Claire Tietgen, 13-year-old anti-bully advocate and host of Bullied But Not Broken, sits down with her role model, Ronda Rousey, who was at the time the top female American mixed martial artist, judoka, author, and is currently a professional wrestler, and actress. Rousey was the first UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, as well as the last Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Rousey was undefeated in her first twelve mixed martial arts fights, having won eleven of her fights in the first round, and nine fights by armbar. Rousey became the first U.S. woman to earn an Olympic medal in Judo at the Summer Olympics in Beijing in 2008. She was voted as the Best Female Athlete Ever in an ESPN poll and is currently the UFC’s highest paid fighter, male or female. Currently, Ronda is the WWE Raw Women’s Champion. Rousey shares her memories of being bullied as a young teen and her thoughts on what to do about bullying.
Claire Tietgen first learned about Ronda Rousey when she started training MMA and jiu-jitsu. Claire had been bullied for an invisible disability and was at the point of suicide when she discovered a passion for MMA. Claire left all her emotions on the mat. Her coach, Austen Ford, and parents soon realized she had incredible natural talent. Austen began comparing Claire to Ronda. When Claire learned more, she knew immediately that she wanted to be like Ronda, her new role model. After discovering a video about Claire’s struggles and success, the UFC reached out to Claire. The UFC ultimately brought Claire to Las Vegas for UFC 183 and UFC 184 in Los Angeles for the chance to meet her hero in person. Claire watched as Ronda finished her fight against Cat Zingano in less than 10 seconds. Afterwards, Claire got to meet Ronda at Ronda’s belated birthday party. The two shared stories and became friends. Ronda has a big heart and wanted to have a positive impact on Claire’s life.