© Marc Wickert
www.knucklepit.com
Oct 23, 2007
All photos copyright 2004 Zuffa LLC
Photography by Joshua Hedges
Ring girl Arianny has been melting MMA fans' hearts since she paraded around the Octagon at UFC 61. But it was probably from within a playpen of a different kind that Celeste made her modeling debut.
"My mom sent me to a shoot for my first campaign at the tiny age of four months, which wasfora car-seat ad. I didn't model again until I was 13 years, after I was scouted at the mall by an agency. From there I had my first photo shoot and then I signed with several other agencies," says Celeste.
Today, this very sought-after model is involved in several other projects besides being a UFC ring girl, including work in Los Angeles and all over Vegas where she has done a lot of print work and many casino advertisements.
MMA fans may also have noticed Arianny appearing in television commercials, and she just completed filming for her first movie Repost or Die. "I played one of the main roles.It was so much fun and I would really like to do more acting. I host a show called Video Vault that airs locally in Vegas. It's a music video show kind of like TRL. However, my main focus at present is with singing, and I'm working on my demo right now. It's my passion and I love doing it. I help write all of my songs and I choose all the tracks. I never knew how much work it involved, but I'm enjoying it very much."
However, to maintain such an obvious KO body also requires a lot of hard work behind the scenes of Arianny's various career pursuits. "To keep in shape, I work out at least four times a week. I like to change my routines so I don't get bored, and sometimes I box at the UFC gym. Other days I go to my gym and do my own thing. I always do cardio, weightsand sit-ups, and I switch between arms and legs so I don't get too sore. But I love working out: It gives me so much energy and I feel a sense of accomplishment after working out. I also eat healthily."
Arianny, how did you come to be a UFC ring girl?
"I went to a casting amongst 25 beautiful girls. We were interviewed and asked to try on the infamous Octagon Girl outfit. I was sosurprised and excited when Dana White chose me to be the next Octagon Girl."
Are you a qualified esthetician?
"No, I'm not. I've always been interested in skin care and beauty since I was really young. Before my modeling career took off I was a full-time college student. I wanted to go to esthetician school after college. I've put my schooling on hold for now simply because my schedule is way too hectic. I would still love to own and run my own esthetician business, but I will have to wait and see what I can accomplish before then."
Did you become interested in that area of work through being a model?
"Yes, I did, because as a model you always have to look good."
You said you wanted to own your own esthetician business. Do you intend including manicures, pedicures, and hair treatments… Or do you plan to focus on facials and skin treatment?
"Only facials and skin treatments. I don't have enough patience for hair and nails… That's why I have other people do that for me."
Do you have any pets?
"I love animals. I had two dogs: One of them is named Rocco – a rat terrier.He's the family dog and stays with my parents. My other dog, Ozzy, a Yorkshire terrier,was my baby. Unfortunately he wasstolen. I left him with my parents when I had to go on a trip for work and he was taken from my parents' home. I was heartbroken. My birthday is coming up and I think I'm going to get anotherYorkie in memory of my baby, Ozzy. I know its cheesy but he was mybest companion."
Do you enjoy watching the MMA fighting?
"I absolutely love watching MMA. I'm a huge fan and I get really into the fights. I even watch the reality show. I was never really into it until I started working for UFC; now I can't get enough of it."
Do you have a martial arts background?
"I don't have a martial arts background. The only things I've done to train are kickboxing and boxing. I have a couple of friends in Vegas who run ju jitsu gyms and martial arts gyms, so I definitely want to get into it. I'd love to train to stay in shape."
What's Ali like to work with?
"Ali is so much fun. She's sweet and funny. We have a great time together."
Do you train or hang out together?
"We live in different places but whenever she's in town or we travel together, we hang out. We also work out together at the hotels when we have shows. We love to shop, gossip, and go to dinner together."
Are you a professional singer? Could you tell readers a bit more about your singing, please, Arianny?
"I am not a professional…yet. I've sung since I was a little girl at local shows and sports games. I've sung the national anthem quite a few times for sports events in Vegas. This year I've put all of my focus on my singing career. Whenever I'm not working or traveling I'm creating music in the studio. I never knew how much time and effort it was to make music until I went into the studio. So right now I'm working on my demo. I've met a lot of people in the business who are eager to hear what I have to offer."
What type of music do you like?
"I listen to all types of music: pop, rap, R and B, hip-hop, country, etc. I like to sing pop and R and B."
Do you enjoy working the crowds at UFCs?
"I love working the crowds. It's always fun when I make eye contact with someone and they get excited. It's really fun especially when the crowd is loud and excited to be there."
Arianny, is there anything you'd like to add?
"To the fans, thanks for all your support and love. I am truly blessed to work for the best fighting organization in the world. I also would like the fans to know I am more than an Octagon girl: I have talent and I can't wait to show it! Thanks for all the MMA websites who show the Octagon girls support."
Arianny's Vitals:
Height: 5'5".
Weight: 105lbs.
Eye color: Hazel.
Born: Las Vegas.
Hometown: Las Vegas.
Birthday: November 12.
For more on Arianny:www.missariannyceleste.com and www.myspace.com/arianny_celeste
For more on UFC: www.ufc.tv.
