What is the age difference between Rose Namajunas and Pat Barry and how long have they been together?
Rose Namajunas has become one of the most popular female UFC fighters over the last few years. Her exciting fighting style and likable personality make her a fan-favorite fighter. But controversies go hand-in-hand with the fame and popularity of the sports entertainment industry.
Namajunas' relationship has grabbed a lot of media attention in recent years. She is engaged to her training partner and coach Pat Barry. There is a 13-year age gap between the two; Namajunas is 32 and Barry is 45.
In a 2012 article about their relationship, Barry said he felt like they'd been together for over four years, while Namajunas felt like it was two or three years instead. Effectively, the couple has been together for over 12 years now.
'Thug' Rose joined the Roufusport gym in Milwaukee shortly after high school where she met Barry, who was also training at the facility. According to Barry, Namajunas appeared out of nowhere and punched him in the face, asking if he really was UFC heavyweight Pat Barry. When he agreed, 'Thug' told him that he should have seen the punch coming.
Before moving to Milwaukee, Barry used to train in his hometown of Louisiana. After losing his New Orleans home to Hurricane Katrina, Barry stayed with American kickboxing great Duke Roufus and trained at his gym.
Barry claims to have fallen in love with Namajunas the first time he met her. The two have been together for over a decade and are engaged to be married. They live together in Denver, Colorado.
Patt Barry played a pivotal role in shaping Rose Namajunas' MMA career
Pat Barry helps Rose Namajunas with her training and can be seen in her corner during fights. Barry was the one who introduced 'Thug' Rose to her current coach Trevor Wittman, who also coaches former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and former UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
Wittman and Barry helped Shane Carwin coach season six of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) in 2012. During this time, Barry showed Wittman a video of Namajunas sparring. Wittman immediately realized the immense potential waiting to be unlocked.
Since then, Barry and Wittman have coached Namajunas to two UFC strawweight titles. Safe to say, Rose Namajunas and Pat Barry make a good team. As Namajunas has started the quest to win the UFC title in the second division, Barry will certainly be by her side.
Namajunas is set to take on Tracy Cortez on July 13. The fight will headline the UFC Denver event scheduled to take place at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.