Irish Whip Fighting Exclusive: UFC Ring Girl, Ali Sonoma Interview

*sniff, sniff* Is something on fire at the Irish Whip office? No ladies and gents, it's not. However, we just got a smokin' hot interview with UFC ring girl and blonde bombshell, Ali Sonoma! (Who’s engaged, unfortunately for you guys!)

Being recently engaged to UFC welterweight Diego Sanchez, see what Ali had to say about her beloved Diego, the UFC, and much more! An Interview by Masson Liang

What's better than interviewing one ring girl? Interviewing both of UFC's beloved ring girls.

Don't let Ali's 23 years of age and pretty face fool you, she's quite the hard worker! Not only is she one of UFC's ring girl, she is also a full-time model, activist and actress.

Read what she had to say below:

Masson Liang: How are things between you and Diego Sanchez going?
Ali Sonoma: Funny, I knew the first question was going to be about my love life...there are so many negative people judging our relationship, but despite all that, we are great together. We keep each other strong, focused, happy and positive. The hardest thing about it is we spend a lot of time apart because of our careers, but we communicate frequently, pray daily together, and keep our connection strong.

ML: Has Diego's staph infection healed completely since his last fight with Koscheck?
AS: Yes, completely. He is in fantastic shape and condition. That fight changed him-it humbled him, which is good. Now, he is training hard core and is more focused now than ever. I believe he will really make a comeback with his next fight.

ML: Diego being a full-time fighter and you a ring-girl, as well as a model, do you guys see each other as often as you'd like?
AS: No, that's the hardest part, as I mentioned before. We have a strong union, when we are together we make each other stronger and more positive-I encourage him, he encourages me, we support each other and respect each other's careers. But we both know we have jobs to do, so we try not to let emotions get in the way. We use our away time as motivation for when we'll see each other next. And the good thing is, it always keeps the relationship fresh.

ML: Recently engaged to Diego, how soon can fans expect to see you two tie the final knot (marriage)?
AS: Ha ha. We are not completely sure of the exact date. We talk about spring or summer of 2008, on a beach in Mexico...but first, we have many things to accomplish, he wants to be the next WW champ, I want to focus on acting, activism, and getting my master's degree...we aren't in any rush. We know we love each other and want to spend our lives together and that's the important thing for now.

ML: Is it hard for you when watching Diego fight? What kinds of feelings go through your head when you see Diego Sanchez fighting just a few feet away from you?
AS: Of course it's hard watching the person you love fight; you don't want to see them hurt. But it's what he loves to do. He's pretty tough, he can hold his own.

ML: Give us your prediction for Diego's next fight against Jon Fitch.
AS: This fight will definitely be a good one, a tough one. Jon Fitch is a well rounded grappler but I believe Diego will either knock him out or put him in a submission.

ML: As a little girl, did you the idea of becoming a ring girl ever cross your mind or was it just something that just happened down the road?
AS: Ha ha. No, I never really dreamed of being a ring girl. I got involved with the UFC through fate-it was just meant to be. And I am fortunate, they treat me like family, I travel to many cool places, I have the best seats in the house :-), have been published in many magazines, and met my future hubby.

ML: Do you and the other ring girls (Arianny, Rachelle) have a good relationship outside of the UFC?
AS: Yeah, we all get along and have fun together. We recently did a photo shoot for FHM UK. Arianny and I are really close-she's super sweet, honest, and just a good girlfriend to have.

ML: How's the UFC's overall treatment towards you and other ring girls?
AS: They treat me like family...I come from a close-knit family, so it's good.

ML: Arianny told us that she trains pretty often in mixed martial arts, do you train with her at all?
AS: Whenever we travel, sometimes we'll hit up the gym together, but we never train MMA together. But, I kickbox at a gym in my hometown. And I absolutely love it.

ML: How often are obnoxious, drunk slobs hitting on you at the UFC events? What do you usually do in those situations?
AS: HA HA HA! Funniest question yet! It happens at every event-I just laugh it off. There is no reason to be pissed-unless they get belligerent, then we have problems.

ML: How big of an MMA fan are you? Do you and Arianny pay close attention to the fights or just sit there and wait for the rounds to end?
AS: Before I was asked to join the UFC, I honestly didn't know what it was. I have always enjoyed kickboxing and have a lot of respect for martial artists. I remember watching my first live UFC fight-I loved it and was hooked instantly. I pay very close attention to the fights-sometimes it's hard for me to keep my cool, I get so into it. Some fights are more exciting than others, and it shows based on the crowd's energy and attitude.

ML: What's your most embarrassing moment while on the job?
AS: I haven't had any really embarrassing moments yet. (Thank you God) But something that would really suck if I fell off the Octagon while doing the rounds...wow, I don't even want to think about it! I would laugh at myself!

ML: What is your favorite MMA fight? Also, who, in your opinion, is the greatest of all time in MMA?
AS: It's hard to pinpoint a favorite...but, one of them would be when Randy Couture beat Tim Sylvia for the heavyweight title. He did a great performance, the crowd loved it, I have a lot of respect for him. He still kicks ass!

ML: The greatest mixed martial artist of all time?
AS: Bruce Lee. He's incredible in every aspect of his mind and body.

ML: Outside of being a ring girl and model, is there anything else you'd like to pursue in the near future?
AS: Maybe acting, singing, etc. Acting is what I really want to focus on. I have roles coming up for me, movies that I am cast in, and it's all really exciting. It's a tough industry, you have to have thick skin, but it's also my dream. I am still waiting for the movie I was in last year to come out. Latest I heard on it was the producers are thinking it will be edited and ready in winter this year. Also, they changed the name to 'Say Goodnight.' In addition to that I want to get a degree in business, and I really want to work with more charities. Currently I am volunteering for charities that benefit terminally ill children. It is such a blessing putting a smile on their faces, and it feels great to give back something too.

ML: Last but not least, just browsing around IrishWhipFighting.com, what do you think of the site?
AS: I think it's a pretty cool site! It's very informative and detailed, lots of info...And, you asked me to be on it, so yeah, I'm diggin it! ha ha ;-)

Well Ali, we cannot thank you enough for your time and we here at IrishWhipFighting look forward to seeing you strutting your stuff around the Octagon!

Best of luck with everything!

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An Irish Whip Exclusive: UFC Ring Girl, Arianny Celeste Interview

The Lianger here, stirring up yet another Irish Whip exclusive interview. Who you ask? None other than UFC's resident hottie and number one ring girl, Arianny Celeste. Yeah, so wipe that drool off your face and read what Arianny has to say about the UFC as she gives Irish Whip fans a "backstage pass!"

General Questions...

Masson Liang: So I’m sure all the guys out there are dying to know, are you single now?
Arianny Celeste: YES

ML: As a ring girl, what attracted you to the MMA scene as opposed to boxing?
AC: It's exciting, there’s more than just guys punching each other. The different techniques and styles keeps me on edge!

ML: I'm sure that a transitional period was necessary when getting accustomed to the job. How friendly was the UFC in that respect?
AC: UFC took me in like part of the family...Everyone I work with is awesome and my UFC mom Leslie makes sure I have anything and everything I want or need!

ML: If you weren't a ring girl, what do you think you'd be doing instead?
AC: I would still be modeling here and there but I would still be going to school full time. I’m almost done with my degree but because of my crazy schedule I’ve had to take time off. I’m happy about it...I’m living life to the fullest and enjoying every minute of it!

ML: There's this ongoing dilemma about MMA overtaking boxing in years to come, what's your personal outlook on the situation?
AC: I think MMA is definitely taking over. I ordered the last boxing match against De La Hoya and Mayweather and I was really disappointed that I spent 60 bucks on it....haha.

ML: I couldn't help but notice that you posted many parts of "Pride Fighting Decade" on Dailymotion.com, have you been a long time PRIDE junkie even before your UFC days?
AC: I’ve been a fan of all MMA for a while now.

ML: On that note, have you gotten a chance to meet the recent Pride additions to the UFC such as Heath Herring, Mirko Cro Cop, Nogueira, and Mauricio Shogun Rua?
AC: The only one I’ve met is Nogueira...very intimidating but very nice guy!

ML: What do you think of the recent flood of women into the MMA scene, fighters such as: Gina Carano or Julie Kedzie?
AC: I think it’s awesome...it's all about women power!!

ML: Do you train any MMA personally? If so, have you ever had to 'throwdown' and use your skills to fend off jerks hitting on you? If not, have you ever looked into training as a hobby?
AC: I train at the UFC gym in Vegas with a trainer 4-5 times a week if I’m in town. We do cardio, weights, and boxing. Its fun and I definitely feel like I could defend myself if I had to!

On the job...

ML: How often do you get hit on at the UFC events?
AC: Not very often but if I do I usually don’t pay attention because it’s a loud obnoxious guy.

ML: What would you do if you fell while walking around The Octagon?
AC: John McCarthy almost pushed me off at a fight night in Vegas. I literally flew off the edge of the octagon but I reached for his shoulders and held on for dear life. We still laugh about it till this day! I'd defiantly be pretty embarrassed.

ML: Also, have you ever had an urge to pick a wedgie on the job? If so, how did you handle that?
AC: Haha yes...and I just pick it!

ML: What is your most embarrassing story while on the job?
AC: The John McCarthy one.

ML: Do you find that guys are threatened to be with you because of your job?
AC: Most guys are jealous and insecure. I don’t have time for that so I'd rather just be single and have fun and focus on myself.

ML: What is your all time favorite MMA fight?
AC: Hard Question but there is two that pop in my head.... Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia and Roger Huerta vs. Leonard Garcia. They were both jam packed with action and had me jumping out of my seat!

ML: Last but not least, who is your all time favorite fighter?
AC: A couple of my favorite fighters are GSP, Couture, Liddell, Rampage, and Anderson Silva. They are all skilled athletes!!

ML: Well Arianny, I can't thank you enough for your time and we here at the Irish Whip wish you the best!
AC: Thanks a lot!

*Catch The Irish Whip's Arianny Gallery Here!

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