Arianny Celeste stands as one of the UFC’s most beloved ring girls, having dedicated over 15 years to the promotion. Despite witnessing countless MMA matches and participating in numerous weigh-in ceremonies, the 37-year-old model admits she still feels awkward when contenders strip down to make weight.
Celeste made her debut as a ring girl in 2006 and quickly established herself as a fan favorite. Her charm and dedication earned her the prestigious Ringcard Girl of the Year award at the World MMA Awards seven times.
Beyond her UFC commitments, Arianny Celeste also pursues a full-time modeling career. She has graced the pages of top magazines like Sports Illustrated, Playboy, and Maxim.
In a 2015 interview with Iron Man Magazine, Celeste opened up about the less glamorous side of her job. Despite her extensive experience, she confessed that witnessing contenders strip down during official weigh-ins still makes her feel uneasy.
She described the experience, saying: “During the weigh-ins, the guys are almost naked. I have to stand there while being filmed live as they get undressed. Sometimes when the guys are overweight, they keep taking off their clothes and get more and more naked.”
She went on to say: “Then, all of a sudden, they drop their shorts and are completely naked in front of the crowd. I have to stand there and try to look away while still posing for the camera!”
Although Arianny Celeste has retired from her role as an octagon girl, she remains a beloved figure within the MMA community. However, the earnings of octagon girls have often sparked debate.
Last year, Jake Paul criticized the reported salaries of ring girls in the UFC. This elicited reactions from various corners of the MMA world.
Veteran contener Uriah Hall expressed his views during a media conference ahead of his boxing match against LeVeon Bell. He stated: “I don’t think certain things are fair to athletes… You’re going out there and fighting and you’re putting your brain cells on the line and f–ng ring card girls are making $70,000, which is utterly f–ng ridiculous.”
In response to the backlash, Celeste took to TikTok to address the rumors about her income. She stated: “I don’t make more than the fighters. I’ve been in this industry for over 15 years, and I’ve worked my a** off to be where I am in life… I gotta just say the rumours are not true, so stop spreading these lies.”
While several UFC ring girls enjoy substantial earnings, Arianny Celeste has been among the highest-paid. She reportedly earns a seven-figure income. Her success is a testament to her hard work and enduring popularity in the world of MMA.
