Home
The MMA community recently buzzed with joy as a former UFC Octagon girl shared a life-changing update on social media. The announcement, which unveiled a heartwarming moment from her personal life, drew congratulatory reactions from fans and fighters alike. UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, along with several other MMA stars, expressed their excitement for this milestone, showcasing the tight-knit bond within the sport.
Heartfelt reactions from Jon Jones and others
Arianny Celeste, a former UFC Octagon girl, recently announced her engagement to her longtime partner, Halmet Walsh, during a family vacation in Hawaii. Sharing the joyous news on Instagram, Celeste posted a collage of photos and videos from the special day, including a glimpse of her stunning engagement ring.
Captioning her post, she wrote, "I said yes to my blue-eyed man. Thank you God for answering my prayers."
The announcement was met with an outpouring of love and support from the MMA world. Jon Jones, regarded by many as the greatest MMA fighter of all time, celebrated her happiness by commenting with a simple ‘raised hands’ emoji. Mackenzie Dern, a top women’s strawweight fighter, added her congratulations, saying, "Congrats beautiful." Fellow former Octagon girl and close friend Brittney Palmer chimed in with excitement, writing, "It’s happening." The warmth and positivity in the comments section highlighted how beloved Celeste remains in the MMA community, even after stepping away from her Octagon duties.
The unlikely feud between Arianny Celeste and Ronda Rousey
Celeste’s illustrious career in the UFC wasn’t without its controversies. Over a decade ago, she found herself in an unexpected feud with Ronda Rousey, one of the sport’s most dominant fighters.
Rousey had criticized the pay disparity between fighters and Octagon girls, stating, "I think they should get paid more than the ring girls... There’s definitely a lot more in what the fighters do."
Celeste, who had been a prominent face of the UFC, responded by calling Rousey a "big bully."
Reflecting on the tension, Celeste shared, "I never talked to her... I just avoided the whole situation."
She added that while she understood the competitive nature of Rousey’s comments, the approach was unnecessary. Celeste even sought guidance from UFC CEO Dana White, who helped her navigate the situation.
Despite the feud, Celeste’s impact on the UFC remains undeniable. Her engagement announcement serves as a reminder of the positivity she brought to the MMA community and how she continues to be celebrated by fans and fighters alike.
