UFC Star Arianny Celeste Welcomes Son Raiden Beckham: 'Thank You for Choosing Me' (2024)

Arianny Celeste has a new little fighter to root for!

The UFC ring girl welcomed her first child with actor and photographer Taylor King on Friday, Sept. 25, she announced on Instagram two days later.

"Raiden Beckham King ⚡️👑arrived Friday 9-25-2020 at 8:32am- 6 pounds 15 ounces. 👶🏽," Celeste, 34, captioned a series of images featuring her newborn son in a sweet knit hat and pants. "✨Thank you for choosing me to be your Mommy! I love u so much. 😍😍😍😍 #raidenbeckham #babyboy."

Over this past weekend, she posted more snapshots, including one from the hospital of her cradling baby Raiden while sharing a kiss with her beau.

"One week ago you changed our lives forever, for the better!" Celeste addressed her son in the caption. "I can't help but think you're the cutest ... even your poopy face! Just me or do all parents feel the same?"

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

UFC Star Arianny Celeste Welcomes Son Raiden Beckham: 'Thank You for Choosing Me' (1)

UFC Fighters Amanda Nunes and Nina Ansaroff Welcome Daughter Raegan Ann: "Dream Come True"

In his Sept. 27 birth announcement on Instagram, King went into detail about the inspiration behind his son's unique moniker and his hopes for Raiden's future.

"Dear Raiden ⚡️, So I named you after a fictional god of one of my favorite phenomenon. Representing strength and power. Something capable of destruction, yet harnessed can light up a world; Energy. Our bodies contain more volts than a single bolt of lightning. Meaning we have the power to do ANYTHING we want in this world. Our thoughts are electricity, and our feelings are a magnet," he began. "I want to teach you to create your own reality. To live a life creatively and intellectual decorated. To let resourcefulness be your greatest privilege. To live your true nature of love, empathy, gratitude, strength, and compassion."

"I want to teach you to appreciate the rainy days as much as the sunny days and know that life is all about balance. That regardless of how bad things are, or even how GOOD things are, they will pass," King continued. "Where focus goes energy flows so give your energy to and embrace every moment with appreciation because it will be your antidote. Know that life is happening FOR you not to you."

While some may say Raiden is "entering a crazy world," the new father added in part that he wants his son to know his surroundings are "actually quite beautiful" — and it's up to him to make of it what he can.

"I can't wait to be a father and your guide, but most of all a student as I have yet so much to learn from you. Welcome to the world my beautiful son," King wrote in conclusion. "Love, Papa."

RELATED VIDEO: Ronda Rousey Weds Travis Browne in Hawaii as Groom Gushes She's "Perfect in Every Way"

Celeste announced her pregnancy on Instagram in June, addressing her then-unborn child, "I've been waiting for this moment my entire life! I promise to teach you about the beauty of the world and to love with no restrictions or division. In turn, you have already taught me so much about kindness, empathy, and most of all faith."

"Through all of this chaos, you have helped me to remain strong and grounded. You are already loved soooooo much!! I can't wait to meet you my baby!" she added. "Love, Mommy."

Celeste worked her final UFC event at 10 weeks pregnant, explaining alongside an August video chronicling the event that the coronavirus pandemic took hold around the same time and that she " had plans to work a bunch of events after, but because of the risk I decided to stay home."

The Overhaulin' alum and King celebrated their little one at a "Twinkle Twinkle" baby shower in July, complete with lots of celestial-themed décor, sweets — and face masks. "Surrounded by so much love already for this lil man! 💙👶🏽," Celeste captioned one photo of the couple at the party.

King celebrated "1 year" with Celeste on Instagram in July, sharing a black-and-white maternity snapshot of the then-mom-to-be and writing in the caption, "Color is a blessing given only to accentuate the beauty that already is. Happy 1 year beautiful ❤️."

UFC Star Arianny Celeste Welcomes Son Raiden Beckham: 'Thank You for Choosing Me' (2024)

FAQs

Did Arianna Celeste retire from the UFC? ›

With years of experience under her belt, Celeste and her colleague Brittney Palmer both decided to step away from the octagon, marking the end of an era. Unlike Palmer's departure, Celeste's retirement didn't capture as much attention initially.

Is Ariana Celeste still with Taylor King? ›

Arianny was in a relationship with actor and photographer Taylor King. The two had a child back in September 2020. It's unclear when they two split. She's been cranking out the exclusive content over the past several months and last appeared in a picture with King back in October.

Who is Arianna Celeste engaged to? ›

Good news, fellas: Arianny Celeste isn't engaged anymore -- she's single.

How long has Arianny Celeste been with UFC? ›

During her 17-year career, Celeste was awarded the 'Ring Girl of the Year' award 6 times. The only other Octagon girl to have competed with Celeste is her long-time friend, Brittney Palmer. She also made her last walk in the UFC in 2023 and retired at the same time as her close friend and colleague.

Who ended Ronda Rousey's MMA career? ›

This week, she said concussions suffered during her judo career contributed to her retirement from UFC in 2016 after knockout defeats to Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm. “I'd like people to understand my reasons and motivations behind things,” Rousey said in an Instagram Live appearance to promote her upcoming memoir.

Who is the most popular Ring Girl? ›

Arianny Celeste

With over 3M followers on Instagram, Arianny Celeste is among the most popular and hottest ring girls. Arianny Celeste is an American model and ring star born in 1985 who started joining UFC games in 2006. From 2008 to 2015, she won the 'Ring Girl of the Year' title five times.

What nationality is Ariana Celeste? ›

How much do UFC ring girls get paid? ›

UFC Ring Girls' earnings can vary based on experience, event popularity, location, and personal popularity. While the typical earnings range from $1,000 to $5,000 per event, the total annual income for a UFC Ring Girl can reach up to $1 million, especially for the most popular ones.

Who is Celeste dating? ›

In an interview with Wonderland earlier this year (via Evening Standard), Celeste revealed that she is dating poet and model Sonny Hall.

Who is Arianna new bf? ›

Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix shared a birthday tribute her boyfriend of more than a year, Daniel Wai, including a new photo of the two and paying her partner the ultimate compliment. Ariana Madix is SUR-ving up the ultimate compliment to her man.

Who is the richest ring girl in the UFC? ›

The UFC's richest ring girl, Arianny Celeste, is reportedly worth more than former two-division champion and octagon legend Amanda Nunes. Celeste has been with UFC since 2006 and scooped up six Ringcard Girl of the Year honours at the World MMA awards during her time in the promotion.

Who is the most famous UFC girl? ›

Amanda Nunes is known as the G.O.A.T. of women in combat sports. The Brazilian grew up training jiu-jitsu and started professional MMA at 19 years old. Hitting the UFC Octagon in 2013, she took on Germaine de Randamie and won via TKO in the first round in only her second fight.

Who is UFC No 1 woman? ›

Women's Pound-for-Pound Top Rank
1Alexa Grasso
2Zhang Weili
3Valentina Shevchenko
4Manon Fiorot
5Julianna Peña
10 more rows

Who is the longest ring girl in the UFC? ›

Arianny Celeste is undoubtedly the most popular, and the longest-serving ring girl for the UFC.

Why did Brittney Palmer retire? ›

' I get these interview questions, and so I think about it,” Palmer recently told MMA Junkie Radio. “I'm 36 years old. I always said that once my art career started to level up to where my UFC career is and I wasn't able to commit to both evenly, that I would have to make the decision. It was just time.

Is Rousey retired? ›

Who is former UFC star Paige? ›

Paige Michelle VanZant (née Sletten; married name Vanderford; born March 26, 1994) is an American mixed martial artist, bare knuckle boxer, professional wrestler, professional boxer, author, model, and OnlyFans content creator.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 5311

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.