Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham didn’t step into the Octagon to fight—but she still became one of the biggest talking points of UFC 329.
Fans tuning in for the stacked fight card were surprised when Cunningham appeared as a special guest Octagon Girl before the co-main event. The cameo wasn’t part of a long-planned promotion. According to UFC CEO Dana White, Cunningham asked if she could take a walk around the Octagon just minutes before the fight, and White made it happen.
The crowd loved it.
Wearing an all-black outfit, Cunningham confidently carried the round card and even flashed her now-famous finger-point celebration that has become part of her WNBA persona. Social media immediately exploded with reactions, with many fans joking that Cunningham has become one of the most entertaining personalities in professional sports.
The appearance came during a massive night for the UFC that featured the highly anticipated return of Conor McGregor against Max Holloway. While fans were focused on the fights, Cunningham’s surprise cameo quickly went viral and added another memorable crossover moment between the WNBA and the UFC. (
Cunningham has built a reputation for playing with toughness, confidence, and a willingness to embrace the spotlight. Whether it’s getting under opponents’ skin on the basketball court or making a surprise appearance in front of thousands of fight fans in Las Vegas, she seems comfortable wherever the cameras are rolling.
No, Sophie Cunningham isn’t joining the UFC roster anytime soon. But if the promotion ever needs another celebrity appearance, it’s safe to say the fans would welcome her back.