Sydney Thomas, a 21-year-old ring girl from the Jake Paul and Mike Tyson fight, has no regrets about breaking up with her boyfriend earlier this year. Before going viral, she wanted to eliminate distractions and focus on becoming the best version of herself. As she tells PEOPLE exclusively, "I was just at this point where I was like, 'I just want to become the best version of myself and I just need to take everything that’s distracting me out of the picture.' So yes, I did break up with my boyfriend."

From Relationship to Self-Discovery - Sydney Thomas' Journey

Eliminating Distractions

The University of Alabama student jokes that she might have been having a midlife crisis or something, but admits that ending her relationship was not easy. It was hard to do, but in the end, she believes it paid off as she is now able to handle any situation on her own. She shot by Adrian Gonzalez shows her in a different light.In the weeks leading up to the Nov. 15 fight, where Paul defeated Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX, Thomas followed a strict routine. She didn't spend much time going out with friends as she was very locked into everything with the gym, eating, and ensuring she looked her best for the big moment. She typically keeps a chill, low-profile when not in the ring or modeling.

Focusing on Self

At the moment, Thomas is not interested in a relationship. She says she spends a lot of time alone focusing on herself. She is very invested in herself and spends time working out, going on walks, cooking, and keeping herself healthy. She also focuses on her mental health through journaling and praying. She explains, "I’m very invested in myself. So anything that I can do to just make myself a better version of me is where I spend a lot of my time."In fact, the last month is an indication that she is finding success in her single era. She was able to focus on herself and prepare for the big fight. She headed into the fight with a clear mind and a strict routine, which allowed her to shine. She poses at the Jake Paul and Mike Tyson fight on November 15, 2024 in Texas, looking confident and ready.Never miss a story - sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.