Ronda Rousey: Badass in the Ring, Knockout in a Swimsuit

Ronda Rousey might just be the greatest female athlete of all time — and let’s be honest, she knows how to rock a camera too. Case in point: her Sports Illustrated: Swimwear Edition shoot, which sees her joining the ranks of some seriously iconic cover stars.

If you’ve somehow missed the Rousey hype train, here’s the quick rundown. She’s an American mixed martial artist, Olympic judo medallist, former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, and occasional Hollywood action star. Before her shock defeat to Holly Holm, she went 12-0, finishing eleven of those fights in the first round — nine by armbar. That’s not just impressive. That’s terrifying.

Rousey was also the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo, taking bronze in Beijing in 2008. And in an ESPN fan poll, she was voted Best Female Athlete Ever. Not bad for someone who can also front a global magazine shoot without breaking a sweat.

Her Sports Illustrated shoot landed her on one of three special-edition covers — a first for the mag in over half a century. She shares the spotlight with Ashley Graham, a trailblazing plus-size model, and Hailey Clauson, a fashion model who’s strutted her stuff for brands like Gucci. SI said the issue was “a celebration of the models,” and we’re absolutely on board with that.

Check out Rousey’s cover, along with snaps of Graham and Clauson from the shoot, above. Whether you’re here for the sport, the style, or just the sunshine vibes, it’s one to flick through with admiration.