Arianny Celeste talks about her feud with Ronda Rousey

15 March 2024

Arianny Celeste, renowned for her extensive presence cageside as a former UFC octagon girl, recently bid adieu to her iconic role to venture into new avenues, including an upcoming show. In an exclusive interview with MMA Junkie Radio, Celeste delved into her illustrious career and shared insights into her future endeavors, shedding light on an intriguing past encounter with none other than former UFC bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey.

Addressing her interaction with Rousey, Celeste disclosed that she opted to steer clear of any communication with the esteemed fighter due to their lack of acquaintance. Reflecting on the dynamic between them, Celeste acknowledged the inherent competitiveness, with Rousey's emergence posing a potential challenge to her perceived status as the female face of the UFC at the time.

In her own words, Celeste remarked, "I never talked to her. I kind of just avoided the whole situation just because I didn’t even know her. For me, it was understandable a little bit, though, because she’s a fighter. I’m a ring girl at the time. I believe I was the female face of the UFC, and here comes this amazing athlete, but she’s like, ‘Who are you? You’re the face of the UFC. No, no, no – I’m going to be.’ So I get it. It’s like a competitive thing, but I think the way she handled herself was not cool."

Despite the perceived tension, Celeste maintained her calm demeanor, choosing to ignore the situation rather than engage in confrontation. She confided in UFC President Dana White for guidance on navigating the encounter, seeking clarity on the unexpected dynamic.

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While the incident initially left Celeste perplexed and unsettled, she gradually gained a deeper understanding of Rousey's perspective, attributing the episode to the competitive nature inherent in the MMA realm.