Rose and Pat: A Star is Born
Pat Barry: “I told her that as long as she’d commit to it and do what it takes, she’d never have to work, never have to take the garbage out, none of that.”
“Thug” Rose Namjunas and fiance Pat Barry spoke recently with Ben Fowlkes for USA Today Sports, ahead of her fight Friday night with Carla Esparza at the TUF 20 Finale. At stake is the first UFC women’s strawweight championship
Last year Barry asked for a release from the UFC following two first round KO losses, in order to return to kickboxing. However, he has had mixed results there as well. At 35, his career is winding down.
Before the 20th season of The Ultimate Fighter UFC president Dana White said “Yeah, there’s a Ronda Rousey on this season of The Ultimate Fighter, Absolutely.
That was Rose Namajunas.
“When I recognized her talent, I asked her if this was something she really wanted to pursue, and she told me she did,” said Barry. “I told her that as long as she’d commit to it and do what it takes, she’d never have to work, never have to take the garbage out, none of that. I’ll handle all that for her. For the last four or five years, that’s what I’ve done.”
It worked, and Namajunas is profoundly appreciative.
“Pat knows he’s not going to be able to do this forever,” said Namajunas. “He’s focused a lot on helping me learn from his career, and that’s made a big difference for me. … He’s taught me everything. Since I met him, a lot of my striking I got from him. I watched him and emulated him as much as I could.”
One star diminishing as another is born is the subject of countless movies and books, and it rarely ends well. Barry however has nothing but love.
“I’ve been able to give her the things that I’ve done right, and she’s witnessed for herself the things I’ve done wrong,” said Barry. “This stuff with Rose, it’s helped me to be honest with myself. I thought I was being honest with myself before, but now I’m able to admit to myself that I’m not the monster I used to be.
“I completely enjoy my role in pushing Rose to the limit. She’s going to accomplish goals that I was never able to get close to in my career.”
If Rose Namajunas wins Friday night and becomes the first UFC strawweight champion, she is a star. If Esparza wins, Namajunas, 22, may have to wait a while longer. But Rose Namajunas is going to be a star. And no one is happier about that than Pat Barry.
It’s beautiful.