UFC 2011 Mid-Year Awards: Top 5 Ring Girls of the Year

After a long stretch of major MMA events ended with UFC 132, we are now mid-way through the calender year. As we wait for the MMA schedule to pick back up, Bleacher Report will be taking a look a several different mid-year awards.

This installment will focus on the UFC Ring Girl of the Year, which will be handed out to the most popular UFC Octagon Girl of 2011. Already, there have been plenty of options for the award, but we had to narrow it down to five nominees.

Here are the top five UFC ring girls from the first half of 2011.

5. Allison Diehl

After winning an on-line vote against four other Hooters Girls, Allison Diehl was named a UFC Octagon Girl for UFC Fight for the Troops 2. Despite wearing camouflage, Diehl didn't have to worry about blending in with the crowd.

Unfortunately, Diehl's position as an Octagon Girl appears to have been a one-time deal, as there have been no plans for her to appear at another UFC event since her January debut.

4. Holly Madison

In her second appearance as an Octagon Girl, Holly Madison showed up at UFC 125, which took place on New Year's Day.

Obviously, Madison's busy schedule prevents her from making regular appearances at UFC events, which explains her low position on this list.

Still, Madison's involvement in the sport can only be a positive thing in terms of attracting new viewers.

3. Chandella Powell

Despite being a UFC Octagon Girl for a much longer period of time, Chandella Powell has already taken a back seat to newcomer Brittney Palmer in terms of popularity.

Still, Powell has become one of the most recognizable ring girls in the world in her time with the UFC, which will most likely guarantee her a steady stream of income for the foreseeable future.

2. Brittney Palmer

When the UFC announced that it would be absorbing the WEC, one of the biggest concerns voiced by MMA fans was the future of WEC ring girl Brittney Palmer.

Fans rejoiced when the UFC announced Palmer would join Arianny Celeste and Chandella Powell as an Octagon Girl at the beginning of 2011.

Palmer made her debut with the organization at UFC 125 and quickly became one of the most talked-about ring girls in UFC history.

Recently, rumors surfaced that Palmer had parted ways with the UFC when her profile was removed from the company website. However, UFC President Dana White renounced those claims and Palmer's profile reappeared on the website.

1. Arianny Celeste

As much as Brittney Palmer has grown in popularity this year, there is no mistaking that Arianny Celeste remains the queen of the Octagon.

Just as doubt was beginning to creep in with regard to the most popular Octagon Girl among MMA fans, Celeste released this seductive Bud Light commercial.

Well played, Celeste. Well played.

Sean Smith is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, you can follow Sean on Twitter here.