Let's Get It On!

July 25, 2011
Penned for the ultimate UFC fan, this exciting book details McCarthy's rise to refereeâfrom early big-time MMA events to early retirement to his recent return. The son of a tough-as-nails LAPD officer who invented the modern SWAT team, McCarthy describes memorable events of his childhood, such as beating up the kid who stole his new bike, as well as his experiences in high school, and his college career as a water polo player. He recounts his stint as a steroid-fueled weightlifter, his romance with his wife (don't worryâhe's not exactly a romantic), his heroic role in the L.A. riots as a newly-minted police officer, and finally, his beginnings as a referee of Mixed Martial Arts, which quickly earned a bad reputation for being "no holds barred." Each of the bouts he refereed is detailed from memory, which readers will enjoy. This is a testosterone-fueled, adrenaline pumping joy ride, and fans will surely be thrilled to meet the man they know so well from TV.

August 1, 2011
McCarthy grew up in the shadow of his father, who wasn't large in stature but, as a longtime member of the LAPD, commanded authority and respect and taught by example the importance of personal discipline. Eventually, McCarthy became a cop, too, honing his own don't-crack-under-pressure mentality before retiring after 22 years on the force. Having dabbled in various forms of martial arts, McCarthy was tapped by UFC founder Rorion Gracie to referee a bout. It was a shrewd move, as McCarthy's unique blend of self-confidence, formidable size, and unapologetic authority combined to make him a preeminent referee. In fact, he refereed all but two major UFC events from 2001 to 2007. McCarthy was there to help design the future of mixed martial arts, including writing the initial rules and regulations of the sport in an effort to ensure its legitmacy and safety. Plenty of personal anecdotes help turn this story of a fledgling (and often maligned) sport into an engaging memoir.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)