Follow on Instagram
@thewritingprofessor904
Behind the scenes, fighter stories, and recovery updates — join the journey.
All My Links
linktr.ee/thewritingprofessor904
Find everything in one place — articles, socials, and more.
THE
SECOND
ROUND
The Second Round — How MMA Saved Fighters Who Almost Lost Everything
🏆 Amazon #1 New Release in Boxing Biographies
A powerful nonfiction book about addiction, trauma, recovery, discipline, resilience, and redemption through the lives of mixed martial arts fighters.
More Than A Book
About Fighting
The Second Round looks beyond the cage to explore how MMA became a lifeline for fighters facing addiction, trauma, mental health struggles, near-death experiences, and personal collapse. This book is about structure, purpose, recovery, and the belief that everyone deserves another chance.
Fighters Featured In The Second Round
Terrance McKinney
"T-Wrecks"
A rising UFC lightweight known for his explosive striking and devastating knockouts, McKinney has earned Fight of the Night honors and established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the division.
From devastating personal loss to UFC stardom, McKinney's explosive journey through grief, addiction's shadow, and relentless redemption.
Court McGee
"The Crusher"
A successful UFC welterweight and middleweight competitor with over 15 years in professional MMA, McGee built a respectable career competing against top-tier opponents and earning the respect of the fighting community.
TUF Season 11 champion who flatlined at 19 from a drug overdose and clawed his way back to compete in the UFC for over a decade.
Lerone Murphy
"The Miracle"
A talented featherweight who competed at the highest levels of MMA, Murphy has demonstrated skill and heart in the octagon while building a promising career in the sport.
Shot multiple times in a gang attack that nearly ended his life. MMA became the structure and purpose that pulled him from the wreckage.
Matt Brown
"The Immortal"
A UFC veteran with over 35 professional fights, Brown is renowned for his warrior spirit, technical striking, and incredible toughness—becoming a fan favorite for his unforgettable performances inside the octagon.
One of the UFC's most beloved warriors, Brown battled addiction and darkness before finding salvation through the discipline of martial arts.
Jared Gordon
"Flash"
A determined lightweight who has competed against elite UFC talent, Gordon has shown resilience and improvement throughout his professional MMA career.
Heroin addiction nearly claimed his life before MMA gave him a reason to fight, not just in the cage, but for his very survival.
Ian McCall
"Uncle Creepy"
A world-class flyweight and one of the most technically skilled fighters in MMA history, McCall was ranked among the division's elite and competed against the best in the world.
A world-ranked flyweight who fought addiction, near-death illness, and personal collapse, and now dedicates his life to helping others recover.
Chris Leben
"The Crippler"
A UFC legend and one of the promotion's most feared strikers, Leben competed against champions and elite fighters throughout a storied career spanning nearly two decades.
A UFC original and one of the sport's most feared strikers, whose battle with prescription drug addiction became as defining as any fight.
Justin Wren
"The Big Pygmy"
A heavyweight who competed in the UFC and other major promotions, Wren built a solid fighting career while also becoming known for his humanitarian efforts and community work.
After overcoming addiction and bullying, Wren walked away from fighting to live among a forgotten tribe in Africa and came back stronger.
Beyond the knockouts. Beyond the headlines. The real stories.
Why This Story Matters
This project is deeply personal because addiction has touched my own family. Watching my mother struggle with addiction taught me that behind every battle is a human being searching for hope, purpose, dignity, and another chance.
The Second Round is dedicated to everyone still fighting for recovery, redemption, and a better future.
Expanded Edition Coming Soon
An expanded edition is currently in development and will include direct fighter perspectives, recovery reflections, and additional voices connected to addiction recovery and personal transformation.
Recovery Partnerships
The Second Round can serve as a discussion resource, donated book, bulk order option, speaker/event topic, or partnership opportunity for organizations focused on addiction recovery, mental health, resilience, and second chances.
Discussion resource for recovery groups
Donated copies for organizations
Bulk order discounts available
Speaker and event opportunities
Media, Podcasts, and Speaking
Andrew Carswell is available for podcast interviews, media features, speaking opportunities, and conversations about MMA, addiction recovery, resilience, storytelling, and the human side of combat sports.
About Andrew Carswell
Andrew Carswell is a writer, educator, and combat sports journalist whose work focuses on the human stories behind discipline, struggle, redemption, and second chances.
Featured in:
His writing has appeared in the publications listed above and continues to explore the transformative power of resilience, discipline, and human connection.
Connect
For media, recovery partnerships, bulk orders, speaking opportunities, or The Second Round expanded edition inquiries, reach out directly:
Recovery Partnerships
recovery@secondroundbook.comGeneral
andrew@secondroundbook.com