Fight Night by Brian C. Frank

Iowa has a long history with wrestling. At the international level, Iowa has produced Olympic gold medal winners. At the collegiate level, the University of Iowa and Iowa State University have produced national championships for their schools and individuals. At the high school level and younger, wrestling approaches football and basketball for prestige among the athletes. Wrestling is a way of life in Iowa. It’s part of who we are.

When the sport of Mixed Martial Arts began its journey into the national spotlight, Iowa was a natural location for its development of talent and passion. In April 2009, I began exploring the MMA world in central Iowa and found almost immediately that the fights were only part of the story, and that the fighters were just as interesting. They have created a world for themselves as they train, compete and dream of glory in the cage.

Some of the fighters have dreams to make it to the big stage-The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Others fight to make a name for themselves and enjoy the local celebrity and pseudo-rock-star status. Some even fight to help support their families with modest payments and corporate sponsorships. The one thing they all have in common is succumbing to the lure of the ring, whether it’s the thrill of the fight, the cheer of the crowds, or the need to test the boundaries of their body and mind.

Since I started covering the fights, I have been amazed at the sheer will required to succeed; the willingness to go beyond what the others will do to prepare, or the punishment you will take. Although that will is not enough to get the victory, but the lack of that will can guarantee defeat.

Fight Night is a photography book that explores the small-time mixed martial arts fighting in Iowa. Culminated over five years, captures some of the most intimate moments as fighters explore the highs of victory, the devastation of defeat, and the moments that make up the journey leading to the ring. The journey covers training and life outside the ring, from impromptu amateur fights in bars to professional fights in front of thousands of fans.