The UFC has released Octagon, a book consisting of an amazing collection of images taken by photographer Kevin Lynch. The book is big, 800 pages and almost 2 feet tall and wide. The price tag is even bigger, $2,500. This sounds crazy, but then again there are those people who pay thousands of dollars for cage-side tickets.

Octagon has its own website loaded with info. One of the most interesting pieces of the site is the video interview with Lynch where he provides insight into the shooting of the book. He talks about what it is like to photograph these guys, before and after their fights. He even says that he can sometimes tell who is going to win the fight during the pre-fight photo-shoot just by the look in their eyes. The video is about 5 minutes, but definitely worth watching. Unfortunately there isn’t a direct link to the video as the entire site is in Flash. However, just go to the site and then click the “Making Of” tab and then “Video.”

Watch out GI Joe, there are some new kids on the block.

It was only a matter of time before big name mixed martial artist took on alternative life forms. Round 5 MMA has just released a set of figurines, collectibles, dolls, action heroes, whatever you want to call them, of some of the UFC’s most popular fighters. Currently these things are going for $16.99 which doesn’t seem like too bad of a deal.

From their press release today:

“This first series showcases the most exciting championship fighters to date, in their most well known poses,” said Barron Lau, Marketing Director of Round 5. He continues to explain, “Series 1: Champions, will include fan favourites; Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Tito ‘The Huntington Beach Bad Boy’ Ortiz, Matt Hughes, and Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture. Each collectible is expertly sculpted, stands 6” tall and is fully pose-able. Select characters even include accessories such Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson’s signature chain. Each fighter had direct input in the design and development of their own collectible figure including the look, feel and pose. We are honoured to be releasing these collectibles at a time when the sport has achieved so much success.”

They haven’t announced what other fighters they have in store for future development, but I can’t wait for them to try to unveil a Tim Sylvia or Fedor Emelianko with abs.

Unfortunately I can’t embed this video, but you can check out their commercial HERE

I guess any MMA fighter can get his name and mug on a tshirt these days.  I came across a Cole Miller tshirt today.  If I saw someone wearing the shirt I’d think, “what a dork.”  But what the hell, more power to the guy. He’s fought in the UFC and now has his name on some merchandise.  This groovy shirt can be yours for the low low price of $18, which is a fraction of the cost for an Affliction tshirt.  However, who would be cooler, the guy sporting the Rampage Jackson shirt or the guy next to him representing Cole Miller?

The Affliction is brand is everywhere these days. Not only are MMA fans wearing the shirts, but many top MMA fighters are donning the threads. Summer has made the T-Shirt the most popular, but as we start to roll into fall, the long sleeve thermal could be the way to go.

Click the image for more details