Photos by Paul Thatcher \ Wardrobe by Chelsea Elisha \ Makeup by Natasha Chamberlin
The World Series of Fighting hit a homerun when they decided to make Kat Kelley a ring girl for their inaugural event in November 2012. The 25-year-old Las Vegan took the cage by storm, leaving viewers with more than just an appreciation for MMA.
What’s going on, Kat? Sounds like you’re at a construction site.
I’m sitting in the Vegas airport, waiting to board my plane for Amsterdam.
Amsterdam? Do tell.
I’m making an appearance at a nightclub to do some promotional work. I’ve never been to Europe, so I’m going to make the most of it.
Are you going to visit any hash bars?
Maybe. You only live once [laughing]. I’m more excited about the waffles, though.
You know what they put on French fries in Holland?
Yes. Mayonnaise. I love it with a passion. I eat mayonnaise with everything. That’s going to be amazing.
How long have you lived in Las Vegas?
Ten years.
Do you still party on the strip or prefer to take it easy?
I like to go to the nightclubs on the weekdays. The people are much more laid back. The weekends are for crazy party animals, so I’ll hit up a dive bar instead.
What’s the best dive bar in town?
I’d have to say Frankie’s Tiki Room. It stinks in there and smells like smoke, but they pour a strong drink.
What’s the absolute worst thing about living in Las Vegas?
Dating. There are no good guys. They are all tools and meatheads and parasites. It’s horrible. It’s better to be single, make your money, and get out.
A girl with a plan. What are you looking for in a guy?
I’m not looking for a guy.
Are you looking for a girl?
No [laughing]. I’m single right now, and happy with it. I’m focusing on my modeling and finishing up my marketing degree at UNLV.
How did you get hooked up with the World Series of Fighting?
There was a competition with more than 200 girls that lasted five months. I had to attend clubs and get the crowds to vote for me and impress the judges. It was a long process, but so much fun, and so worth it.
On March 23, you’ll be in Atlantic City for WSOF 2. You excited?
Yes, I’ve never been to Atlantic City, so I’m ready to go. And the event is going to be on NBC Sports Network, so I’m hoping we will do big numbers like our first event.
Are you a big MMA fan?
Yeah, I love MMA. My favorites are Jon Jones and Andrei Arlovski. I’m pumped to see Arlovski headline WSOF 2 against Anthony Johnson. I also look up to Arianny Celeste. She’s so pretty…and she’s half-Asian just like me.
What’s your ethnicity?
I’m 50 percent Filipino, 25 percent French, and 25 percent Irish.
Looks like some good genes. How do you stay in shape?
I do a lot of Pilates. I also don’t eat red meat or pork, and no sodas.
Do you still enjoy an adult beverage every now and then?
Definitely. I love wine. I’m a wine fanatic. And I love whiskey.
Whiskey? Now we’re talking.
I’m one-quarter Irish [laughing]. It’s in my blood. My favorite is Maker’s Mark.
I heard you recently shot an MP5 sub-achine gun. How was that?
Fun! I own a Ruger P95, but I’d never shot a machine gun. I was impressed. Those things are powerful.
Where is your favorite place to visit?
I love going back to the Philippines. I have like a thousand cousins there. I’m not kidding.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Probably three weeks ago. I had to spend the day dancing with tile.
Explain that.
I got roped into doing this promo at a private restaurant. When I got there, I found out it was for a tile company, and they wanted me to dance in a go-go box with a piece of tile. The outfits were hideous. It was awful. It was pretty embarrassing. So I drank a couple glasses of vodka and started dancing…with tile. Longest hour of my life.
_
Guilty pleasure food?
Cake…anything cake. Sweets are my addiction.
Do you have a nickname?
Well, “Kat” is short for “Katrina,” but my pet name is Sasha. It’s a Filipino thing.
What’s the last good book you read?
I like to read self-help books.
What’s the best one?
Why Men Love Bitches.
Why do we?
Read the book [laughing]. Well, it’s time to board for Amsterdam. Wish me luck.
Good luck. I hope you get your waffles with mayonnaise.
Me too!
Follow Kat Kelley on Twitter @Kat_Kelley_
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