Sophie Cunningham’s UFC ring‑girl cameo and WNBA surge draw wide attention

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stepped into the Octagon as a ring‑card girl at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, a role arranged just minutes before the co‑main event. UFC president Dana White said the decision was made “about eight minutes before she did it,” and Cunningham recalled offering to help, saying, “Hey, you need a ring girl? Let me know.”

The same weekend the Fever defeated the Las Vegas Aces 109‑75, with Cunningham scoring 20 points on 6‑of‑7 three‑point shooting. She has posted a career‑high 43.5 % from deep this season. After the appearance, White showed support by wearing a shirt with Cunningham’s face at the WNBA game.

Cunningham also addressed off‑court topics, commenting on the “MAGA Barbie” nickname by stating, “I’m clearly white and from Missouri… I really am right in the middle.” She highlighted the Fever’s need for consistency, noting the team is “trying to catch rhythm” as the season progresses.