Dana White reveals how WNBA star Sophie Cunningham became a ring girl at UFC 329

UFC 329 had a surprise addition, with WNBA star Sophie Cunningham suddenly making the rounds as a UFC Octagon Girl during the massive event. Thanks for the help @Sophaller 🙌[ #UFC329 is LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.

com/16JXruA7pw— UFC (@ufc) July 12, 2026Cunningham was one of the many celebrities that attended the event, and UFC CEO Dana White revealed that the WNBA star’s role on the UFC 329 broadcast was an impromptu decision.“(We decided) eight minutes before she did it,” Dana White revealed at the UFC 329 post-fight press conference. “I love Sophie Cunningham.

We’ve created a relationship. She was here tonight, and when she walked in, she goes ‘Oh, I want to walk around that.’ I said ‘Then you’re going to walk around it!’

“Yeah, she’s fun,” White said.The 6-foot-1 Cunningham is a key part of the Indiana Fever, alongside Caitlin Clark, and is known for her grit, shooting, and that recent viral “finger pointing” meme. She committed to that bit in her appearance at the high profile UFC event as well, doing her point during her guest Octagon Girl duties and again after Max Holloway beat Conor McGregor.

Max Holloway and Sophie Cunningham link up to hit their signature points 👊🏀#UFC329 | LIVE on TNT Sports Box Office pic.twitter.com/r4Ysw50jhF— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) July 12, 2026For more UFC 329 results and highlights, click here.