This is the story of Charlie "THE SPANIARD" Brenneman, an anxious kid who rose to the highest ranks of professional combat sports. Guided by strong family values and instincts honed by a lifetime of wrestling, THE SPANIARD is a unique mix of small town and bright lights. After landing his dream job in education, Charlie left to enter the new world of professional mixed martial arts (MMA). As he shares lessons from nearly a decade in the cage, THE SPANIARD brings you inside. What’s it like fighting a world title contender on live national TV, igniting a Twitter storm with the toughest man on Earth and starting a family along the way? Step into the mind and life of a mixed martial artist who fights not only for money but for prizes far more lasting.
This version of DRIVEN, originally published in 2015, was prepared especially for middle & high school readers. It includes dozens of comments and questions sent to THE SPANIARD by students.