UFC Ronda Rousey Claims 2016 Sports Illustrated Magazine "Pays Homage to Different Body Types"

UFC Fighter Ronda Rousey lands one of the three covers of the famed Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Rousey called the issue "historic" and claimed that the publication "pays homage to different body types of women."

The California native joins plus-size model Ashley Graham and two-time Swimsuit Illustrated model Hailey Clauson as the cover models for the three variations of this year's cover.

The New York Post reports that Rousey was more than happy with the swimsuit magazine. In a release, the mixed martial artist said, "It's a real honor being part of such a historic issue that really pays homage to different body types of women and not promoting just one cookie cutter image for every woman, but showing that the healthiest version of every body type is the sexiest version out there. And I couldn't be happier."

The 2016 covers for SI's swimsuit issue is a revolutionary move in more ways than one. The 29-year-old Rousey is the first athlete to ever grace the cover while the 28-year-old lingerie model Graham is the first plus-size cover girl for the swimsuit issue, a publication which began back in 1952.

The Big Lead announced MJ Day, SI assistant managing editor, hailed the athlete, saying, "Ronda Rousey is a cultural phenomenon. She is the perfect combination of beauty, brains, brawn and humility. She possesses a spirit bigger than the space around her, and it is both infectious and inspiring. She's a Phoenix, as fiery and beautiful as any mythical creature ever depicted."

Rousey lost for the first time ever in her entire UFC career. She was unable to fend off the attacks of Holly Holm in a fight held last November. Despite the career setback, after the major loss, Rousey has recovered remarkably well. Aside from gracing the cover of one of the hottest magazine issues this year, she hosted Saturday Night Live last month and is set to star in the remake of the 1980s classic film, Road House.

The groundbreaking SI issue is out in newsstands now.