​Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has been front and center in headlines lately, thanks to her eye-catching Sports Illustrated moment and a viral pointing meme. Most recently, she turned heads again at UFC 329, where she served as a ring girl for the Paddy Pimblett versus Benoit Saint-Denis bout. Pimblett secured a win by submission in a brisk 52 seconds, proving why he’s one of the sport’s most talked-about fighters.
Cunningham captured even more attention when she posed for a photo with Max Holloway, and the pair celebrated together in their characteristic style. Holloway’s victory over Conor McGregor—who sustained a knee injury during the fight—made the event especially high-profile. McGregor’s first appearance in more than five years, combined with the star-studded atmosphere, added to the buzz, and Cunningham was on hand to participate as a ring girl on the night.
Amid ongoing chatter about Fever star Caitlin Clark and Indiana’s recent on-court ups and downs, Cunningham seemed content to enjoy a night away from basketball’s constant spotlight. The moment did not go unnoticed in the WNBA community, where fans and commentators joked about Cunningham’s UFC moment and her extended ring time, sometimes noting that she spent longer in the ring than McGregor did.
X users and sports writers weighed in with playful observations. HoosierSpeaker commented, “Sophie Cunningham lasted longer in the ring than McGregor,” while veteran football writer Scott Kacsmar echoed the sentiment. Barstool Sports shared a clip of Cunningham’s appearance, prompting widespread surprise at her crossover into combat-sports territory.
Dana White, the UCF President and CEO, weighed in when asked about hiring Cunningham as a ring girl. White revealed that the decision happened quickly, saying, “About eight minutes before she did it.” He explained that Cunningham has built a strong rapport with him and the organization, describing her as fun and appreciative of the opportunity.
Some fans have even suggested that Cunningham’s UFC spotlight marks her full arrival as a mainstream celebrity. In the current moment, it’s hard to argue with that assessment. Her media presence isn’t limited to the ring or a viral moment; she’s also delivering strong on-court performances for the Fever. Through 22.7 minutes per game, she’s averaging 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, while shooting at an impressive 47.2% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range. Those numbers underscore her versatility and shooting prowess, reinforcing why she remains a critical asset for Indiana this season.
Looking ahead, Cunningham and the Fever will be back in action Sunday night as they face the Las Vegas Aces. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET, with broadcast coverage on NBC and Peacock, giving fans another opportunity to watch her contribute on both ends of the floor. This blend of athletic performance and crossover appeal makes Sophie Cunningham one of the more compelling stories in women’s sports today, as she continues to expand her reach beyond the basketball court.