UFC Octagon Girl Carly Baker is trading bikinis and mascara for gumshields and gloves as she makes the transition into the newly-formed UFC women’s strawweight division.

“When I heard the UFC were launching a strawweight division I knew I had to be a part of it,” Baker says. “I loved being an Octagon Girl but I’m hanging up my round cards and can’t wait to make my debut – this time, inside the Octagon.”

Hailing from the mean streets of Wimbledon in London, Baker has been in full-time training at the Titan Fighter gym for nearly two years, even earning a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Given the moniker “Troublemaker” by her team, which includes UFC flyweight Brad Pickett, Baker hopes to rabble-rouse inside the newly-formed 115lb division.

“I don’t have a date for my debut yet but [UFC matchmakers] Joe Silva and Sean Selby are working on an opponent for me,” she says. “Entering the TUF 20 house would be a dream come true but I’d love to fight on the UFC Fight Night Berlin card on May 31st if I could.”

Mickey Papas, head coach at Titan Fighter said: “She’s been keeping her training a secret for about 18 months now, but has been on the pro fighters team for 2 months – and holding her own in the class.”

“I have been really impressed with Carly and what a natural athlete she is,” teammate Brad Pickett added. “Her athleticism and enthusiasm to compete is fantastic – she’s a little power house. The future is bright, the future is Carly!”

At time of going to print no nails had been chipped during training!