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The UFC returned to our screens on Saturday night for UFC 249, as fighters, fans and even the octagon girls, celebrated the return of MMA’s biggest show during the COVID-19 pandemic.

UFC 249 proved to be a huge success, with the event generating huge viewing numbers in the United States as a stacked fight card delivered a host of thrilling matchups in Jacksonville, Florida.

No fans were in attendance, due to the social distancing restrictions still in place due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but the show was able to be held successfully, with the live broadcast going off without a hitch and the 10-fight card delivering plenty of action for fans around the world.

To mark the return of the UFC to our screens, a host of the UFC’s octagon girls shared their enthusiasm and support for the show by donning their iconic octagon girl outfits and posting to Instagram.

Well, someone’s got to do it! Thank you to everyone who continues to support us at @ufc , I truly love this sport and love what I do. Those were some epic fights last night and exactly the show we all needed. People are asking how it felt with no audience while being by myself; no audience felt like we were on a movie set and being alone felt like the good ole WEC days. I’m just so happy to be back to work and grateful as heck. ?? #ufc249 ? @jeffbottari

A post shared by Brittney Palmer (@brittneypalmer) on May 10, 2020 at 8:23am PDT

Boom ? @UFC is back! I can’t wait to get back ??✈️ GoodLuck to my UFC Fam!!

A post shared by Red Dela Cruz U͟F͟C͟® (@red_delacruz) on May 9, 2020 at 5:55pm PDT

Missing ring side selfies right about now? But so happy we are back! So proud of my @ufc fam and can’t wait for the rest of this card! Who else is watching?! #ufc249 #mma #ufc #espn #werebackbaby

A post shared by Vanessa Hanson (@vanessahanson) on May 9, 2020 at 7:15pm PDT

Brittney Palmer was the lone octagon girl on duty on fight night as she brought her winning smile to our screens between rounds.

She even showed her sense of humor and lack of ego when one tweeter told her to “Stop blowing kisses during a pandemic” and suggested she make a heart symbol with her hands.

Palmer cheerily replied, “Good call!” and then made the symbol with her hands the next time she was on camera.

The fights are back! Good luck to my @ufc family – can’t wait to be back on the road. #UFC249

A post shared by Luciana Andrade (@lucianaandrade) on May 9, 2020 at 5:12pm PDT

Missing my @ufc family tonight! Hope you are all enjoying the fights and staying safe! ? @espn

A post shared by Chrissy Blair (@chrissy_blair) on May 9, 2020 at 6:15pm PDT

@UFC is BACK!! ??? Can’t wait to back work. LFG ??? #UFC249

A post shared by Camila Oliveira UFC® (@camilaoliveirareal) on May 9, 2020 at 6:50pm PDT

But while Palmer was back on fight night duty, her octagon girl colleagues were left to watch the action like the rest of us.

But, with the UFC set to host two more shows in Jacksonville this week, then – they hope – return to Las Vegas for more shows, starting May 23, the world-famous ring card girls may soon be back in business once again.