Becoming the Natural: My Life In and Out of the Cage Paperback – July 7, 2009

I enjoyed reading this book. I was hoping for greater detail regarding his alkaline diet approach, as this and his ability to compete at his age, intrigued me. I knew very little about him prior to reading this book, other than his late age involvement in UFC and that he beat Tito, who needed beating. At any rate, he seems like a pretty cool guy. I sincerely hope he finds whatever it is he is truly longing for.A cringy part of biographies is the opportunity for the author to say their piece about a former spouse or colleague and the reported on, has no counter action. As a person, he seems to take little responsibility for his failed marriages or considers the selfishness of his own actions. That bothered me, because he seems so in tune with his workout regimen and where he was failing in training, and give every effort to fix it.But over all, his journey was an interesting one, and I am impressed with those who are brave enough to face the criticism, vulnerability, and scrutiny that inevitably comes from opening your life up in written form. And to any honest biographer, I salute them for that.I think his hilarious comments about his cauliflower ear were great.In conclusion, if you are interested in Couture at all, I think you will like this read.

If you're already a Randy Couture fan (as I am), this book is a MUST. If you're new to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), this fine book will introduce you to the ambassador of the sport. Well written and easily read, the book takes you through the ups and downs of the entire life of Randy Couture........ and gives us a picture of what made him the man that he is.Not a "wow look at me" book, Couture reveals his mistakes both as a youth and as an adult. His willingness to be open and honest is part of the reason Randy Couture is so loved by so many people. Definitely worth the price!

A few of the recent MMA biographies which have hit bookstores, most notably Liddell's Iceman: My Fighting Life and Ortiz's This Is Gonna Hurt: The Life of a Mixed Martial Arts Champion, are written in a straight forward, and almost bland manner. In other words, they have the story but non of the flare that makes literature beautiful. The one exception is Matt Hughes' Made in America: The Most Dominant Champion in UFC History, which had better imagery and supporting detail. Like Hughes' book, Couture's book is well written, exceptionally detailed, and highly intriguing.Couture has come to be known as the consummate champion - both inside the octagon and outside of it. In this book he details his failures and successes, with stark honesty and lucidity. "Becoming the Natural" is not only the story of a MMA fighter, it is the story of a boy becoming a man. A man who grew up without a father figure, who failed to make the Olympic wrestling team on four different occasions, who was divorced and remarried twice, who has fought and defeated many of the world's greatest fighters, and who continues to stand up for the integrity and honor of the sport everywhere he goes.As a sports biography, this is one that will be rivaled by none. As a MMA biography, this is the absolute best! Couture shows us why, in life, doing what you love and being open to what God has for you can take you to places you have never even dreamed of.

I really enjoyed this book and was blown away by it. It was one I could not put down once I started it. Randy is a courageous athlete, but even more courageous in this book. Not only is he willing to share all the highlights of his fighting career, but he also opens up and shares who he is as a person.He shares both his good, and not so good, choices he's made in his life and the struggles he's gone through. Randy seems almost superhuman in the ring, but by opening himself up as he does in this book, he is even more amazing. I don't know many people, especially public figures as Randy's become, that are so willing to let you into their lives as Randy has done here.This is a truly interesting look into Randy Couture and an entertaining book if you are at all curious what makes Randy, "The Natural."

Randy wrote a great book. His life story is interesting. There are the sad times, the struggles to become an Olympic wrestler and the successes and failures. He has had ups and downs. He writes about his multiple marriages and his "difficult" family situation. The book gives great insight into the world of MMA, Olympic wrestling and Randys struggle to be the best at what ever he pursues.

Very good read.Randy is very open about his personal life. He doesn't try to hide his skeletons. Although, i think he has made some bad choices along the way, i respect him even more for admiting to them and not trying to make excuses.It also shows that Randy wasn't always "the natural" in his athletic career, and how one must work hard and dedicate themselves to achieve their goals.

If you want some insight of the UFC and want to know Randy Couture then i highly suggest you read this book. This was without a doubt wroth your money and time. After i read this book i felt like i knew Randy Couture and what he was about. He leaves nothing behind in this book just like he leaves nothing behind in a fight!!

I admire Randy for probably the same reasons as everyone else. Despite his age, he has overcome adversity as the underdog throughout his career. With all his success he remains respectful and principled. I thought I ought to read the book because it give me a better idea of who this legendary fighter and person is. I recommend it if your a fan, and even if your not, I still think you will find it a worth your while.