Red Dela Cruz

From model to influencer to Octagon Girl, the exotically stunning RED DELA CRUZ is one of the hottest assets in the UFC…

Hello, Red, congrats on your first MAXIM cover. How do you feel?
Thank you so much! I’m incredibly honoured to be featured in my first MAXIM cover. This is so exciting for me and it feels amazing to have my hard work recognised and share this milestone with my fans and supporters.

What do you love most about this MAXIM feature photo shoot?
I love everything about this shoot! It’s exactly what I envisioned in my mind and the concept and theme truly reflects who I am – sporty and sexy – it’s very ME!

You look great! When do you feel sexy?
I feel sexiest when I’m working out because I love the way I feel after a workout. There’s nothing like the confidence, strength and glow that comes after a good sweat session.

What is your best asset?
I think my best asset is probably my butt and my abs – haha!

Tell us a bit more about yourself, your background and life story so far.
I was born in Manila, Philippines, and moved to Australia when I was 23, where I spent half my life. Now, I’m living in Las Vegas, USA, chasing my dreams and enjoying this incredible new chapter of my life.

What would people be most surprised to know about you?
I’m naturally quite a shy person, even though I can be bubbly and outgoing at times. While I enjoy socialising, I tend to be more reserved and introspective, especially in new or unfamiliar situations. It’s something that surprises people, given my role.

Speaking of which, how did you officially become a UFC Octagon Girl?
I officially became a UFC Octagon Girl after auditioning for the role. I first learned about the opportunity through a casting call and knew it was something I wanted to pursue. I’ve always enjoyed modelling and the UFC felt like the perfect fit. The audition process was highly competitive, with so many talented women auditioning from all over the country. After making it through several rounds I was beyond excited to be selected as one of the final five, and ultimately chosen for the role. I made my debut in 2015 at UFC Fight Night in Manila, Philippines, and since then, it’s been an amazing journey.

Describe your life as a UFC Octagon Girl?
Being a UFC Octagon Girl experience is such an exciting part of my job. It’s not just about being in the spotlight, but about creating an electric atmosphere and connecting with the crowd. I get to travel to incredible places, meet amazing people and be a part of the best sports organisation in the world. Whether it’s hyping up the crowd, or just feeding off the energy of the fans, I love being a part of the action. The best part is knowing that I’m contributing to the excitement and helping make each event memorable.

How has your life changed since becoming involved in the UFC?
My life has changed in so many ways. It’s opened incredible opportunities and I’ve learned a lot about myself, how to handle pressure, stay focused and thrive in such a high-energy environment. It’s definitely raised my profile and helped me grow personally and professionally. Plus, being part of something as big as the UFC has given me a sense of pride and excitement that I never expected.

What’s the toughest thing about being a UFC Octagon girl?
The toughest thing is seeing fighters getting knocked out. It’s definitely hard for me to watch – it’s actually a tough moment for everyone involved.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you in the Octagon or at a UFC event?
When UFC fighter Gilbert Burns was cornering and he didn’t see me coming up behind him. He turned around suddenly and nearly knocked me off the Octagon! Thankfully, he grabbed my arms just in time. I’ll never forget hearing the crowd cheer, it was definitely a close call!

How do you stay looking so fit?
Staying fit is really about balance. I try to maintain a regular workout routine, but also prioritise rest and recovery because it’s important to give your body time to recharge. A balanced diet plays a big role, too, so I focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods, but I’m not rigid about it. I think the key is consistency, not perfection and finding a routine that works for your body and lifestyle.

You have a huge social media following. How do you keep them coming back for more?
The key to keeping my followers engaged is staying authentic and consistent. I try to share content that gives them a behind-the-scenes look at my life, whether it’s gym training, events or just fun moments. I also love interacting with my fans, responding to comments and sharing experiences that they can relate to. It’s all about building a genuine connection and making them feel like they’re part of the journey. Plus, I always keep it fresh and mix up things, so they’re never bored!

Would you ever date one of your social media followers?
That’s an interesting question! It depends on the person and the connection shared, but it’s a little tricky since social media is such a public space. I believe relationships, whether romantic or platonic, are best when they’re based on mutual respect, understanding and shared values. While followers can definitely be a great way to connect and interact with people, I think real-life chemistry and meaningful conversations are what matter most when it comes to dating. So, it’s not impossible, but it would really depend on the situation and the person behind the screen.

Describe your ideal man.
My ideal man would be someone who brings a sense of humour to everyday life and knows how to not take things too seriously. I love a good laugh, especially with someone who can make light of life’s little challenges and keep things fun. Beyond that, he’d be respectful, not just to me, but to everyone around him. Kindness and empathy are key, so someone who genuinely cares about the people in his life and shows it in both his words and actions. I’d want him to be loving and supportive, and be both my partner and my biggest cheerleader, whether we’re navigating life’s highs or lows. Trust, honesty and mutual respect are the foundation of any strong relationship, and I’d want him to value those as much as I do.

You lived in Australia for years but now reside in Las Vegas USA. How often do you come back to Oz?
I try to make it back to Australia at least once a year. Besides spending time with family and friends, what I miss most is the laid-back vibe and the incredible food. Aussie restaurant culture is hard to beat – fresh seafood, local cafés and just the overall quality of dining. I also miss the stunning beaches and the outdoor lifestyle. It’s such a different pace from Vegas, and I really appreciate the more relaxed, nature-focused rhythm of life.

When you’re not travelling, working the Octagon, on social media or posing for MAXIM what else could we find you doing?
You’ll likely find me enjoying a night out at clubs or festivals, exploring new restaurants with friends or just soaking up the local scene. I love experiencing new places, good food and great company. It’s all about balancing work with fun and staying connected to the things I enjoy.

Lastly, what’s next for you? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?
I’ll be heading back to Vegas to work more UFC events and I’m especially excited for UFC 312 in Sydney on February 9, 2025 – it’s always a blast to be back in my hometown! I’ve also got a packed schedule lined up for the first quarter of 2025 with UFC, and with some exciting projects on the horizon. On top of that, I’ve got a few amazing collaborations coming up that I can’t wait to share. It’s going to be a busy and exciting year!

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOSS

“One of the many things I respect about Red is her work ethic. She is an absolute professional. She’s always asking to work as much as possible and she stays in amazing shape all the time. No matter where we travel for an event, as soon as we hit the ground Red is in the gym killing it. She is a perfect representative for the UFC brand and the sport.”

— DANA WHITE, CEO & president, Ultimate Fighting Championship

STATUS UPDATE

NAME: Red Dela Cruz
BORN: October 9
HOMETOWN: Sydney, Australia
LIVES: Las Vegas, Nevada USA
FIVE-WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Ambitious, adventurous, passionate, driven, creative.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Chase your dreams, embrace the journey.”
INSTAGRAM, TWITTER & TIKTOK: @red_delacruz