When you tune into UFC 194 to see Conor McGregor clash with Jose Aldo Saturday night for the featherweight title, there’s a high probability that one of the Octagon girls will catch your eye: gorgeous Ford Agency model Vanessa Hanson.
“It was really random actually,” Hanson says when asked how she became a UFC babe. “They actually found me at the beach; they had a booth for the US Open of surfing and were looking for girls. The girls that I was with entered and made me enter. I got a call three months later. I had no idea about the UFC at all.”
But the MMA-loving model isn’t always getting blood splattered on during televised brawls. When she’s not working for the UFC, you might find her indulging her passion for good food.
“When I first started modeling, I was going to college to be a psychologist but right now I’m not so sure,” she explained. “I’m more interested in the entertainment industry now. I think I want to do something more with food", Hanson said, adding that prime rib, sushi and nachos are among her favorite dishes.
With that in mind, we chatted with Hanson about her favorite places spots in New Orleans, the famously fun town and culinary stronghold where she celebrated her 21st birthday. “I really liked all the culture and good food,” she says. “I like that it has a lot of history, but I'd definitely also advise going during one of the festivals.”
“It's the oldest bar in the US. It's dimly-lit and they’ll have live piano. I like cocktail or red wine, and I'm a big fan of margaritas. But they're known for their Hurricanes.”
