Aussie Octagon girl Red Dela Cruz reveals what really goes on behind the scenes at UFC fights

UFC Octagon Girl Red Dela Cruz has been fortunate enough to spend the last few years traveling the world while working at her ‘dream job’ – and she’s spilled the beans on what really goes on behind the scenes at the world’s biggest MMA promotions .

The 30-year-old Sydneysider, who grew up in the Philippines, won gold in 2015 when she won the UFC Octagon Girl bout.

Initially combining her world-travelling job with the MMA powerhouse with a day job in a Sydney office, she has now given up her second job in finance to focus on her UFC work, which has earned her 2.8 million Facebook subscribers. collected followers.

“It’s amazing when the crowd cheers, the energy is unreal,” Dela Cruz told Daily Mail Australia after returning from UFC 286 in London.

“So far the buzz has been great and positive!

“I meet a lot of big celebrities. I recently met Jason Statham and Tom Holland at UFC 286 in London. It was so cool and fun.’

Dela Cruz says the often-controversial UFC president Dana White, who helped shape the modern version of the sport as it exploded in popularity over the past two decades, is a great thing to work for.

‘Boss Dana is super cool and very nice person! I love him. I always get nervous when I see and talk to him because he’s the big boss.

“I also met Joe Rogan in New York about three years ago. He is very nice and has a lot of energy.

‘The best thing about my job is that I get to travel around the world. I meet new people and eat new food!

‘Culture is great to see and experience. Especially from where I come from, the Philippines, I am blessed with these opportunities.’

Dela Cruz first started part-time modeling while living in Manila.

A few years later, she was named to FHM magazine’s list of the world’s sexiest women.

“I meet a lot of big celebrities. I recently met Jason Statham and Tom Holland at UFC 286 in London,” she revealed

Dela Cruz is now used to people cheering when she appears at events and admits that she sometimes receives marriage proposals from fans. She has even been asked out by UFC fighters.

“I’ve been asked out by a fighter in the past, but I’ve never dated or plan to date a fighter. I stay professional with my work,” she said.

And just like the competitors who must stay in top shape to survive in the Octagon, Dela Cruz takes her health and fitness very seriously.

“Health and fitness have always been a part of my life since I was 17,” she said.

“I get up early to go to the gym to start my day. I cook my own meals, go for long walks two to three times a week and ensure a balanced diet.’

Dela Cruz is now used to people cheering when she shows up at events and admits she sometimes gets marriage proposals from fans and is also asked out by fighters.

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov recently sparked controversy when he labeled ring girls “the most useless people in martial arts,” prompting backlash from the likes of Conor McGregor, Arianny Celeste and Australian boxer Ebanie Bridges.

Dela Cruz says the Russian star is entitled to his opinion, but she’s not thinking of stopping any time soon.

‘He [Khabib] just say how he feels. I respect that he’s just being honest with himself. As for me, I’m still an Octagon girl and I love what I do.”