12 July 2026SideLine · sports news, rewritten
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WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Makes Unforeseen UFC Debut as Octagon Girl

By SideLine Desk ·
WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Makes Unforeseen UFC Debut as Octagon Girl

WNBA standout Sophie Cunningham made a notable and unexpected appearance on Saturday night, serving as a ring girl for the UFC 329 co-main event. Her presence in the octagon drew significant attention from sports enthusiasts.

The mixed martial arts world witnessed a surprising crossover on Saturday as Phoenix Mercury player Sophie Cunningham took on a role outside her usual athletic arena. Cunningham was featured as a ring girl during the UFC 329 event, specifically for the highly anticipated co-main bout.

This unexpected appearance marked a departure from her career in professional basketball, where she has established herself as a prominent player in the WNBA. The decision to have Cunningham in this role generated considerable buzz among fans and observers, highlighting the growing intersection of different sports disciplines.

💬 SideLine Take

It's a savvy marketing move that brings crossover appeal, but ultimately, it's a novelty that doesn't change the core of what UFC is about.

AI-assisted rewrite. This story was written by the SideLine Desk from the reporting below and reviewed by our editors — read the original for the full story. How we work.
Source: Yahoo Sports

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