Maryna Moroz has made history by becoming the first UFC star to sign a deal with men's lifestyle magazine Playboy.
Moroz has been fighting in the UFC since 2015 after she signed a deal to join following an appearance at the XFC International 7 just a year prior. Her career has come on leaps and bounds in the UFC picking up six wins and three defeats, with her most recent three showdowns all ending with her hand raised.
However it is not just success inside the octagon for Moroz, who took on some modelling jobs outside of the cage to top up her income. And the Ukrainian has noted her most high-profile work yet when she shared an announcement message on social media, writing: "Happy to announce that I’ll be the first UFC Fighter on Playboy Centerfold!
"Can’t wait to partner up with such an iconic brand with clothing, activations, and now the platform that has all my exclusive content." Moroz was congratulated by fans in the comments who were delighted she had landed a new role, with one writing: "Congratulations beautiful." Another added: "Super cool, well done."
Female UFC stars Arianny Celeste and Brittney Palmer have both made one-off appearances with the Playboy magazine but have not sustained long-term deals like Muroz who will likely earn lucratively from the contract. Many UFC fighters have jobs and contracts on the side to maximise their income including UFC stars Tecia Torres and Raquel Pennington who are using subscription service OnlyFans to fund their wedding.
However Muroz is also making huge strides in the UFC after making the switch back to flyweight in 2019. She defeated Sabina Mazo via unanimous decision after a period away from the sport and then followed up with a win over Mayra Bueno Silva in 2020, before having time out due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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She recently submitted Mariya Agapova earlier this year and is now eyeing a continued rise to the top of the division with native counterpart Valentina Shevchenko currently holding the UFC crown. She has since explained how the move to Playboy has helped change her life and put sole focus back on her MMA career.
"Before, I was a very closed person," Moroz told TMZ Sports. "Now, America changed me, and now I'm open, and I feel more energy when I show nude pictures. "Playboy is super big for me. It changed everything in my life, and now I am different. I am a different person."
