Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham surprised attendees at UFC 329 on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas when she appeared as a ring girl. Cunningham, also known for her work as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, walked around the octagon holding the ring card.
The appearance occurred as fan favorite Paddy Pimblett made his entrance. Cunningham, who stands 6-foot-1, went barefoot for her cameo, wearing a black tank top and shorts. She smiled and interacted with the crowd, even pointing toward celebrity row during her appearance.
UFC President Dana White confirmed that Cunningham’s role was impromptu, stating she expressed interest just minutes before stepping into the octagon. "She was like, ‘I want to do that,’" White told reporters. "I told her, ‘Then you will do it.’"
Cunningham appeared comfortable and natural in the role, receiving support from the existing ring girls. Her brief appearance concluded as the first and only round of the lightweight fight began. Pimblett secured a first-round submission victory over Benoit Saint Denis with a Peruvian necktie maneuver.