In the adrenaline-fueled world of boxing and MMA, where fighters showcase their prowess and strength, there’s another element that adds a unique flair to the spectacle – the ring girls.
These iconic figures, often overlooked, play a vital role in maintaining the excitement and energy of the crowd between rounds. They are more than just pretty faces; they embody the glamour and spirit of combat sports. In this listicle, we shine a light on some of the most popular ring girls who have graced the rings of boxing and UFC. Their charm, charisma, and presence have become an integral part of the fight night experience, contributing significantly to the sports’ enduring appeal. Join us as we celebrate these remarkable women, who have become celebrities in their own right, captivating audiences around the globe with their grace and poise.
Amber Fields
Amber Fields, the lead ring card girl for the Bare Knuckle Championship, has been captivating fans with her stunning presence in the world of combat sports. A former pageant star who clinched titles at the Miss IBMS Orlando and Miss Winghouse pageants in 2017, Fields has transitioned seamlessly into a social media phenomenon. With a staggering following of 960,000 on Instagram and another 290,700 on TikTok, she has become a prominent figure in the digital arena. Fields’ content ranges from behind-the-scenes glimpses at events to lifestyle posts and glamorous photoshoots, often showcasing her in eye-catching attire.
Dessie Mitcheson
Hailing from Western Pennsylvania, Dessie’s journey in the spotlight began with a blend of family values and early exposure to the beauty industry, thanks to her cosmetologist mother. Excelling academically, she graduated high school with top honors and seamlessly transitioned into cosmetology school, furthering her passion in the beauty sector. At 18, Dessie’s flair for pageantry was evident as she placed in the top ten at the Miss Pennsylvania USA competition. This achievement sparked her interest in swimsuit competitions, where she naturally excelled, clinching several titles including the Face of Playboy Intimates, the Face of MGM Grand Las Vegas, and Miss Pennsylvania Intercontinental.
Dessie’s career reached a significant milestone when she was crowned Maxim magazine’s Hometown Hottie, triumphing over thousands of contestants nationwide. Her victory propelled her to #100 on Maxim’s Hot 100 list, leading to multiple features in the magazine, including a three-page spread, two centerfolds, and notably, the cover of the May 2014 Navy issue.
Samantha Kumiko
Renowned for her role as a model and ring girl, she has made a significant mark in the combat sports world, notably promoting Corona beer during prestigious boxing and UFC events. Her prominence in the industry was highlighted in 2017 when she took center stage as a ring girl during the high-profile bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor.
Before rising to fame in the ring girl arena, she showcased her modeling prowess in the Tropic Beauty swimsuit competition back in 2014, marking the beginning of her journey in the spotlight. She embodies the blend of glamour and sportsmanship that is quintessential to the role of a ring girl in the dynamic world of combat sports.
Amber Miller
Amber Nichole Miller, known for her long-standing relationship and engagement to Tito Ortiz, made a significant impact in the UFC as one of its first-ever ring girls. Her journey in the spotlight began early, with her modeling career starting at the age of five. While working as a bartender at Whiskey Sky in Las Vegas, she was spotted by Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, then the primary owners of the UFC, who offered her the unique opportunity to become a ring girl. In an interview with Wingman Magazine, Miller reminisced about her debut at UFC 34 and her experiences being part of groundbreaking events like the first Ultimate Fighter shows, emphasizing the excitement and thrill of being up close to the action.
Miller’s personal life intersected with her professional world when she met Tito Ortiz, a prominent figure in UFC. Their connection deepened over time, particularly as Ortiz navigated life as a single dad following his separation from his ex-wife. Miller recounted how a mutual friend’s retweet about Ortiz’s personal struggles led her to reach out and offer support. This gesture marked the beginning of a deepening bond, with their conversations evolving into a loving relationship. Miller expressed her affection not only for Ortiz but also for his children, highlighting the blended family’s strong and harmonious dynamic.
Arianna Celeste
Arianny Celeste, born Penelope López Márquez, has made a significant mark in the combat sports world as an American ring girl and model, known for her dynamic presence in the UFC and her co-hosting role on the TV show Overhaulin’. Born on November 12, 1985, in Las Vegas, Nevada, she embraces her Mexican and Filipino heritage. “Arianny,” a childhood nickname, became her moniker as she pursued her education in fitness management and nutrition at UNLV. Celeste’s career as a UFC ring girl took off in 2006, quickly establishing her as a prominent figure in the field. She earned the title of “Ring Girl of the Year” at the World MMA Awards for four consecutive years from 2008 to 2011, showcasing her popularity and appeal in the sport.
Celeste’s career trajectory witnessed both triumphs and challenges. She reclaimed the “Ring Girl of the Year” title in 2014, marking her fifth win and setting a new record, after losing out to Brittney Palmer in 2012 and 2013.
Brittney Palmer
Brittney Palmer has made a distinguished name for herself as an American ring girl, model, and artist, particularly known for her dynamic presence as an octagon girl in the UFC. Her impressive achievements in the sports world include being honored as Ringcard Girl of the Year at the World MMA Awards multiple times, in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2022, and 2023. Palmer’s early career was rooted in the performing arts, where she danced professionally for renowned Las Vegas shows like “Jubilee” and “X Burlesque.”
Following a car accident that significantly impacted her life, she redirected her focus towards art, eventually moving to Los Angeles to study art history and classic portraiture at UCLA. Her artistic talent has been recognized and showcased in various exhibitions across major cities like Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Hong Kong, and Milan.
Beyond her career in entertainment and art, Palmer has made notable contributions to philanthropy. Her artwork has raised over $100,000 in donations, benefiting significant organizations and charities worldwide, including the AMFAR Galas and collaborations with influential entities like UNICEF and Lady Gaga‘s Born This Way Foundation.
Her philanthropic efforts and artistic collaborations place her work alongside iconic artists such as Pablo Picasso, Damien Hirst, and Andy Warhol, highlighting her multifaceted talents and commitment to making a positive impact through her art. This blend of sports, art, and philanthropy underlines Palmer’s diverse skills and her influential role in both the sporting and artistic communities.
Edith Labelle
Edith Labelle, a Canadian model and actress, gained prominence in the sports world as a UFC octagon girl. Known for her striking presence at UFC events, Labelle’s tenure with the UFC brought her into the limelight, showcasing her alongside some of the most prominent figures in mixed martial arts. Her career with the UFC, however, was not without controversy, as it ended abruptly following UFC 100 under circumstances that sparked widespread speculation. Labelle attributed her departure to a case of food poisoning, which unfortunately coincided with one of the UFC’s major events, leading to her unexpected exit from the organization.
Beyond her role in the UFC, Labelle has pursued a diverse career. She has delved into acting and fitness modeling, demonstrating her versatility and passion beyond the octagon. Her time as an octagon girl is remembered for both her professional contributions to the sport and the unexpected manner of her departure, which became a talking point among UFC fans and media.
Natasha Kingsbury
Natasha Wicks made her entry into the UFC world by winning Maxim’s “UFC Octagon Girl” contest in 2009, marking the beginning of her brief yet impactful stint with the promotion. Although her time in the UFC was short-lived, lasting only until 2010, it was during this period that she crossed paths with Kyle Kingsbury, a former light heavyweight fighter. Kingsbury, who concluded his professional fighting career in 2014 with a record of 11-6, was instantly smitten with Wicks.
The couple maintained a low-profile relationship, focusing on their personal life away from the spotlight. Despite neither having the most illustrious careers in the UFC, Wicks and Kingsbury found success in their personal lives, eventually marrying and welcoming their son, Sol. Their journey illustrates how life beyond the octagon can yield its own unique and rewarding victories.
Jhenny Andrade
Celebrated as UFC’s Ring Girl of the Year, Andrade has also consistently been named among the top 100 sexiest women in the world for six consecutive years, alongside her success in various beauty pageants. Her journey to fame began early; at just six years old, she was already involved in singing and commercial modeling in her hometown of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. By the age of 15, she had expanded her repertoire to include television presenting, working for TV Thathi and later appearing on other networks.
Andrade’s talents extend beyond the camera, as evidenced by her long-term role as a columnist for VIP Magazine. She spent seven years with the magazine, initially contributing to the Chame A Jhenny column and later writing the Perfect Girlfriend column for six years. Originally from Ribeirão Preto, Andrade relocated to Sao Paulo at 18, furthering her career and establishing herself as a multifaceted figure in Brazilian media and global sports entertainment.
Apollonia Llewellyn
Apollonia Llewellyn, widely recognized by her moniker “Barbi,” is a versatile model with a rich portfolio that spans fashion, swimwear, lingerie, and bridal. With several years of experience in the modeling industry, Llewellyn has graced various prestigious platforms, including New York Fashion Week, Miami Swim Week, and LA Fashion Week. Her international modeling career has taken her across the globe, with photoshoots and appearances in countries such as the United States, France, Fiji, Italy, Spain, and Greece.
