Dana White reveals how Sophie Cunningham became UFC 329 ring girl

UFC CEO Dana White revealed that WNBA star Sophie Cunningham's surprise appearance as an Octagon Girl at UFC 329 was arranged minutes before the broadcast began.

White told reporters at the post-fight press conference that Cunningham, who attended the event Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena, asked about walking the Octagon upon arrival. "Eight minutes before she did it," White said, per MMA Mania. "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!'"

Cunningham brought viral meme to UFC broadcast

The 6-foot-1 Indiana Fever guard joined the promotion's regular Octagon Girls to announce rounds during the card. Cunningham, known for her defensive grit and a recent viral finger-pointing gesture, committed to the bit by doing the point during her ring walk and again after Max Holloway beat Conor McGregor in the main event.

White added that Cunningham has become part of the UFC's regular celebrity circle. "Yeah, she's fun," he said.

Cunningham plays alongside Caitlin Clark on the Fever and has carved out a reputation in the WNBA for three-point shooting and physical defense. Her Octagon appearance came during one of the promotion's highest-profile cards of the year.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Dana White reveals how WNBA star Sophie Cunningham became a ring girl at UFC 329