"It was really surreal" - Rose Namajunas reacts to Mike Tyson's emotional praise
Rose Namajunas is still having a hard time processing all the fame that comes with being the UFC women's strawweight champion. In a new interview with ESPN MMA, the 115-pound champion discussed what it was like being praised by world famous celebrities and athletes like Mike Tyson.
She said:
"I know, that was super cool, it was really surreal. Like wow. Every day I'm just like ... I wake up and I'm like this is my life, this is crazy! But yeah, he's one of the best, as far as just truest sense of a fighter and everything in life and fighting. So yeah, what more could I say?"
When asked if this was the "coolest thing" that's happened to her in her fight journey, Rose replied:
"Definitely Mike Tyson tops, I think for sure. At least that's the most recent in my mind, yeah."
Watch the full ESPN MMA interview with Rose Namajunas below:
Mike Tyson is one of the toughest men on the planet, but on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience he got emotional and teared up while watching footage of Namajunas winning her last fight.
Rose Namajunas believes she has "leveled up" again since her last fight
Rose Namajunas returns to the octagon at UFC 274 to defend her women's strawweight title against Carla Esparza. 'Cookie Monster' comes into the fight on an impressive five fight win streak and also happens to hold a victory over Namajunas from 2014.
Namajunas reflects on the lessons learned after her last fight against Esparza in 2014 🧠 #UFC274
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Namajunas has been eager to avenge that loss and discussed her mindset coming into this rematch with UFC.com, saying:
"It’s really important to take the information that you’ve learned and stuff from the past, but always be in the present moment. I think once we meet face-to-face, there will be similar feelings. Maybe feelings from the past might reignite or whatever but, for the most part, I’m just focused on every day, one step at a time and really just focusing on my evolution as a fighter."
As far as evolution goes, fans should expect a better 'Thug Rose' than what we saw against Zhang Weili in November 2021. She said:
“I think I just kind of leveled up everywhere 10 percent. I think what I took away from that fight is that I’m a true champion, and this is my division, and I’m the best.”
years in the making 
#UFC274 Countdown Airs TODAY at 4pmET on ESPNews ]The rematch for the title almost 8️⃣ years in the making 👑
[ 📺 #UFC274 Countdown Airs TODAY at 4pmET on ESPNews ] https://t.co/GiEvkHChrU