Rose Namajunas: Powerfull Journey of Heart, Grit, and Unwavering Determination
Growing up, I never imagined that a single athlete could leave such a lasting impression on me.
But following and witnessing the rise of Rose Namajunas, both in and out of the Octagon, has felt like watching a story unfold that’s larger than life.
My name is Mohit, and although I wasn’t born in the United States, I’ve spent a significant part of my life here.
Over time, I’ve come to understand and deeply admire the values that define this country.
Hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness are qualities I see so clearly reflected in Rose Namajunas.
She embodies what makes the pursuit of excellence so inspiring, and telling her story feels personal to me.
It’s rare to find an athlete who can combine raw, unfiltered grit with incredible humility, kindness, and an introspective persona.
Rose Namajunas does this effortlessly. You look at her nickname, “Thug Rose,” and you might anticipate someone hardened or cold, but the truth is far from that.
Yes, she’s a force of nature when she steps into that cage, but what makes her unique is that vulnerability and humanity shine through, even in her toughest moments.
Being a fan and witnessing her rise in person has been like watching someone redefine what it means to be a fighter—not just in terms of physicality but on a deeply emotional and mental level.
A Tough Start in Milwaukee
To truly appreciate Rose Namajunas’ incredible rise, it’s essential to rewind to where it all started. Rose was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1992 to Lithuanian immigrant parents. Growing up, life was not kind or easy for her. Her childhood was marked by challenges, many of which would break most people. She faced financial hardships, growing up in a working-class family that didn’t have much to spare. She also witnessed domestic violence at a young age. All those experiences left a mark on her, but rather than succumbing to those hardships, she channeled that pain into something greater. There’s this American ideal that thrives on triumphing over odds, and Rose’s story is a shining example of that.
At an early age, she turned to martial arts, which became both her refuge and her anchor. Starting with Taekwondo at the age of five and later adding Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to her arsenal, Rose laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary skill set. For me, learning these details added another layer of admiration for her. It’s one thing to pick up fighting skills for sport or competition, but with Rose, it always felt like martial arts was as much a battle within herself as it was with an opponent.
The “Thug Rose” Persona and What Makes Her Special
I first heard the nickname “Thug Rose” when I began following her career, and to be entirely honest, I found it curious.
For someone who carries herself with such grace and humility outside the Octagon, it didn’t quite seem to fit. Later, I learned that the name originated from her childhood, given to her because of her shaved head and fearless attitude.
Somehow, it makes sense now. The nickname represents not just her toughness but also the dualities within her character.
She is gentle but fierce, calm but powerful, humble yet confident.
And this duality is what makes people love her, myself included.
There’s this unassuming aura about her that draws you in. She’s not the loud, trash-talking type that dominates the MMA landscape.
Instead, she lets her skills and actions define her.
Whether it’s her willingness to talk openly about mental health, sharing life updates with fans,
or showing public acts of kindness, Rose brings a unique authenticity to the sport that’s hard to find.
Witnessing the Turning Point in 2017
I still vividly remember attending UFC 217 at Madison Square Garden in NYC, an event that has been etched into my memory forever. This was the night Rose faced Joanna Jędrzejczyk for the UFC strawweight title. At the time, Joanna was an unstoppable force, undefeated and boasting a dominant presence. Fans and analysts hardly gave Rose a chance, and even I had my doubts. But there was something about her demeanor during fight week that gave me goosebumps.
I remember sitting in the crowd, surrounded by die-hard Joanna fans, most of whom were confident she’d steamroll Rose. The atmosphere was electric but tense. When Rose walked out to her fight song, you could feel a change in the energy. She had this laser focus, this aura as if nothing could distract her. And when the fight began? Wow. Just wow. Within one round, Rose delivered one of the cleanest knockouts in MMA history. She dismantled Joanna with a crisp left hook and followed it up until the referee stepped in. The arena erupted in disbelief, but for me and the other fans rooting for her, it was a moment of pure triumph.
What made the victory even more iconic was Rose’s speech afterward. With tears in her eyes and humility in her voice, she spoke about kindness and emotional strength. It hit me hard. Standing there in the crowd, watching her raw honesty come through, I realized this wasn’t just about winning a title for her. It was about proving something bigger—to herself, to her detractors, and to anyone watching.
The Rollercoaster of a Career
Like any great champion, Rose’s career hasn’t been without its ups and downs.
After her victory over Joanna, she defended her title in an epic rematch, again showing incredible poise and skill.
But then came her devastating loss to Jessica Andrade in 2019, where a brutal slam ended her reign as champion.
After that loss, many fighters would have crumbled under the pressure or chosen to walk away. But not Rose.
One of the things that inspire me the most about her is how she used that loss as an opportunity for growth.
She took time off to reassess, refocus, and understand what she wanted out of the sport.
And when she came back, she looked better than ever.
The way she avenged her loss to Andrade was another testament to her unwavering spirit.
She didn’t just come back to fight; she came back better.
Her Second Reign and “The Kick Heard Around the World”
One fight that continues to stand out is her 2021 bout against Zhang Weili. Zhang was a ferocious champion, fresh off dominating the game. Many fans were nervous for Rose, and I can admit I was one of them. Watching it surrounded by friends, the tension in the air was thick. And then, it happened.
A perfectly timed head kick within the first round secured Rose’s victory. It wasn’t just a knockout; it was a crowning moment. Seeing her drop to her knees and shout, “I’m the best” while tears streamed down her face sent chills through me. There’s something so poetic about that moment. It wasn’t about ego; it was her telling herself and the world that she belonged at the pinnacle.
What Makes Her Legacy Unforgettable
Beyond her accomplishments, Rose Namajunas’ legacy is defined by the impact she’s had on fans.
She’s not just a fighter; she’s a role model.
Her open discussions about mental health gave many fighters and fans alike the courage to face their challenges head-on.
She’s shown that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to stumble, and then rise again.
Her authenticity resonates in all aspects of her life.
Whether she’s meditating, spending time with her fiancé Pat Barry,
or nurturing her love of gardening, Rose Namajunas is proof that fighters are more than athletes.
They are humans, layered and dynamic, just like the rest of us.
Reflecting on Rose’s Journey
For me, watching and rooting for Rose Namajunas has been one of the most profound experiences since I became a fan of MMA. She redefines toughness, not just in the literal sense of enduring punches but in being courageous enough to face personal demons and come out stronger.
Rose is a champion in every sense of the word—not just because of the belt she’s worn around her waist but because of her unwavering pursuit of growth and authenticity. Sitting here and reflecting on the privilege of watching her career unfold, I feel nothing but gratitude. Not just for the thrilling fights but for the valuable lessons she unknowingly teaches all of us.
Thank you, Rose Namajunas, for being a symbol of hope, grit, and humanity.
