UFC president Dana White has spoken about how WNBA star Sophie Cunningham came to serve as an octagon girl at UFC 329. White addressed the backstory behind the crossover appearance by the professional basketball player.
UFC president Dana White has revealed the backstory behind WNBA star Sophie Cunningham's surprise appearance as an octagon girl at UFC 329, which took place on July 11, 2026.
White addressed how the crossover came together, explaining the circumstances that led to the professional basketball player stepping into the role typically reserved for the promotion's regular octagon girls. The UFC chief spoke publicly about the behind-the-scenes details of how Cunningham ended up walking the canvas at one of the year's marquee pay-per-view events.
Why it matters
- The appearance drew significant attention as a high-profile crossover between two major American sports properties
- Cunningham's presence at UFC 329 introduced the UFC brand to a broader basketball audience and vice versa
- Dana White's willingness to explain the backstory suggests the crossover was a deliberate move rather than a spontaneous one
The moment generated considerable buzz across sports media, given that Cunningham is an established name in the WNBA and not a figure typically associated with the fight game. White's public explanation indicates the UFC saw value in acknowledging the unusual pairing and the story behind it, rather than letting it pass without comment.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
