Picture this: a scrappy kid from Brazil, born and raised in the heart of São Paulo state, growing up with little to no resources or opportunities, fights their way to the top of the mixed martial arts (MMA) world. It sounds like a plot straight out of a movie, but for athletes like Poatan and do Bronxs, it’s reality.

These two MMA fighters are proof that privilege may buy you top-notch training and state-of-the-art equipment, but the raw determination that comes from pushing past hardship can’t be purchased. Both Poatan and do Bronxs have had unimaginably difficult lives, growing up in families so poor that even the simplest luxuries—like going to the movies, grabbing fast food, or enjoying a trip to the beach—were out of reach.

It’s one thing to read about their stories, but it’s another to see it with your own eyes. Those who have experienced Brazilian poverty firsthand know it’s a different animal. There’s no welfare system to lean on, and these families are left to fend for themselves in the midst of insurmountable challenges. This makes the rise of fighters like Poatan and do Bronxs even more incredible—and a testament to their unwavering grit and resilience.

They’re also perfect examples of the kind of role models the world needs right now: people who refuse to let their circumstances dictate their destinies, who don’t back down in the face of adversity, and who rise above the fray to reach their goals. The victories of these fighters serve as beacons of hope to others, showing that with enough dedication and tenacity, anything is possible.

So, let’s raise a glass to the Poatans and the do Bronxs of the world—the fearless warriors who keep us on the edge of our seats, rooting for their triumphs, and inspired by their indomitable spirit. But in the case of Team Namajunas, we’ll stick to a non-alcoholic toast, because, as the team so wisely puts it, “I can control not drinking and I’m absolutely positive I won’t drink again because I don’t wanna lose everything I’ve accomplished and what I still can accomplish.”

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about physical strength or innate talent—it’s about choosing a path and sticking to it, even when it seems impossible. And with their fighting spirit and heart of gold, these champions remind us all of the unstoppable power that lies within each and every one of us. So, in the immortal words of Queen, “We are the champions, my friends. And we’ll keep on fighting till the end.”