Babes of MMA: Nicole Craner

Our July 2011 MMA babe of the month is MMA model and ring girl Nicole Craner. Nicole is a small town girl from Coeur d' Alene, Idaho and spent her summers on the beach in Nor-Cal. She went to college for two years and has been a Legal Secretary for 6 years. Nicole has a huge passion for MMA. She has ring carded for Strikeforce, Pro-Battle MMA, Tuff Nuff and Shark Fights. She was a finalist for the Maxim UFC Octagon girl search. Nicole has been featured in Maxim, FHM, Extreme Fighter Magazine Centerfold and Skinnie Magazine. She is currently in the 2011 Playboy Intimates Model Search, 2011 Maxim Hometown Hottie Contest and a Suggested Follower of Playboy Magazine on Twitter.

How did you get into the world of MMA?

-I started renting the videos when the UFC first started with Royce Gracie and there were no weight classes. I remember watching Royce walk into the ring and he was such a little guy going up against bigger guys! I honestly thought to myself, what is this guy going to do? And then he amazed me. He was so agile, fast, patient and unbelievable. I kept asking my boyfriend if this was fake. It reminded me of Bloodsport in a way and the Kumite but the actual real thing and not actors...lol. Very cool.

Who are your favorite MMA fighters?

-I have a few ;). I tend to like the unknowns. The fighters that are stealth and you don't see them coming and then BAM there in your face. A fighter that brings something new to the sport that no one has seen whether it's a certain style or charisma. A perfect example would be Dominick Cruz. His style is unorthodox, his footwork is nothing anyone has seen or can copy and you never know which side he's coming from because he's in and out so fast. I also like the way he presents himself. He is very low key and not about the fame and hype. He's there because he loves what he does. A perfect Champion. I think he deserves way more credit than he gets. You hear people say "he doesn't finish fights". From a fan's perspective or at least mine, it’s not about the power of a KO; it's about giving your all. Cruz is battling all 5 rounds every fight almost. I would rather watch someone, bleed, sweat and put their heart on the line than knock someone out in 5 seconds. It's all about heart, passion and hard work. It's way more memorable to me.

-BJ Penn has also always been one of my favorites. Every time his walk out song plays it sends me back to islands in Kona, Hawaii where I used to live. I get sooo mellow and pumped at the same time. I am always out of my seat for his fights. He also has great dimples which makes it easy.

-Nick Diaz is also a favorite. He has a crazy fighting style that I love to watch but what I like most about him is he is real. He doesn't put on a show and he says how he feels. He also constantly challenges himself such as wanting to fight GSP. He is true to who he is. He speaks his mind and I respect that. I think he is one of the best fighters of all time.

-Matt Hughes is a favorite because he is such a humble man and a family man. I was sitting by him at an event a couple years ago and his fighter was getting ready to fight in the ring. I looked over and Matt’s head was down. I asked him if he was meditating. He said “no, I am praying”. I gained a lot of respect from him in that moment. He prays for everyone one of his fighters that steps into the ring. I think that is awesome and it shows his true character.

What are the strangest and sweetest comments MMA fans have said to you?

-I like the comments from the little kids that are at our events. They are sooo sweet and shy. One little boy told me "I was going to be his girlfriend one day". It was sweet.

-Well, I was at a Shark Fights event with my friend Natalie Skyy and we were walking back to our hotel room from eating breakfast and a guy behind the convenience store completely flashed us. I will never forget that picture. :)

What is something most people don't know about you?

-I love to dance. I've been dancing since I can remember. I think my true calling has always been dance but life takes us down different paths. I was working at a law firm a couple years ago and our computers went down. A computer guy came in and started working on them for us. I had never met or seen the guy in my life. He looked over at me and asked me if “I liked to dance"? I got really embarrassed at that moment because I thought maybe he had seen me at the bar dancing the weekend before with my friends. I replied "yes" and asked I asked him if he went out last weekend" and he said "no, that he doesn't frequent bars". Then he replied "God speaks to me and he loves the way you dance so keep dancing". I was freaked out as I had never met that guy in my life and I wondered how he knew that dancing was a passion of mine. After he left I asked my boss who he was and she said he was a missionary who builds churches in Africa and around the world and speaks the word of god. I said "So he doesn't frequent bars" and she said "Umm, No, he's been doing this his whole life". I had goose bumps. I still dance around my house to this day. :) Hopefully, god will let me dance at the gates of heaven...wishful thinking ;)

What are your hobbies and how do you spend your free time?

-I love to travel and see different places, dance, shop and I love the beach.

Are you single?

-No.

What do you look for in a guy?

-I am very picky which is a curse and blessing all in its own. It’s all about chemistry for me. I have to feel it first. Whether its eye contact or a vibe I feel. I like a man who is strong and confident in whom they are, but isn't overbearing. I look for someone who is going to bring out the best in me and not bring me down or forget I am there because they are so into themselves. I look for charisma, style, and someone who will challenge me and stimulate my mind. There is also nothing more sexy than a man that can make me laugh and dance.

What are your turn-ons?

-A man who smells amazing.... ;) I love a guy who wears his hat backwards. I have no idea why but it's a head turner for me. I love a guy who can dance. A man who has style and dresses well. Someone who makes me laugh. Abs and eyes. Someone who is humble and true to themselves.

What are your turnoffs?

-Cocky men, unappreciative people who take advantage, people that bring other people down.

What would you say if your best feature?

-My eyes.

What are your future plans or dreams in life?

-I am currently a Legal Secretary. I would like to go to Law School in Santa Cruz, California eventually, have a beach house there and model as long as I can.

Thank you very much for your time Nicole and wish you success in all your future plans and dreams. Say hello to Nicole on Facebook, on Twitter @nicolecraner and be sure to vote for Nicole at Playboy Intimates!