this was an awesome book, a real page turner for me, but on the flip side of that coin i wasn't expecting some of the personal info that Chuck Liddell shared with the reader but maybe he prefers to bve looked up to because of who he is not for who people think he is or who they want him to be. Either way, this was one heck of a book and i throughly recommend this book to any UFC fan that is looking to just see one point of view from one of its top fighters. I personally liked how he has handled his life so far as far as his kids are concerned and the fact that even though his dad wasn't around he managed to rise to the top without him, Chuck Lidell is the man, period... no questions asked
September 2, 2011
Fantastic book telling Chucks story about how he got to be UFC champion. I was never a fan of Chuck Liddell and actually wanted his great rival Tito Ortiz to beat him in both fights, but I loved reading how their rivalry came about and it will be interesting to read Titos view on things. Book was balanced enough not to dwell too much on his childhood as most people I'd imagine just want to read about his life in MMA. Liked the honesty in this book with regards to his slurred speech appearance on tv, how Rampage beat him and he has no complaints. This book has turned me into a Chuck fan and if he does get back in the octagon he will more than likely have me cheering him on.
November 6, 2008
Chuck Liddell gives a frank account of life as a UFC fighter, revealing some of the super intense training the fighters have to complete to square up against the best in the world. The biography recounts Liddell’s rollercoaster rise to the top, and while it reveals much about life in the ring, it didn’t really reveal much about the man himself, and to me, seemed to merely skim the surface of the life of a UFC fighter. Still, an interesting read though as it shows how much hard work and dedication it takes to make it to the top, and to stay there.
April 16, 2010
The Iceman Cometh!
Any UFC fan will enjoy reading this book. Not only does it shine light on Chuck's childhood, training and personal life, the book goes into detail about the history of MMA (mixed martial arts) and BJJ (brazilian jiu jitsu) and Dana White (president of the UFC).
Chuck Liddell is a mans man and a legend in the UFC. One of the best things about the book to me was that Chuck never claims to be the baddest man ever and doesnt take any cheap shots at the other fighters, he simply tells his side of the story.
Great reading!!
Any UFC fan will enjoy reading this book. Not only does it shine light on Chuck's childhood, training and personal life, the book goes into detail about the history of MMA (mixed martial arts) and BJJ (brazilian jiu jitsu) and Dana White (president of the UFC).
Chuck Liddell is a mans man and a legend in the UFC. One of the best things about the book to me was that Chuck never claims to be the baddest man ever and doesnt take any cheap shots at the other fighters, he simply tells his side of the story.
Great reading!!
November 23, 2015
There's really nothing special about this book, other than the story of a kid who grew up poor and did something with his life. Fighting may not be your sport or mine (anymore), but the book details the dedication and years that it took to get to the pinnacle of his sport. Unless you're a fan of MMA, the book probably isn't worth your time. My favorite quote from the book - "Losing a fight because you ran out of steam is cowardice. It means you didn't have the guts to push yourself when no one was watching."
August 24, 2016
Okay, I know I've given this five stars and I know that this has had mixed reviews but coming of the back of the Diaz McGregor fight this was perfect reading.
If you are a UFC fan and want to know the history of some of it's iconic fighters then this is for you. Iceman Chuck Lidell, a never say die exponent of mixed martial arts tells his story in his own words.
I liked it, fans will. You get what you pay for. Niche reading for fans only.
Wanna know a bit about the history of UFC.
Read this.
If you are a UFC fan and want to know the history of some of it's iconic fighters then this is for you. Iceman Chuck Lidell, a never say die exponent of mixed martial arts tells his story in his own words.
I liked it, fans will. You get what you pay for. Niche reading for fans only.
Wanna know a bit about the history of UFC.
Read this.
March 25, 2008
As a casual fan of UFC at best, I found this to be good, but not great. For those who don't know, Liddell has held the light heavyweight championship, and gained tremendous popularity for his style, which focuses on ending fights quickly by knockout, as opposed to going for a choke or submission. The many short chapters are all titled by words of advice or lessons he's learned. The highlights for me were the account of his long feud with Tito Ortiz and his series with Randy Couture.
April 7, 2009
This was never going to be a waste of my time - I can read anything about the UFC and be entertained. I have watched Chuck fight since the mid 90's. He was everything you wanted to be as a striker making the transition to MMA. The book reads like Chuck just sitting there talking to you and he tells it like it is. A great read for any fan!
January 29, 2012
What a fun read! Reading this book felt like chuck was right there with me chatting to me, in a causal matter about his life as a fighter in and out of the octagon. It provides a lot of insight to the earlier days of the UFC as new fan to the UFC I was enthralled by this!
All in all a good read if your a fan of the sport.
All in all a good read if your a fan of the sport.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews