Red Dela Cruz Shares a New Instagram Photo Amid Meta Controversy
Red Dela Cruz, a familiar Filipino ring girl, posted a new image on Instagram that drew immediate attention due to the broader context around Meta, the platform’s owner, which has faced scrutiny over extremist content and bans in Russia. The post sparked conversations about how online platforms intersect with sports careers and how media narratives shape the visibility of fighters and their teams in today’s digital environment.
The photo itself shows Dela Cruz in a bold pose wearing a black dress with a plunging neckline, a look that blends fashion editorial flair with the showmanship traditionally associated with ring-side appearances. The styling resonates with contemporary fashion imagery while staying connected to the world of combat sports, where fans often follow athletes beyond the arena and into social feeds.
Dela Cruz began her presence in major promotions with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2015, after earlier ring duties with Pacific Xtreme Combat helped build her public profile. Her role has extended beyond the cage, as she has appeared in media segments and promotional materials that keep her in the sport’s evolving media ecosystem and in the view of fans who crave behind-the-scenes insight.
Her modeling portfolio expanded through shoots for well-known men’s magazines such as FHM and Red Magazine, reinforcing her status within the Philippines’ entertainment scene. In 2013 she ranked number 52 on a national list of the one hundred sexiest women, a reflection of her growing popularity and appeal during that period.
In 2021, Khabib Nurmagomedov voiced a controversial view that ring girls are the most unnecessary aspect of martial arts, arguing their presence does not enhance the sport. During a public discussion, he remarked that the ring girls do not improve the competition. He added that, while opinions vary, the stance highlights a broader debate about tradition, spectacle, and the value of such roles in fighting events. In a separate online clip, a Russian gymnast was seen in a video wearing a mini bikini, a moment that drew attention to how athletes are portrayed in media coverage and online commentary.