At 16, Kayla Harrison was relatively green in her judo career and moved in with Ronda Rousey as they both trained in Boston with famed coach Jimmy Pedro.

Back then, Harrison’s main concern was surving on the mats with her older roommate, who used to “beat the crap out of” her.

“But it made me into the strong fighter I am today, so I’m grateful for it,” Harrison told ThePostGame.com.

Twelve years later, Harrison (2-0) is on the path to a title in the upstart PFL promotion, trying to win her first gold in MMA after collecting medals in judo at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

In the PFL, Harrison has racked up two dominant wins in a short period while competing in the 155-pound women’s class, which was specifically formed with her in mind. She expects to hold her first title by next year.

Rousey, who won bronze at the 2008 Olympics, is a WWE wrestler and actor after blazing a trail for women in the cage as a UFC champion.

The two have gone in different directions, but Harrison still thinks of Rousey as a mentor and a model for success.

“I probably wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for Ronda,” Harrison said. “I’ve always called it my ‘Ronda complex’: Anything she does, I have to do.”

Check out the video above to hear Harrison talk about her life as a grappler turned fighter and her past with Rousey.

For more on the PFL, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.