So what’s up? We haven’t talked in a long time, what have you been up to for the past year and a half?
I’ve just been doing a lot of auditions and castings, and a lot of commercial print stuff. But the UFC keeps me pretty busy traveling a lot.
You’ve been with the UFC for awhile. How is it being the senior ring girl of the bunch now?
I started with The UFC really young. My 2nd show was right around by 21st birthday. I went out with Joe Rogan, Eddie Bravo and Ali Sonoma. Let’s just say it was a memorable night. It was only my 2nd time ever drinking and Ali had to tuck me in that night. It’s been a roller coaster ride ever since. I’ve learned so much and had the best times in my life. I’ve seen Zuffa and Dana White take it to the next level. I’m really proud of them and I’m proud to be a part of the company. Natasha and Logan are really cool. I’ve been showing them the ropes. We have a ton of fun when we go out!
What’s that like for you now? Certainly you get recognized when you’re out.
I do sometimes, and I love talking to fans, unless they’re a little stalker-ish. It’s very flattering, but it’s also a little weird. I mean, I’m not a celebrity at all, only in the MMA world. It’s a great feeling knowing the fans appreciate seeing me though, even thru my transition from girl to woman. But it’s an awesome job, I’m very lucky.
When we’ve seen you out, you have seemed a bit reserved.
Yeah, I definitely am. It just takes a bit for me to open up to people, but once I do, I am a total goofball. Embarrassingly so.
Any goofball moments lately?
Well, I invented the hillbilly shuffle for my roommate, haha!
Sounds like a winner.
It’s like the Chippendale dance where you just use your pelvic muscles, with your arms down low, but you put a hillybilly country twist on it. I’m not sure if you can imagine that, but it’s kinda goofy.
You don’t say.
It only comes out sporadically and at random, weird places… like the Beverly Hills Hotel. Hahaha.
We’ll be looking to capture that on spy cam sometime soon.
Yeah, maybe one day… I dunno if you’ll catch me doing that one though.
Oh, we’ll get it. Paul will be on assignment, hiding in the hotel planter.
He would totally do that wouldn’t he?
He’s like a British ninja. How was the shoot by the way?
It was so good. It was a long day, but fun.
Not that you didn’t look great before, but you are looking more athletic now.
Thanks! I’ve always been really active. I was a gymnast and a cheerleader. I’ve been working out with my trainer, Ashley Borden, who has taught me some cool things. I’ve worked out my whole life and never seen results like the ones I have seen with her. My major in college was fitness management and nutrition and I am hoping to take some time to get certified because I’d like to help people the way she has helped me.
What does she specialize in that makes her training so different?
She just knows how to incorporate a lot of variety. The workouts are usually full body, high intensity and they’re always different. She’s also really big on recovery so making full use of foam rollers and flexibility is a big part of it too.
Well, it has certainly worked, you look like you are ready to kick some ass now.
Haha… you know it!
Speaking of which, I saw some videos on you doing some kick boxing, not bad.
Yeah, I’ve been trying to improve because some people had been giving me some shit for looking like such a girly girl on the Couture video I did awhile back. I just wanted to show that I have progressed a little. I’m certainly not a fighter but it’s fun. I love to mix it up and keep it fresh.
So you’re living in LA now right?
Yeah, we just had a 90 degree day and it’s supposed to be fall! I can hardly even breathe when I go to Vegas now, and I was born there.
What’s a typical day like for you there?
It’s pretty sweet. It’s relaxing and peaceful. It’s like I’m on vacation! I can go to the beach, I can go the local shops and restaurants, and the people are a lot more health conscious and it’s just really cool. There’s just so much more to do here than in Vegas. I really enjoy the outdoor stuff.
Where are some of your favorite places?
There’s this place called The Little Red Door that has great food. That’s one of my favorite spots. The only thing that sucks is the traffic. It’s awful. Sometimes I’d rather just stay home and watch a movie.
Are you a movie person?
Yeah, I love going to the movies and renting movies.
What’s on your list lately.
Oh definitely the The Hangover and of course, I love The Notebook.
I mean seriously. Does that surprise us? Not really.
I love Anchor Man too.
Will Ferrell fan eh?
Yeah, he’s pretty out there. 40 Year Old Virgin was great too.
I’m partial to Wedding Crashers myself.
Oh I love Wedding Crashers. Those are all must haves for those days when you just need to wind down and have a laugh.
What do you look for in a guy? Humor, I’m guessing?
Definitely. Funny, smart. He doesn’t have to be super good looking or be in super good shape, but he does have to have good teeth. (Laughing) He’s got to be able to hang with me at the gym and go to the movies and stuff though.
Where is someplace you would typically meet someone?
I’m not really sure. Right now I am focused on work, and if the right man comes along that can handle me, then I am blessed. If not, then I’ll just keep waiting. I’ll probably meet him at Whole Foods!
Perfect! We shop at whole foods fairly often so we’ll be on the lookout. Thanks for the time Arianny.
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