Bellator MMA has made many free agent acquisitions in recent years, whether it be former UFC fighters like Gegard Mousasi and Sara McMann, or community legends like Burt Watson and Big John McCarthy. Their latest move was a bit different.
The promotion signed Sophia Halidis last year, a ring girl that started with CES MMA seven years ago, and has now managed to work her way up to a larger brand. Her Bellator debut came at Bellator 289 at Mohegan Sun Arena; Halidis didn’t have to commute far, she was born and raised in New London, Connecticut, alongside Bellator Star Brennan Ward.
Bellator was impressed by her passion and abilities, announcing that Halidis would be their ring girl for all upcoming domestic events.
“Bellator is the future,” Halidis told Cageside Press in a recent interview. “They’re so good to me, it’s such a great brand to work for — the company is amazing. They’re so professional. It’s even better than I expected it’d be. [Bellator MMA] is really like a family.”
Halidis never had to take part in weigh-ins for regional promotions, but she is eager to learn on the job and improve with each event that passes.
“I watch the weigh-ins at home maybe five times, just to see what I can do better the next time,” Halidis said.
The Greek ring girl is excited for what the future holds, and carries a message for Bellator fans as she makes her way to Honolulu next week for Bellator 294 and 295.
“I want to meet you, I want to talk to you, I want to take a picture, I want to know that you’re happy to be there,” Halidis said. “I just want to meet everybody because I’m a fan of Bellator just like you!”
Watch our full interview with Bellator MMA ring girl Sophia Halidis above.
