She has attended UFC events around the globe, but Red Dela Cruz says Sunday’s showcase at the White House will be unlike anything she has experienced before.
The Filipina Octagon girl spoke briefly with the Daily Mail while traveling from Las Vegas to Washington, D.C., on Thursday, sharing which late global icon she wishes she could have seen cageside and what she would say to President Donald Trump.
Dela Cruz, 33, is set to appear at UFC Freedom 250, the high-profile fight card scheduled for the South Lawn. The event coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday and the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The night is expected to attract a guest list ranging from cabinet officials to major celebrities. When asked who would still leave her starstruck, Dela Cruz offered a surprising choice.
“I’ve met a lot of amazing people through the UFC, so I don’t get starstruck too often anymore,” she said. “But if we’re talking about anyone, it would have been Michael Jackson. I grew up listening to his music, and seeing him Octagon-side at an event like this would have been unreal.”
One famous face certain to be in attendance is Trump. The event also reflects his long-standing relationship with UFC president Dana White, a friendship that dates back 25 years to when Trump hosted White’s first event as UFC boss at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City in 2001.
Dela Cruz said if she got a chance to speak to Trump she would ‘thank him for supporting an event like this and giving the UFC the opportunity to be part of such a historic occasion.’
‘Then I’d probably ask for a photo to remember the moment,’ she added.
She’s traveled to UFC fights all over the world, but there hasn’t ever been a night quite like Sunday as octagon girl Red Dela Cruz prepares to star at the White House
Dela Cruz will work the night in a custom Stars and Stripes outfit created by Los Angeles designer Marina Toybina, who fellow octagon girl Chrissy Blair revealed is Carrie Underwood’s designer in an interview with TMZ Sports
The landmark event is unique even for Dela Cruz, the UFC’s award-winning first Filipina octagon girl, who has worked everywhere from Fight Island in Abu Dhabi to Sydney, Australia.
Above all she tells the Daily Mail she feels ‘gratitude’ at being able to participate in the first professional sporting event ever staged at the White House.
‘I’ve been lucky enough to work UFC events all over the world, but I never imagined I’d be part of something like this. I think I’ll take a moment to look around and take it all in. It’s history, and I’m grateful to be a small part of it,’ Dela Cruz said.
‘Every UFC event is special, but this one feels different. It’s happening at one of the most iconic locations in the world during America’s 250th birthday celebration. This is one of those events people will talk about for years.’
Dela Cruz will work the night in a custom Stars and Stripes outfit created by Los Angeles designer Marina Toybina, who fellow octagon girl Chrissy Blair revealed is Carrie Underwood’s designer in an interview with TMZ Sports.
Sunday’s card is headlined by a lightweight title showdown between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, with Alex Pereira facing Ciryl Gane and Sean O’Malley taking on Aiemann Zahabi.
The event streams on Paramount+, and UFC boss Dana White has predicted Super Bowl-sized viewing figures.
Dela Cruz is backing the champion to leave the South Lawn with the belt.
Donald Trump is seen in attendance alongside UFC President and CEO Dana White during the UFC 327 event at Kaseya Center on April 11
UFC President and CEO Dana White watches the US Air Force Thunderbirds and US Navy Blue Angels fly over the White House, before the UFC Freedom 250 fights on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, June 12
Lights shine from the Ultimate Fighting Championship ring during a test in preparation for the UFC Freedom 250 match on June 11
The landmark event is unique even for Dela Cruz, the UFC’s award-winning first Filipina octagon girl, who has worked everywhere from Fight Island in Abu Dhabi to Sydney, Australia
‘You can never count Justin Gaethje out, but if I had to pick, I’d lean toward Ilia Topuria. He’s been looking incredible lately. Either way, the fans win with that fight.’
And her cheat meal once the historic week is done?
‘A McDonald’s hamburger meal. Simple as that,’ Dela Cruz said.
