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The Pact: A UFC Champion, a Boy with Cancer, and Their Promise to Win the Ultimate Battle
A UFC champion and a boy with leukemia, in the fight of their lives. Cody Garbrandt dreamed of being a UFC champion. In his darkest moments, when those dreams were dashed, he dug deep with the help of an unlikely friend—five-year-old Maddux Maple, a local hometown fan with leukemia. They made a Cody would be in the UFC and win the championship, and Maddux would beat cancer. Read their moving story in Cody’s new book, The Pact , and go behind the scenes into Cody’s training and how he made his dreams come true. Cody Garbrandt grew up in a rough town in the Central Appalachian region of Ohio, surrounded by a longstanding culture of fighting—and drugs. Raised in this environment by a single mom (his dad left him at the young age of three to reside in the Ohio State Penitentiary), Cody grew up fighting, and he grew up wild. His future seemed predestined to end in the coal mines, or in prison. Thankfully, Cody had visions of something more. His American Dream? Mixed Martial Arts. But a path to success wasn’t clear. He spent as much time fighting in the streets as he did in the gym—one bad decision away from losing everything. Then, at age 20, Cody’s brother introduced him to five-year old Maddux Maple. Maddux was deathly ill with leukemia, his survival by no means assured. A unique friendship developed as they made a promise to each Maddux would beat cancer, and Cody would make it to the UFC and become world champion. Through five long years of pain and hardship, they both persevered; Cody, through the agony and sacrifices of fighting his way to the top, and Maddux through the horrors of chemotherapy. They loved and supported each other. They served as each other’s inspiration. And in December 2016, they made good on their Cody won his UFC Championship belt, which he promptly presented to Maddux—the boy who had beaten cancer into remission.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published May 8, 2018
16 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 5, 2018
In his memoir, Cody Garbrandt served as personal guide and took me back to his hometown that thrived on fists and fury, at least he did. His character came well-drawn beginning from when he was just a little boy right up to when he first entered the UFC. His inspiration to achieve world champion status was the overriding theme of the author's message. The well-written scenes captivated my interest as I witnessed him having his hand raised as he stood over opponent after opponent.
The luck of the draw had chosen Cody Garbrandt for the one and only thing for which he was destined, fighting. The neighborhood wasn't responsible as first claimed for his fighting but rather his unfortunate upbringing in a shattered family environment. All of the close male figures in his life, his mentors, were either in prison or ex-cons. It was no way for anyone to grow up. His anger and frustration which he had plenty of it, finally found its way to his fists.
While hard times took Cody on a downward spiral he found his savior in five-year-old Maddux, a little boy who had been stricken with a life-threatening disease, leukemia. Over time they became a support team for each other. For the first time in each of their short lives they had someone to look up to. A role model. A hero.
Cody put his mind and body into training for his UFC fights. He made a promise to Maddux and to himself. He was going to win that Championship belt. After five long years that dream came true. In a sense, they both had come full circle. Cody had made it, world champion. Maddux had conquered leukemia. The fight was over. They had found peace.
My thanks to NetGalley and W Publishing/Thomas Nelson for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
The luck of the draw had chosen Cody Garbrandt for the one and only thing for which he was destined, fighting. The neighborhood wasn't responsible as first claimed for his fighting but rather his unfortunate upbringing in a shattered family environment. All of the close male figures in his life, his mentors, were either in prison or ex-cons. It was no way for anyone to grow up. His anger and frustration which he had plenty of it, finally found its way to his fists.
While hard times took Cody on a downward spiral he found his savior in five-year-old Maddux, a little boy who had been stricken with a life-threatening disease, leukemia. Over time they became a support team for each other. For the first time in each of their short lives they had someone to look up to. A role model. A hero.
Cody put his mind and body into training for his UFC fights. He made a promise to Maddux and to himself. He was going to win that Championship belt. After five long years that dream came true. In a sense, they both had come full circle. Cody had made it, world champion. Maddux had conquered leukemia. The fight was over. They had found peace.
My thanks to NetGalley and W Publishing/Thomas Nelson for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 22, 2018
This was an easy read. I’m from the area Cody grew up in, so the people, places and culture are all familiar to me. The fight culture in 922 is real. I remember Bobby telling me a long time ago to “look out for his nephew, he’s a beast.” That was the same year Cody won the state wrestling championships as a freshman.
Cody grew up in tough surroundings but was blessed with a loving family that shared his faith in him early on. Watching Cody’s fights over the years at home and in Vegas and knowing his story has been an honor. I learned a lot reading the book even though I already knew quite a bit about Cody, his life & his family.
This story is on inspiration to anyone. It’s a true story of a vision, faith in God and a pact that undeniably saved the lives of both Cody & Maddux.
Cody grew up in tough surroundings but was blessed with a loving family that shared his faith in him early on. Watching Cody’s fights over the years at home and in Vegas and knowing his story has been an honor. I learned a lot reading the book even though I already knew quite a bit about Cody, his life & his family.
This story is on inspiration to anyone. It’s a true story of a vision, faith in God and a pact that undeniably saved the lives of both Cody & Maddux.
May 17, 2018
Loved this book! Cody’s incredible journey to the UFC along with his relationship with a young kid who had cancer. This book was emotional as hell and I could not put it down. The Pact that Cody and Maddux made is an amazing Never Give Up story. This book is a MUST read! Highly recommend.
July 22, 2018
In The Pact, Cody Garbrandt opened up about his journey to join Team Alpha Male and to become a fighter in the UFC. Cody grew up in Uhrichsville, Ohio in an area nicknamed “922”. This area was known for trouble. He learned to fight with his big brother, Zach and they would always be wrestling and fighting. He had his first concussion at age six. Both brothers wrestled in school and they got into trouble along the way. But their mother was the grounding force in their life. She would always provide for them since their dad was rarely around growing up and was in an out of jail. Uncle Bob was also a strong mentor in Cody’s life and he was a strong boxer. He found God in prison and changed his life around. Eventually, Cody found God too and changed his life and he came to know Christ as His Savior.
He also shared how he tried college twice and quit both times. He didn’t have a passion and a drive for it, all he wanted to do was fight. He made a deal with his mother finally and declared that if he didn’t make it as a fighter in five years, he would find him a real steady job. Cody had a way of getting into trouble and fights and he was hanging out with his friends at a tavern. Some guy started a fight with him and Cody was stabbed in his calf muscle and it went to his bone. Cody hit a low point in his life after that and he reached out to God and asked him what He wanted him to do with his life. A short time afterwards, Zach told him he needed to check out this awesome five year old kid, Maddux Maple. He had cancer and Zach told him that Cody should donate his next fight proceeds to him. Cody was touched by his story and reached out to his parents and started trying to get to know them. It took a while for Maddux to be well enough for Cody to meet him. Cody kept telling Maddux that he wanted him to be healthy and strong enough to walk with him out to one of his fights. Throughout the book, Cody will take readers through the journey of how he became a UFC Championship belt winner and how Maddux changed his life around.
I would recommend this remarkable book to anyone who enjoys a book that contains an inspiration story about how a fighter found his purpose in unlikely places. I haven’t heard of Cody’s or Maddux’s story prior to reading this book. I was amazed how Maddux and Cody both helped each other in overcoming and achieving their dreams. Both seemed to be such an unlikely pair of friends and their stories collided into a beautiful masterpiece. I liked how Cody was tough in the ring and how he wasn’t afraid to show his vulnerable side. Cody took the time to make sure Maddux felt included in his journey to win the championship belt. Maddux eventually did win his battle against cancer and now he lives a normal. I also liked how he shared how God was always with them both through their journeys. Cody also shared about how he met his wife in the mist of all of the fights and how everything worked out the way it was supposed to. This was an awesome read, and readers will definably enjoy it!
"I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program."
He also shared how he tried college twice and quit both times. He didn’t have a passion and a drive for it, all he wanted to do was fight. He made a deal with his mother finally and declared that if he didn’t make it as a fighter in five years, he would find him a real steady job. Cody had a way of getting into trouble and fights and he was hanging out with his friends at a tavern. Some guy started a fight with him and Cody was stabbed in his calf muscle and it went to his bone. Cody hit a low point in his life after that and he reached out to God and asked him what He wanted him to do with his life. A short time afterwards, Zach told him he needed to check out this awesome five year old kid, Maddux Maple. He had cancer and Zach told him that Cody should donate his next fight proceeds to him. Cody was touched by his story and reached out to his parents and started trying to get to know them. It took a while for Maddux to be well enough for Cody to meet him. Cody kept telling Maddux that he wanted him to be healthy and strong enough to walk with him out to one of his fights. Throughout the book, Cody will take readers through the journey of how he became a UFC Championship belt winner and how Maddux changed his life around.
I would recommend this remarkable book to anyone who enjoys a book that contains an inspiration story about how a fighter found his purpose in unlikely places. I haven’t heard of Cody’s or Maddux’s story prior to reading this book. I was amazed how Maddux and Cody both helped each other in overcoming and achieving their dreams. Both seemed to be such an unlikely pair of friends and their stories collided into a beautiful masterpiece. I liked how Cody was tough in the ring and how he wasn’t afraid to show his vulnerable side. Cody took the time to make sure Maddux felt included in his journey to win the championship belt. Maddux eventually did win his battle against cancer and now he lives a normal. I also liked how he shared how God was always with them both through their journeys. Cody also shared about how he met his wife in the mist of all of the fights and how everything worked out the way it was supposed to. This was an awesome read, and readers will definably enjoy it!
"I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program."
May 24, 2018
I grew up in martial arts and as an adult came to enjoy watching UFC. Those were the days of Joyce Gracie (I know I'm dating myself). I heard of Cody Garbrandt and knew of his friendship with the kid who had cancer, watched him win the championship belt. I was over the moon excited when I heard he was writing a book. To learn the back story of Cody's life and how his life intercepted with Maddux's is simply inspirational and moving beyond what words can describe. Maddux truly saved Cody's life. And in his own way, Cody did the same for Maddux. They became the fuel for each other's fire to fight the battles in front of them.
"Live to fight. Fight to live."
Cody was fighting to get into the UFC and make a better life for himself, Maddux was fighting for his life. One of the beautiful aspects of this book and this story is first the honor and glory Cody gives to God - for helping to pave the way but always putting the right people at the right time in his life to get him where He wanted Cody to be. The second is that Cody stresses over and over how Maddux is THE strongest person he knows. That kid fought battles tougher than anything a fighter will face in the octogan. When Cody would win, it was equally Maddux's win as well. This isn't the story of just some kid Cody met doing charity work at a hospital. This is a beautiful story of two individuals who became family and forever changed each others lives. It's heart warming, moving, inspirational, it will bring you to tears at times. It's the exact opposite of what you would think of when describing a UFC fighter. And that's what makes this book so great. I truly feel blessed that Cody and Maddux shared their story with the world. I was already a Cody Garbrandt fan and now I'm an even bigger one.
Thank you to Netgalley, Cody Garbrandt and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Live to fight. Fight to live."
Cody was fighting to get into the UFC and make a better life for himself, Maddux was fighting for his life. One of the beautiful aspects of this book and this story is first the honor and glory Cody gives to God - for helping to pave the way but always putting the right people at the right time in his life to get him where He wanted Cody to be. The second is that Cody stresses over and over how Maddux is THE strongest person he knows. That kid fought battles tougher than anything a fighter will face in the octogan. When Cody would win, it was equally Maddux's win as well. This isn't the story of just some kid Cody met doing charity work at a hospital. This is a beautiful story of two individuals who became family and forever changed each others lives. It's heart warming, moving, inspirational, it will bring you to tears at times. It's the exact opposite of what you would think of when describing a UFC fighter. And that's what makes this book so great. I truly feel blessed that Cody and Maddux shared their story with the world. I was already a Cody Garbrandt fan and now I'm an even bigger one.
Thank you to Netgalley, Cody Garbrandt and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2021
What an incredible and uplifting story! Having followed Cody Garbrandt’s rise in the UFC, it was great that this book largely focused on how this journey first started. A boy with a father in prison, a rough neighborhood, and drug dealing to get by... the odds were certainly stacked against Cody.
The defining moment in this story was when Cody met Maddux Maple, a boy diagnosed with leukemia. From then on, the portrayal of how these two stories intertwined, Cody fighting the odds of becoming UFC champion while Maddux faced an uphill battle with cancer, was nothing short of incredible. The development of this unlikely friendship and the inspiration that was drawn between Cody and Maddux, even while both parties were riddled with many setbacks, was remarkable. Through it all, Cody and Maddux never lost sight of “the pact” they made with each other at their respective low points on the journey.
This book demonstrates the power of belief, commitment, and having a strong support system. I especially liked how Cody was able to talk about significant moments on his personal journey but never failed to show appreciation for the people who helped him along the way. A must read for UFC fans and those who value a real underdog story.
The defining moment in this story was when Cody met Maddux Maple, a boy diagnosed with leukemia. From then on, the portrayal of how these two stories intertwined, Cody fighting the odds of becoming UFC champion while Maddux faced an uphill battle with cancer, was nothing short of incredible. The development of this unlikely friendship and the inspiration that was drawn between Cody and Maddux, even while both parties were riddled with many setbacks, was remarkable. Through it all, Cody and Maddux never lost sight of “the pact” they made with each other at their respective low points on the journey.
This book demonstrates the power of belief, commitment, and having a strong support system. I especially liked how Cody was able to talk about significant moments on his personal journey but never failed to show appreciation for the people who helped him along the way. A must read for UFC fans and those who value a real underdog story.
April 23, 2022
This autobiography of Cody Garbrandt shows a rags to riches, against the odds-triumph. As a boy who grows up in a bad circumstances (family in jail, street fights, etc.), Cody's life doesn't look promising, but with the help of key people, positive visualization, strength he gains by helping a boy with cancer, some luck, and his belief in God, he accomplishes his goal of becoming a UFC champion. Along the way, he helps others to help others too. Great story.
What I liked about the details of the story was the personal descriptions of Cody's injuries and what he did to recover, as well as the details of his thoughts about his fights, which way to move, what to look for, how to see what to do in mid-battle. Really good. Also, Cody describes the real goal of achieving peace and prosperity, not fighting. He wouldn't have fought if he could have found other way.
What I liked about the details of the story was the personal descriptions of Cody's injuries and what he did to recover, as well as the details of his thoughts about his fights, which way to move, what to look for, how to see what to do in mid-battle. Really good. Also, Cody describes the real goal of achieving peace and prosperity, not fighting. He wouldn't have fought if he could have found other way.
August 8, 2021
Ruffian Cody Garbrandt grew up around drugs, alcohol, and a lot of violence in a Ohio. A lot of violence is an understatement. After high school, his life is going wherever the wind takes him, but a boy with cancer genuinely inspires him to become the UFC champion he eventually becomes. When he does win the title, he gives the UFC belt to the kid and credits him for his victory and journey. It's a definitely a unique story. Cody has a gigantic heart. He gave away most of his winnings even from his title fight. I hope the guy can eventually retire because he is a good dude even though he is covered in tats.
Great story on empathy/sympathy and love and support from a very violent "No Love" person
Great story on empathy/sympathy and love and support from a very violent "No Love" person
September 13, 2021
Well, this was an interesting listen, since even though it's a biography of former UFC bantamweight champion, the most portion of the book was about Maddux Maple, a local kid who was struggling with blood cancer, which was unexpected from this genre. I have been following Cody's career in UFC and enjoyed watching every single one of his fights and learning the backstory of the kid who walked around with him during fight week was unimaginably heart warming. Mostly we see people try to show support to people who fight cancer, but Cody as it's mentioned in the book, draw inspiration and fought through his own life predicaments. To be honest I didn't feel like a biography, more like a drama or a fairly tail.
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February 18, 2020
Who's this book about, really - Cody Garbrandt or Maddux Maple? A powerful read on faith, commitment and family. To live to fight. To fight to live.
There are two threads in The Pact that you'll pick up if you've read Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers. The first is that of Cody Garbrandt's conditioning as a great fighter, and his destiny to reach the pinnacle of the UFC - even past it; it was written in the stars. The second has a whole chapter dedicated to it in Gladwell's book - the culture of Appalachian Region.
There are two threads in The Pact that you'll pick up if you've read Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers. The first is that of Cody Garbrandt's conditioning as a great fighter, and his destiny to reach the pinnacle of the UFC - even past it; it was written in the stars. The second has a whole chapter dedicated to it in Gladwell's book - the culture of Appalachian Region.
January 14, 2019
Enjoyed this memoir a lot more than I thought I would. Considering I used to like Cody a lot more than I currently do, this book talked me back around. The story and him and Maddux was great. I’m sure there was a lot more to the story than was written but I think that meant it could be accessed by teens and young adults.
September 10, 2019
It was a very good book, it was very inspirational to me. It tells me how he overcame things and how fighting motivated him. I also love how he uses rewards to punish him like when he could get a tattoo if he won state.
November 28, 2021
This book will be of interest to fans of the sport. I commend Cody for helping Maddox and the Maple family, while pursuing championship goals. I appreciate that he states the importance of God in his life.
May 22, 2018
I was a fan of Cody before the book I'm even more of a fan now...... Fantastic read for any UFC fan or person in need of an uplifting story.
May 22, 2018
I enjoyed this book.
July 7, 2018
Surprisingly good. Like really good. Better than any book about a UFC fighter has a right to be. Just an all around excellent read.
November 12, 2018
Oh my word! What an awesome read. I listened to this book while driving home. It pulled me in so much that I couldn't stop listening when I got home. I laughed, I cried and I cheered them on.
January 8, 2019
Really loved this book, not just as a ufc fan but it was very sweet all the work that went on behind the scenes and how both lived very different lives but yet gelled so well together!
February 4, 2019
Very inspirational but at times repetitive. I felt like the climax of the story fell flat and more detail had been given to his previous fights.
February 19, 2020
One of my favourite fighter autobiographies. Cody paints a strong picture of the hardships he faced, his faith, and how his friendship with Maddux pushed him through the tough times.
May 24, 2020
I love this book so much and if you like UFC and Cody Garbrandt, then you will definitely fall in love with his story like I did ❤️
January 30, 2021
Good story, i enjoyed it.
June 6, 2022
Very determined young man in this book. Interesting how a bad person can turn around and do good
March 24, 2023
Great book emotional in places
May 30, 2021
3.5 stars
March 9, 2024
This was an inspiring read, in more than one way. The story of Garbrandt and Maddux is heart-warming. The pact they had whether implicit or the explicit part is super inspirational. Garbrandt's Christian beliefs and belief in destiny is strong in this book - it's a huge part of the story and language which one should keep in mind if one is reading it because of the MMA story or because of the cancer story. What really strikes a chord with me is the positivity, the gratitude and the unshakeable belief Garbrandt portrays in this autobiographical book. There's so much appreciation for everyone and anyone on almost every page of this book. One can't help but feel that this sentiment might be someone shaped by hindsight - with all the bar fights, setbacks, drugs, etc. in the early chapters. If one is into the MMA part: like Doug Merlino's "Beast" and L. Jon Wertheim's "Blood in the Cage", this story once again hammers home the message that (Olympic) wrestling and college wrestling are the backbone of American MMA. The technique but also the athleticism and work ethic derives and originated there. However, Garbrandt also learned boxing at a very high level and a lot of his fighting seems to be built around the boxing his uncle taught him. The only other MMA book which has such a strong boxing - not Muay Thai - focus that I can think of is Sam Sheridan's "A Fighter's Heart". However, Garbrandt's MMA seems to be completely build on his uncle's boxing "system". It's a great read. One has to love the "MMA fighter makes a pact with a kid with leucemia story.
May 17, 2018
I received a complimentary copy.
Not for the faint of heart because the sadness alone will be very deep and real. However the inspiration through the tears was worth resing and I feel like this would be a great book for anyone who seeks a true story with heart and can even encourage the reader to do just a little more in life. I am glad that the cancer was in remission and that the book took a more happy note towards the end.
Not for the faint of heart because the sadness alone will be very deep and real. However the inspiration through the tears was worth resing and I feel like this would be a great book for anyone who seeks a true story with heart and can even encourage the reader to do just a little more in life. I am glad that the cancer was in remission and that the book took a more happy note towards the end.
October 6, 2023
great book
Great book great story , I was not a big fan of Cody but I respect him and Faber so much more now they are good people . We need more people like them . I hope Cody goes back to top.
Great book great story , I was not a big fan of Cody but I respect him and Faber so much more now they are good people . We need more people like them . I hope Cody goes back to top.
October 25, 2018
Not your standard bio
This was not your standard bio. This book really allows you to get into the mind of a fighter and understand the process behind the training.
This was not your standard bio. This book really allows you to get into the mind of a fighter and understand the process behind the training.
February 28, 2022
If you like UFC fights you will enjoy this book. I could barely put it down !!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews