Sophie Cunningham didn’t throw a punch at UFC 329, but the Indiana Fever guard still managed to deliver one of the night’s most memorable performances.
Cunningham made a surprise appearance as a guest Octagon girl Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, carrying the Round 1 card around the cage while dressed in a black top and shorts. UFC President Dana White said the cameo came together only eight minutes before Cunningham stepped into the spotlight.
Naturally, Cunningham added some personality to the assignment.
As she made her way around the Octagon, the WNBA fan favorite stopped and delivered her now-famous finger point, recreating the gesture that became a viral sports meme following a recent game against the Phoenix Mercury. The crowd immediately recognized the pose, turning a brief walk around the cage into another crossover moment for one of basketball’s fastest-rising personalities.
Cunningham wasn’t finished after completing her duties.
She later linked up with Max Holloway following his victory over Conor McGregor, laughing and pointing at the former UFC champion as the two combined their signature celebrations for the cameras. Holloway was awarded the win after McGregor suffered a knee injury just 69 seconds into their highly anticipated main event.
The cameo offered another example of Cunningham’s growing reach beyond the basketball court. Her fearless playing style, outspoken personality and natural ability to create viral moments have helped turn the Fever guard into a genuine crossover attraction.
On a night built around McGregor’s return and Holloway’s victory, Cunningham needed only a Round 1 card and one perfectly timed point to command some of UFC 329’s brightest attention.