DK Publishing announced today they will publish the officially licensed encyclopedia to the Ultimate Fighting Championship in October 2011.
The UFC Encyclopedia will reportedly cover all facets of the world’s premiere mixed martial arts organization, from its inception in 1993, comprehensive coverage of over 300 fighters, champions, Hall of Fame and over 170 event results.
The UFC Encyclopedia will contain 400 full-color pages with fighter profiles, action photos, detailed biographies, win/loss records, vital statistics and titles held within the organization.
Publisher Mike Degler commented on the project:
“We began discussing a project of this scale with the UFC a few years ago and we are thrilled that we are finally able to bring a book like this to life for MMA fans. The UFC has an incredibly rich eighteen-year history, and we have been given unprecedented access to all of it. The UFC Encyclopedia will be a must-have for any MMA fan, as well as an informative and comprehensive tribute to the world’s fastest growing sport.”
The Project Lead for the UFC Encyclopedia is DK Publishing’s Christian Summer. Summer commented on UFC.com Editorial Director Tom Gerbasi’s work which will have a significant role in the book:
“Very few people keep their thumbs on the pulse of the UFC like Tom Gerbasi, the author for the UFC Encyclopedia. His event coverage will make readers feel like they were cageside, and his detailed fighter profiles are punctuated by quotes that he’s gathered through years of interviews, which will give fans unparalleled insight into their favorite fighters’ psyches. This kind of in-depth and behind-the-scenes access is what every UFC follower is looking for, and we are proud to be playing a part in bringing it to the fans!”
The UFC Encyclopedia seems like a must for any die-hard UFC fan or collector. DK Publishing has a world language deal in place and the book is scheduled for publication in many territories and foreign languages.