Sydney Thomas, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student, captured significant attention as a ring girl during the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul match at AT&T Stadium, Texas. Broadcast live on Netflix, her presence significantly boosted her social media following, gaining over 500,000 new followers.
Rising to prominence, Thomas set ambitious goals for herself, including working at a Tyson fight and modelling for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in 2025. Amidst her newfound fame, she has decided not to create an OnlyFans account despite the proliferation of fake profiles in her name. She shared this decision on Instagram, emphasizing her commitment to authenticity. Instead of OnlyFans, she engages with her audience through her Passes account, prioritizing direct interaction and control over her public image.
Thomas’s stance on maintaining personal integrity comes at a time when ring girls are under greater scrutiny in the sports and beauty sectors. The role can lead to significant opportunities and visibility but also poses challenges such as public scrutiny and the risk of identity misuse online.
Comparison with Hawk Tuah Girl
Her path mirrors that of Haliey Welch, known as “Hawk Tuah Girl,” who also chose not to pursue an OnlyFans account after going viral. Like Thomas, Welch opted out of the potential for increased earnings through the platform, which has paid its creators over $5 billion since inception.
Thomas’s commitment to her values and clear vision for her career sets her apart in the competitive landscape, underscoring her resilience and principled approach to fame.
