Fighters Only

Issue 132

September 2015

You’ve seen her strutting around the Octagon, now welcome Vanessa Hanson for her first Fighters Only shoot.

Q. Hi Vanessa, welcome to Fighters Only. What’s life like as a UFC ringcard girl?

A. “Thanks for having me. I love working for the UFC. It’s such an amazing job filled with great people, talented athletes and the best fans. It can be hectic at times with all of the traveling, but the excitement is my favorite part.”

Q. You won the UFC Model Search competition. How did you find out about it and what made you decide to enter?

A. “I actually went to the beach that day with no intention of entering the contest. I didn’t know much about the UFC at the time. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. The girls I was with that day entered and pushed me into it as well. It was one of those moments that starts to make you believe in fate.”

Q. Not only are you a model, but you’re also a big video gamer. What games do you play most and do you ever play online with fans?

A. “I’ve always been a bit of a tomboy so I grew up playing video games. I’m a really big Nintendo fan and I love playing Smash Bros. Multiplayer games and RPGs are my favorite. I just got a PS4 though so I’m excited to try a lot of new games. I haven’t played online with fans yet, but I have been thinking of trying out Twitch.”

Q. Have you always been a fan of fighting?

A. “To be honest, I’ve always been a little flower child. So I never knew much about fighting as a sport. My first UFC fight I worked I remember thinking, ‘OMG, what did I get myself into?’ Then I saw all of the dedication, athleticism and respect that went into the sport. Now I love all the action and have become such a big fan.”

Q. You’ve got a blog where you share your healthy recipes for baked goods. Is that the secret to how you keep in fantastic shape, and what’s your favorite recipe?

A. “Being a model and a foodie simultaneously, I’ve been forced to learn how to indulge in a healthier way. I cook the same gluttonous meals, but use healthy substitutes in the recipe. One of my favorite recipes I make is a healthier version of shrimp fettuccine. I use spaghetti squash instead of pasta and make the sauce lighter by using almond milk and coconut instead of cream and butter. I also make sure to work out four times a week. I mix up my workouts with yoga, Pilates, weight training and hiking.”

Q. You’ve said you’re a ‘reformed bad girl’ before, so what type of stuff did you get up to when you were younger?

A. “I’m the youngest of three, so I definitely grew up with the most freedom. I have always been naturally rebellious and marched to the beat of my own drum. I started getting piercings in my early teens and got my first tattoo at 17. I’ve always been really adventurous and strayed from the beaten path.”

Q. Being a UFC ring girl means you’ve got your fair share of stamps in your passport. What’s the best place you’ve visited since joining the company?

A. “Traveling is my favorite part of the job. I fell in love with Vancouver. It was so beautiful and the perfect mix of city and nature.”