It’s hard to deny just how success the Ultimate Fighting Championship has quickly become over the most recent decade.
Behind President Dana White, the UFC has quickly emerged as the front-runner for all mixed martial arts organizations.
A major reason for this success is the unmatchable entertainment provided from the fighters who represent this prestigious organization.
However, they certainly aren’t the only ones, as the UFC’s foundation is built upon a collaborative effort from every individual involved. One of these individuals is Brittney Palmer, an Octagon girl who’s emerged as a fan favorite across the globe.
In a recent interview with Palmer, I had the privileged of going behind the scenes and learning more about the Brittney many fans love and appreciate, as well as learn about her future plans with the UFC.
Garrett Derr: Brittney, you’re recognized as one of the most popular ring girls in the UFC. But, there’s obviously a lot more to you than that. There’s a lot of talent that fans don’t know about. One of these being your love for art. Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into this career and how it became such a huge part of your life?
Brittney Palmer: I’ve always been into art, dancing or something related to those fields. About a couple years ago I picked up the paint brush again and found a really cool niche. I enjoyed painting and listening to Jimmy Hendrix and vibing out with that.
I started posting my paintings on Twitter and the fans responded well and they loved it. So, I said to myself, maybe I can make a career out of this.
GD: So, is this something you would consider doing following your career in the UFC?
BP: Yes of course. Ultimately this is what I want to do, this is my passion. Do I think being a UFC Octagon girl is great? Absolutely. It’s my dream job. But, I do know one day my looks will fade [laughing] and I’ll have to depend on other things. So yes, that’s my ultimate goal.
GD: You took some time away from the UFC and fans clearly weren’t happy about it. There’s now rumors you could be returning for UFC 140. Is there any truth behind this? Is there anything set in stone?
BP: Yes it is set in stone, I will be back for UFC in Toronto for New Years! Fans will see me there for the first time. But, yes I did take some time off. I was doing classes and it was so hard to squeeze everything into one. I just wanted to take a vacation and figure out my life. I was raised in Vegas my whole life and moving to another city, you want to stay grounded.
GD: Since your coming back for UFC 140, do you have any predictions for the fight card?
BP: You know, it’s so hard for me to do predictions because I’m always wrong [laughing], I’m a terrible gambler, I always lose, and I’m horrible at it. I expect a really bad ass night and for the fights to go a couple rounds. And, hopefully be an all-out drag-out war.
GD: I understand you’re quite the athlete. Between surfing, snowboarding, and even sky diving. What are some other things you like to do outside of the Octagon?
BP: I work with the Gamma Labs which is this awesome nutrition lab. I’ve been doing Muay Thai training. There’s a video with Kenny Florian and I doing ground-and-pound workouts. I love to snowboard, I love to surf, I love to bike. I’ve been backpacking in Colorado. I love everything. I want to go to Italy. I want to snowboard the Alps. Anything that gets my blood pumping.
GD: So, is there any chance of you entering mixed martial arts?
BP: No, there’s no chance [laughing]. I just love the workouts.
GD: Doesn’t hurt to ask. You know, fans love you not just because you’re with the UFC, but because you’re a great person all around. Who do you credit your success to? Who’s someone who’s really helped you along the way?
BP: I have a really great home base. My mother and grandmother are really important and supportive of me. Just growing up in Vegas and seeing people getting stuck in the whirlwind, noticing what everyone else is doing and not being that was my goal.
Everything I’ve done this far has always been the product of the environment I grew up in. A lot of people aren’t really happy so I kind of learned my own way with things and it’s working. I’m trying to be the best person that I can be and just be honest with myself. It’s so important to me that people look at me and see me as a good person.
GD: And, you certainly are. You have a new calendar coming out, tell us a little bit about this. Where can fans get a copy?
BP: Yes! I have a 2012 Brittney Palmer bikini calender and it’s super cool. I’m the creative decorator behind everything. All the pictures, the looks, the locations and the wardrobe is copyrighted to me. It’s special knowing I did 100 percent of it. You can find it on my website at BrittneyPalmer.com and it’s really cool. When we’re doing a tour they’ll be there.
GD: Great. Well, Brittney it was great talking with you and congrats on making it back to the Octagon. We’re excited to see you at UFC 140!
Click here to learn more about Brittney Palmer or to order her new exclusive 2012 swimsuit calendar.
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