Red Alert

We sat down with Red Dela Cruz, Octagon Girl for the UFC, to chat all things fitness and beyond. Red gives us the lowdown on her intense training schedule and how she fuels her body with a balanced diet. She also opens up about her mental health journey, sharing her tips for overcoming obstacles and staying motivated. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for some inspiration, Red’s insights offer a valuable glimpse into the life of a successful athlete.

Hey Red! Welcome to Women’s Fitness. Tell us about your shoot.
A fitness shoot was something I’ve always wanted to do, and it turned out so well! We shot in this awesome art deco loft in the heart of Surry Hills, Sydney. Neil Dixon, the photographer picked the spot, and it was perfect for the vibe we were going for. The space really matched my style, especially with the activewear I was wearing GateKept. Big shoutout to my team Rival Sports Management, especially Courtney Hard Day, for all the hard work they put in to make everything come together. They totally nailed it! Thanks also to Hydrogen Water for keeping us all refreshed throughout the shoot!

Are there any other funny anecdotes you can share about this shoot?
Oh, for sure! I had so much body oil on for the shoot that I was literally slipping around in the changing room and getting into the next outfit was a struggle haha! And of course, I always making random jokes that seem to make everyone laugh. That’s just me, always bubbly, fun, and keeping the vibe light. Honestly, moments like that are what make the shoot so much more enjoyable!

Do you have a morning routine that you swear by?
Absolutely! I wake up at 7 AM every day, and the first thing I do is make myself a calming matcha latte at home. It’s my little moment of peace before I hit the gym, where I focus on getting in a solid workout to set a positive tone for the rest of the day. It’s a routine that keeps me energised and centreed. I also drink a can or two of Hydrogen Water before a workout. It really helps me feel my best before I take on the day.

Was health and fitness important to you growing up, and how has your fitness philosophy changed over the years?
Yes, health and fitness were always important to me growing up. I always enjoyed staying fit, but it was more about staying active back then. Over the years, my fitness philosophy has evolved. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that fitness is not just about aesthetics or performance, it’s about overall well-being. Now, I focus on balance, staying strong, maintaining mental clarity, and prioritizing long term health. It’s about creating sustainable habits that make me feel good, both physically and mentally, rather than pushing myself to extremes. Fitness is no longer just a routine; it’s a lifestyle that supports every aspect of my life, especially in my role as an Octagon Girl for the UFC.

Talk us through your weekly training split.
I like to keep my training routine pretty balanced, mixing strength and conditioning. Here’s how my week usually looks:

• Monday: Lower body (squats, lunges, hip thrusts) + 20 mins on the Stair Master
• Tuesday: Upper body (push-ups, pull-ups, dumbbell work)
• Wednesday: Abs (Russian twists, sit-ups, crossbody crunches) + 10 mins on the Stair Master
• Thursday: Glutes (suitcase squats, Bulgarian split squats, Romanian deadlifts) + 10 mins on the Stair Master
• Friday: Full body (curl to press, plank raises, push-ups to box jumps, dumbbell squats) + 20 mins on the Stair Master
• Saturday & Sunday: Rest/Recovery

I like to hit all the major muscle groups each week while mixing in strength and cardio to stay strong, fit and ready for my UFC work.

How do you stay motivated on days when you don’t feel like working out?
On days when I don’t feel like working out, I remind myself of my “why” why I started and why it matters. Whether it’s staying strong for my UFC work or just feeling my best physically and mentally, I know that every workout gets me closer to my goals. I also break it down into small steps sometimes just getting started is the hardest part, so I tell myself I’ll do 30 minutes, and if I still don’t feel it, I can stop. More often than not, once I get into it, I push through the workout. And if I really need rest, I listen to my body and take a day to recover. Consistency is key, and even on tough days, I focus on staying committed to my long-term health.

If you’re not in your GateKept activewear at the gym, where can we find you and what are you most likely to be doing?
If I’m not in activewear at the gym, you’ll probably catch me out with friends at a club, just enjoying life. I love trying new restaurants and checking out different cuisines, so I’m always on the hunt for the latest spots. On chill days, I’m just hanging at home, catching up on rest, or watching a movie. It’s all about finding that balance between work, play, and some good self-care.

We live in an age of social media where people have more access than ever to our lives and are quick to judge. How do you handle negative comments or criticism online and in real life?
I try not to let negative comments or criticism get to me, whether it’s online or in real life. People can be quick to judge behind a screen, but I focus on the positive stuff and remind myself that their opinions don’t define me. In person, I’m all about constructive feedback, but I don’t let negativity mess with my confidence. I just stay true to myself, keep my circle positive, and remember why I’m doing what I do. At the end of the day, it’s my journey, and I’m not gonna let anyone’s opinions hold me back.

What self-care strategies do you use to maintain positive mental health?
For me, self-care is all about balance. I love cooking a good meal or even just tidying up around the house it’s super relaxing and helps me feel organized. I also make sure to spend time with family and friends, they keep me grounded and remind me to have fun. Setting boundaries is important too, especially when life gets hectic. And of course, working out is a big part of it nothing beats that post workout high. It’s really just about doing what feels good for me and not stressing over the little things.

What’s a fitness myth that you wish would go away, and why?
The whole “You need cardio to lose weight” myth is something I hear all the time, but it’s just not true. Cardio definitely has its benefits, but strength training is just as important if not more for fat loss. Building muscle actually boosts your metabolism and helps you burn calories even when you’re not working out. A mix of both is ideal, but you don’t need to live on the treadmill to see real results.

What is your approach to nutrition? How do you maintain balance and still enjoy your favorite foods?
For me, nutrition is all about balance. I try to eat clean most of the time lots of protein, veggies, and healthy fats but I don’t believe in cutting out all the foods I love. Whether it’s pizza, a burger, or dessert, I think it’s important to enjoy those things without feeling guilty. It’s all about moderation and finding that sweet spot where you feel good, fuel your body right, and still have fun with your food.

What’s your go-to treat?
My go-to treat has to be pasta or pizza. Can’t beat a big bowl of vodka pasta or a hot pepperoni pizza, it’s my ultimate comfort food!
Who inspires you? Honestly, I’d say myself. I’m constantly pushing to be better and grow in all areas of my life. I’ve come a long way, and I’m proud of how I’ve evolved whether it’s in my career, fitness journey, or personal growth. I try to stay motivated by my own progress and remind myself that I’m capable of achieving whatever I set my mind to.

You’re working out in the gym – what are you listening to?
When I’m in the gym, I’m usually blasting EDM to keep me hyped. But sometimes, if I’m feeling a more chill vibe, I’ll switch it up with some R&B, especially for cooldowns or lighter workouts. It’s all about what gets me in the zone!
Reflecting on your whole journey to date, what are you most proud of – personally or professionally? Looking back, I’m most proud of breaking barriers and staying true to who I am. Professionally, becoming the first Filipina Octagon Girl in the UFC is a big milestone for me, and it’s something I’ll always be proud of. On a personal level, I’m proud of how I’ve grown mentally, physically, and learning how to balance my career with taking care of myself. It’s all about staying focused, pushing through the challenges, and keeping what really matters in mind.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Everyone’s on their own journey don’t compare yours to theirs.” A great piece of advice I’ve learned is to never compare yourself to others. Everyone’s got their own path, their own struggles, and their own wins. The more you focus on your own growth and progress, the less you get caught up in what others are doing. Trust your process and stay true to what works for you.

What’s next for you?
Next up, I’ve got a packed first quarter of the year 2025 with UFC events! I’ll be traveling to Los Angeles for UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 at the Intuit Dome, then heading to Sydney, Australia for UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2, and back to one of my favourite city Las Vegas for UFC 313. On top of that, I’ve got some exciting collaborations in the works, so I’m looking forward to working with some amazing brands and people. Lots of exciting things coming my way!

STATUS UPDATE

FULL NAME: Red Dela Cruz
HOMETOWN: Sydney, Australia
BORN: 9 October 1992
INSTAGRAM: @red_delacruz
TikTok: @red_delacruz
TWITTER: @red_delacruz

PHOTOGRAPHER: Neil Dixon
MUA: Kayla Perez
Hair By: Macy Hamka

For the full article grab the February/March 2025 issue of Women’s Fitness Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.