Caitlin Clark teases ‘enforcer’ Sophie Cunningham’s next career move after surprise UFC role

Jul 13, 2026 - 09:45

Caitlin Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 600 assists as the Indiana Fever beat the Las Vegas Aces, 109-75.

She entered the game needing six to reach the milestone, and dished out her record-breaking dime on a bounce pass to Monique Billings as the third quarter came to a close.

Caitlin Clark 22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the game against the Las Vegas Aces on July 12, 2026 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas — Clark has become the fastest WNBA player to reach 600 career assists

It took Clark 72 regular season games to hit 600 assists, beating Ticha Penicheiro’s previous record of 81 games.

Five-time WNBA All-Star Teresa Weatherspoon reached the mark in 94 games, while it took all-time great Sue Bird and 2024 WNBA Champion Sabrina Ionescu 104 games each.

Sophie Cunningham, meanwhile, put up 20 points less than 24 hours after appearing as ring girl at UFC 329 in Vegas.

Dressed in an all-black outfit, the WNBA star drew raucous reactions from the crowd at T-Mobile Arena, walking the Octagon during the co-main event between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint Denis.

UFC CEO Dana White later revealed that the viral moment came together around 10 minutes before Cunningham stunned fans.

She appeared to enjoy her brief career change, and was seen laughing, posing for cameras and pointing toward celebrity row as she strutted around.

Caitlin Clark teases Sophie Cunningham’s switch to UFC

Unsurprisingly, Clark was questioned about Cunningham’s appearance after the Fever secured victory in Vegas, and joked that her teammate could soon gear up as a fighter, having already gained a reputation as her on-court ‘enforcer’.

“It was so fun to see, obviously,” she told reporters.

“It’s cool that people love it, and it shows that people are really paying attention to the WNBA, the players we have, the personalities we have across this league.

“Maybe we’ll see her do more of it. Who knows, maybe she’ll be a UFC fighter.

“I don’t know. That’s up to Sophie.”

Sophie Cunningham announces a round in a lightweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 — Cunningham stunned fans with an appearance at UFC 329 on Saturday night

Caitlin Clark 22 and Sophie Cunningham 8 of the Indiana Fever react on the bench during the first half of the WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 09, 2026 — Clark believes her teammate could have a future as a UFC fighter

Clark’s record-breaking moment against the Aces on Sunday was celebrated by the Fever in a social media post.

“Another record for No. 22,” Indiana shared Sunday.

“Caitlin Clark has become the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 600 assists in only 72 games.”

To make her moment even sweeter, Clark’s six assists contributed to another big win over Las Vegas.

Indiana secured a 109-75 victory in Sin City, and beat the defending champion Aces for the second time in eight days.

Caitlin Clark 22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball during the game against the Las Vegas Aces — Clark’s effort helped the Fever down the Aces for the second time in eight days

Sophie Cunningham 8 of the Indiana Fever awaits a free-throw shot during the first half of the WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 09, 2026 — Cunningham enjoyed the Fever’s West Coast road trip, both on and off the court

Clark was absent from the first win, as she has been dealing with back issues that flared up in late June.

She returned to action last Wednesday, and played 16 minutes in a defeat to the Los Angeles Sparks, before sitting out Thursday’s win against the Phoenix Mercury to avoid playing back-to-back.

The former No. 1 pick finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a managed 24 minutes against the Aces.

Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 27 points, in what was her sixth consecutive game with at least 25.

With a big win in Sin City, Indiana has improved to a 14-9 record on the season and went 3-1 on its West Coast road trip, which Cunningham appeared to enjoy on and off the court.

The Eastern Conference leaders now have four-straight games at home before the WNBA All-Star break, and face the 17-7 Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.

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