“Goodridge: The Price of Glory” by Kevin A. Courtney

Documentary

Apr 19

Goodridge: The Price of Glory follows the life of Gary Goodridge, a trailblazer in the world of mixed martial arts who helped define the sport during its earliest, most unregulated era. The film opens with Gary’s explosive debut at UFC 8, a moment that would not only cement his place in MMA history, but also become one of the sport’s most iconic and brutal highlights. From there, the documentary charts his ascent through the global fight circuit — competing in countries like Brazil, Japan, the Netherlands, and the U.S. — where he amassed over 80 professional fights and built a reputation as both a fearsome competitor and a fan favorite.

But beneath the triumph lies a harsher truth. The second half of the film shifts focus to the long-term consequences of Gary’s fighting career. Now 57, Gary lives with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. As he reflects on his career with both pride and pain, the film paints a nuanced portrait of a man who still loves the sport that is slowly taking his mind. Despite the struggles, Gary remains active in the MMA community — mentoring fighters and promoting events in Africa — embodying a complicated mix of resilience, nostalgia, and quiet sacrifice. The result is a moving and layered exploration of glory, identity, and the personal cost of a life spent in the ring.