Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Heart for the Fight: A Marine Hero's Journey from the Battlefields of Iraq to Mixed Martial Arts Champion

Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2014

I am an MMA fan and have read several other biographies of MMA fighters. This one is the best I have come across in that it has a narrative structure, rather than being a collection of recollections, observations, and inspirational pep talk.

I have been a fan of Stann's since his days in the WEC, and appreciate him in his new role as a UFC commentator as well.

The book covers his own introduction to violence in a rough school district, the perseverance of a non-starter on the Naval Academy's football team, surviving an allegation of sexual assault, combat service in Iraq as a rookie Marine officer, and his spare-time MMA training and early WEC fights. Chapters alternate between his biography and his fights.

The writing is crisp and clean, and communicates Stann's desire to use the microphone afforded pro fighters to publicize the service and sacrifices of the men in the platoon he commanded, and of his Naval Academy classmates.

I enjoyed the book and gained new respect for Stann for having read it. It will be interesting to see if Stann proves to be one of the last of the generation of part-time fighters who competed at the elite level of MMA, since the sport is developing so quickly now.

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Romans 1:16, 17

Inspired and Humbled

Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2020

Verified Purchase

While many of us have experienced loss in our lives, few have done so at this magnitude. I was humbled by Brian Stann exposing his areas of weakness in both combat and sports, which is rare to be so honest. I was inspired by his leadership in adversity and the discipline to prepare for such encounters against overwhelming odds. I am not an avid reader, so I can't comment on the layout. I would recommend this book especially for those focused on a goal who are facing multiple set backs and need to know that others have overcome the death of friends, the thoughts of suicide, lies about their character, and public defeat. Never give up.

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Ape_X

Shines as a fantastic read

Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2012

Verified Purchase

I admit I favored Brian Stann as an MMA fighter just because he was a former Marine, like me...and this is one of the reasons this book stood out. But unlike me (or most of us), he's been through some of the craziest trials and tribulations a man can go through and overcome them with such unbreakable fortitude--unfathomable for most people. This man epitomizes what a TRUE hero is...what a leader should be...and any Marine would have been greatly honored to have served under him.

Reading this book was a page-turner in every sense of the word(s), and will surely give readers a whole new respect for our combatants, elite MMA athletes, and most certainly the man himself, Brian Stann. There are numerous unofficial books recommended by units within the Marine Corps, and I think this should be a new addition to the club for EVERY Marine or civilian. It will unquestionably inspire everyone who reads it, and it would be a shame if Hollywood didn't turn this into a feature-length movie. You want a real All-American story with all the grit and grime that comes from fighting your whole life, finished off with that great American dream? This is it.

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Kindle Customer

Semper Fi, Marine!!

Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2020

Verified Purchase

First off, thank you for your service, Marine. I've followed Brian Stann since his amateur days and he's a great fighter. I knew he was a Marine but knew nothing of his service in the Corps. I'm glad I got this book. Great biography and truly a heroic story.

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Amazon Customer

Wish I had read this years ago.

Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2018

Verified Purchase

Brian's story, especially his military service, is inspiring. His awareness of his personal situations and his knowing that he is the one in control of his attitude and reactions makes me take a serious look at things in my life. Loved this book. Hope to meet Brian some day.

One person found this helpful

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Jerry

Great Read

Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2014

Verified Purchase

Loved this book. It talks about his experiences growing up, to going to the Naval Academy, then going to the Marines and then making it to the UFC. It talks about his experiences in Afghanistan, losing some of his soldiers under his command, etc. A great read, it gives you a little bit of everything if you are a person that likes to read about war and/or someone who likes to read about MMA.

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Barnstormer

So thankful for these soldiers!

Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2017

Verified Purchase

Sadly, most Americans don't realize what America's military personnel go through to keep us free....and they do it on foreign soil not so America can be imperialistic, but to keep these horrors from occurring on American soil. God bless them all; they are always in my prayers. All Americans should read this.

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Tony737

OutSTANNding!

Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2020

Verified Purchase

My favorite MMA fighter, Brian, the All AMERICAAAAANNN, SSSTAAANNNNNN!!! My only complaint is that the book just isn’t long enough.

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DWL

All heart. The story of a great leader who loves his Marines.

Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2013

Verified Purchase

Meaningful and well written story. Awesome insight to what it takes to lead troops on the battlefield and the love that soldiers have for each other. Also, a unique perspective of the personal thoughts of a leader and a fighter in the thick of the action...both as a Marine in Iraq, and inside of the cage during a professional fight. A great story from a great American!

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Steadman

A Great Read

Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2017

Verified Purchase

I was expecting the book to focus on Brian's MMA career however was more of his development through his military experiences leading up to joining the UFC. I was fascinated and read the entire book in 2 days. Brian is an incredible human being with a massive heart

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5 star		82%
4 star		14%
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2 star		4%
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Heart for the Fight: A Marine Hero's Journey from the Battlefields...

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