You've seen the memes. You probably saw the TikToks that blew up overnight. When Jake Paul fights, the internet doesn't just talk about the knockouts or the controversial split decisions. They talk about the women holding the round cards. It's wild how a few seconds of screen time can turn a college student into a global celebrity, but that's basically the "Jake Paul effect" in a nutshell.
Honestly, the jake paul ring girls have become as much a part of the spectacle as the 10-ounce gloves.
Take Sydney Thomas, for example. Before the Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight in late 2024, she was a 20-year-old student at the University of Alabama. One night on Netflix later, and she’s waking up to over a million followers and a flooded DM folder. People were calling her the "real winner" of the night while Mike Tyson was trending for... well, other reasons. It's a weird, high-speed lane of fame that only seems to happen under the Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) banner.
The Viral Power of the MVP Walk
It’s not just about looking good in a bikini. Most people think these girls just show up, walk a circle, and go home. But the strategy behind how Jake Paul’s team selects and promotes them is pretty calculated. They aren't just hiring random models from an agency; they are picking influencers who already know how to handle a digital crowd.
Raphaela Milagres is a staple here. She’s been in the ring for the Andre August and Ryan Bourland fights, but she’s also a Ms. Olympia bikini finalist. She knows the grind. Then you have Virginia Sanhouse, Delia Sylvain, and Lexi Williams. These aren’t just "ring girls" in the traditional sense—they are brands.
When Logan Paul was caught "spitting game" to Kourtney Kellar back in 2021 after the Tyron Woodley fight, it wasn't just a funny background moment. It was a massive PR boost for Kellar. Her DMs "died" (her words, not mine) because of the sheer volume of messages. Today, she’s married to NBA center Isaiah Hartenstein and has a massive career of her own. This is the platform we’re talking about. It’s a career-launching pad.
Who are the faces you keep seeing?
If you’re trying to keep track of the roster, it changes, but the core "MVP family" usually features a mix of newcomers and established fitness models.
- Sydney Thomas: The breakout star from the Netflix era. She’s a Missouri native who actually got a 33 on her ACT. She’s quick to shut down the "pretty blonde with no brain" trope, and honestly, she’s right to. Managing that level of sudden fame takes a lot of mental toughness.
- Raphaela Milagres: The Brazilian powerhouse. She’s been around the MVP circle longer than most and brings a level of professional fitness cred that’s hard to match.
- Kourtney Kellar: The veteran of the group. Even though she’s moved into the "NBA wife" and high-fashion modeling world, her time in the ring with Jake Paul is what solidified her as a household name in the combat sports world.
The Pay Gap Controversy
Jake Paul loves a good argument. He especially loves taking shots at Dana White and the UFC. One of his favorite talking points? How much ring girls get paid versus the actual fighters.
Back in 2021, Jake caused a stir by claiming that some UFC ring girls, like Arianny Celeste, were making more money than the fighters who were "risking their lives" in the octagon. It was a classic Jake Paul move—using the ring girls as a shield to talk about fighter pay.
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While he hasn't released the exact payroll for his own MVP ring girls, the implication is always that they are treated as professional talent rather than background props. Whether that’s true or just good marketing, it’s changed the conversation. You’ll notice that at MVP events, the camera spends a lot of time on them. They get interviewed. They get "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) features on the official social channels. They are part of the cast.
Misconceptions and the "Staged" Rumors
There’s this weird theory that pops up every time a fight feels a bit too "theatrical." After the Tyson fight, fans on X (formerly Twitter) were claiming the ring girls looked "robotic" or didn't react when Tyson slapped Jake at the weigh-ins.
Sydney Thomas actually had to address this. She basically said she had a job to do. If someone gets slapped, you don't scream and ruin the shot. You stay professional. It’s a job, not a fan experience.
Why This Matters for the Sport
You might ask why we’re even talking about this. It’s boxing, right? It should be about the jabs and the footwork.
But boxing is dying in some demographics and thriving in others. Jake Paul brought the "influencer" economy to a sport that was stuck in the 1990s. By making the jake paul ring girls viral sensations, he ensures that even people who don't care about the fight results are sharing clips of the event.
It’s a 360-degree entertainment loop. The girl goes viral -> the fight gets more eyes -> the sponsors pay more -> the next event is even bigger.
What’s next for the MVP roster?
As we head deeper into 2026, the roster is expanding. MVP has been signing more female boxers—names like Amanda Serrano and Alycia Baumgardner—which has led to some awkward questions for Jake Paul.
At a press conference for the Serrano vs. Katie Taylor trilogy, a reporter asked if having ring girls was "sexualizing" the sport during an all-female card. Jake basically told the reporter to go kick rocks (well, he was a bit more profane than that). His stance is simple: the girls want to be there, they are making bank, and they are part of the show's DNA.
If you're looking to follow their journey, keep an eye on the official MVP Instagram. They usually announce the "starting lineup" for the ring about 48 hours before the first bell.
Practical Steps for Following the Scene:
- Check the Weigh-ins: This is where the ring girls usually make their first appearance of the fight week. The interactions here often predict who will go viral.
- Watch the Netflix "Behind the Scenes" features: Unlike traditional PPV, the Netflix-era fights include a lot of footage of the models and staff.
- Verify before following: After every fight, dozens of "fan accounts" pop up using the girls' names. Always check for the verified blue check to make sure you're supporting the actual creators.
Boxing is changing. You don't have to like the "influencer" era to recognize that it has completely rewritten the rules of sports marketing. The ring girls are no longer just holding cards; they are holding the attention of millions.