'She's Leaning Into MAGA': Sophie Cunningham Sparks Outrage with UFC Move
Dana White said Cunningham asked to try the role, and she was allowed to walk around the Octagon less than 10 minutes before the co-main event.
- Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham served as a guest ring girl at UFC 329 on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- UFC President Dana White authorized the cameo after Cunningham requested to walk around the Octagon, granting permission less than 10 minutes before the co-main event between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis.
- Pimblett defeated Saint-Denis via a Peruvian necktie in the first round, while the card featured the return of Conor McGregor, known as Notorious, to the Octagon after five years.
- Cunningham's appearance reflects her rising profile outside the WNBA, occurring during the Fever's four-game road trip through the Western Conference.
- Today, the Fever face the Las Vegas Aces in Las Vegas, with Cunningham expected to be available following her recovery from back spasms.
23 Articles
23 Articles
'She's leaning into MAGA': Sophie Cunningham sparks outrage with UFC move
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectOver the past couple of years, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has seen her fame rise as she embraces being teammates with the league’s biggest star, Caitlin Clark. Over the weekend, that growing fame allowed Cunningham a rather unique opportunity at a UFC event, but not everyone is happy about it. During Saturday night’s UFC 329 event, Cunningham served as a surprise ring girl for the fight, walking through…
Fever Sophie Cunningham Goes Viral at UFC 329 Octagon Girl
The 6-foot-1 WNBA standout, known for her on-court intensity, social media presence and recent Adidas shoe launch, stepped into the spotlight at T-Mobile Arena during UFC’s International Fight Week. Just minutes before the co-main event between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint Denis, Cunningham asked UFC CEO Dana White if she could walk the Octagon. White approved on the spot. “She walked in and said, ‘Oh, I want to walk around that,'” White rec…
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham makes unexpected UFC 329 ring girl debut before Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint Denis
International Sports News: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham gave fans an unexpected surprise on Saturday night when she appeared as a ring girl during the co-main event of .
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