I’m a fighter in every sense of the word. I began judo at six years old and went on to make history as the first American to win Olympic gold in the sport, capturing back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2016 through grit, focus, and resilience. Behind the medals, I carried an unimaginable personal struggle. At 16, I came forward about years of sexual abuse by my coach. That experience shaped my mission to shine light on a trauma too often kept in the dark.

In 2013, I founded the Fearless Foundation to empower survivors through education and wellness programs that build both strength and confidence. Today, I carry that same spirit into mixed martial arts as the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and a two-time PFL World Champion, proving that perseverance can redefine what is possible both inside and outside the cage.