DENVER — Rose Namajunas is 30 minutes into a striking pad session when she yelps in pain.
Ask any coach or fighter, and they'll all tell you the same thing: Hearing that sound is a harrowing moment in a fight gym. You are overcome with about a dozen feelings all at once. Everyone goes so silent, you can hear a pin drop. And you know you're all thinking the same thing: Is it an actual injury? How bad is it? Will they have to pull out of the fight?
Namajunas bends over and clutches her right knee, wincing in pain.