Sports Illustrated features UFC champ Ronda Rousey

MANILA, Philippines – Renowned female fighter Ronda Rousey added another accolade to her illustrious career as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s bantamweight titleholder becomes the first mixed martial artist to grace the pages of Sports Illustrated’s yearly swimsuit edition.

Rousey is featured in the publication’s annual model-filled swimwear issue alongside Danish tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and cover girl Hannah Davis. The magazine is set to hit newsstands this week.

UFC champion @RondaRousey is the first MMA @SI_Swimsuit model http://t.co/A41HggjN30 pic.twitter.com/EEsc9VMIAu

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 9, 2015

Aside from Sports Illustrated, Rousey likewise appeared on the cover of ESPN: The Magazine’s “Body Issue” in 2012.

Rousey is scheduled to defend her gold-plated belt against Cat Zingano in the main event of UFC 184 on February 28 (March 1 in PH) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

The 27-year-old “Rowdy” is coming off a 16-second demolition of Alexis Davis at July’s UFC 175 to stretch her unbeaten record to ten matches.

Aside from Davis, the 27-year-old “Rowdy” also owns triumphs over Sara McMann, Miesha Tate and Liz Carmouche inside the Octagon.

Zingano (9-0) made a successful return from a 17-month layoff by thwarting Amanda Nunes via third-round technical knockout at UFC 178 in September.

The 32-year-old Zingano initially earned the right to vie for the 135-pound division’s top prize when she scored a third-round stoppage win over Tate at The Ultimate Fighter 17 season finale in April 2013, but a knee injury as well as the loss of her husband prevented her from capitalizing on the title shot. – Rappler.com