The UFC is a spectacle of legendary fighters and electrifying events, brought to life by thrilling bouts, electrifying music, the roaring voices of fans, and Bruce Buffer’s iconic booming announcements. Adding to this grandeur is the expert commentary panel, providing insights into the high-octane action. However, one vital element often overlooked in this spectacular production is the presence of the UFC Ring Girls.
These women are more than just part of the decor; they play a pivotal role in the event’s success. With their confidence, charm, and charisma, UFC Ring Girls enhance the entertainment value while serving a critical function—timekeeping. Their job isn’t merely about holding up round cards; they ensure the smooth flow of the fight by signaling the start of a new round, a task essential to the organization of every bout. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most famous and adored UFC Ring Girls who will grace the octagon at UFC 310, adding their unique touch to the highly anticipated event.
Vanessa Hanson
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Vanessa Hanson has been a cornerstone of the UFC Ring Girl lineup for over a decade, having joined the promotion in 2013. At 33 years old, she continues to captivate fans with her poise and professionalism. Hanson’s career began as a swimsuit model in Orange County, where her talent and charisma caught the attention of major publications such as GQ, Maxim, and Cosmopolitan, earning her widespread recognition in the modeling industry.
Her social media presence is equally impressive, with 274,000 followers on Instagram who eagerly await updates from the iconic Ring Girl. Married to Andrew Grimes, Hanson often shares glimpses of her personal life, including cherished moments like a recent trip to Japan with her husband.
In a 2015 interview with Maxim, Hanson reflected on her journey to the UFC, which began with a pivotal moment in 2011 when she won Transworld Surf’s UFC Model Search. This victory led to a guest spot as an Octagon Girl at UFC 136, launching her career within the promotion. While continuing her work in modeling, Hanson quickly caught the eye of UFC President Dana White, solidifying her role as one of the most prominent and admired Ring Girls in UFC history.
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In her Maxim interview, Vanessa Hanson shared how her UFC journey started, “It was random actually. They found me at the beach; they had a booth for the US Open of Surfing and were looking for girls. The girls that I was with entered and made me enter. I got a call three months later. I had no idea about the UFC at all.”
Despite her initial unfamiliarity with the sport, Hanson quickly grew into her role and developed a deep appreciation for the fighters. She revealed that her favorite athletes in the Octagon are Ronda Rousey and Robbie Lawler, both known for their incredible determination and skills.
Her true calling as a UFC Ring Girl began in 2013 when she made her official debut at The Ultimate Fighter Season 17 finale after working with Strikeforce. Since then, she has become a beloved presence at UFC events, consistently gracing the Octagon with her charisma and professionalism with her next line of duty coming at UFC 310.
Red Dela Cruz
Red Dela Cruz is a name that resonates deeply with UFC fans worldwide. This Filipino Octagon Girl has become an integral part of the sport’s landscape. At 32 years old, the model’s rise to prominence began with Guam’s Pacific Xtreme Combat, setting the stage for her entry into the MMA world. Born in Quezon City, Philippines, Cruz later relocated to Sydney, Australia, where her journey took a significant turn. Leaving behind a stable career in finance in Sydney, she embraced the world of combat sports in 2015, winning a competition that opened the doors to MMA’s biggest stage.
Since then, Cruz has been living her ‘dream job’ as a UFC Octagon Girl, earning a special place in the hearts of fans. In an interview with The Daily Mail, she shared insights into her relationship with UFC President Dana White, “Boss Dana is super cool and a very nice person! I love him. I always get nervous whenever I see and talk to him because he’s the big boss.’
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Cruz also recalled her memorable encounter with UFC commentator and podcast host Joe Rogan, “I met Joe Rogan too, in New York about three years ago. He is nice and has great energy.” Her impressive resume includes appearances at high-profile events like UFC 267 prelims, UFC 284, 293, 297, and 302. Adding to this list, Cruz is set to light up the Octagon again at UFC 310, continuing her journey as one of the sport’s most famous figures.
Luciana Andrade
The 38-year-old model and UFC Octagon Girl, Luciana Andrade, boasts a fascinating career trajectory that spans two vastly different worlds: law and modeling. Born in Brazil, Andrade earned a law degree and went on to complete her master’s degree in Law at the University of Southern California. Despite her academic accomplishments, her passion for the spotlight led her to a flourishing career in modeling, eventually becoming one of the most recognized Octagon Girls in the UFC.
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Andrade’s UFC journey began at UFC Fight Night 56 in 2014, marking the start of her rise as one of the promotion’s most prominent figures. Her charisma and dedication have made her a fan favorite both inside and outside the Octagon. Beyond the UFC, Andrade has also ventured into podcasting. She co-hosts Ariel and The Bad Girl alongside renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani.
The podcast takes a refreshing detour from MMA-focused content, exploring diverse topics and engaging audiences with their dynamic chemistry. Now, Andrade is set to return for UFC 310, where fans eagerly anticipate her presence as Kai Asakura and Alexandre Pantoja square off in a thrilling flyweight title main event. What are your views on the sport’s other side of glamour and beauty? Tell us in the comment section below!
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