An image recently surfaced on the Internet that purported to show former UFC women’s bantamweight champion wearing nothing but paint. A quick check of the tattoos appeared to confirm it.
Now the fighter herself has confirmed it, via Instagram.
“Secret’s out,” she wrote. “So here’s a free preview of this year’s 2016 SI swimsuit issue … I was one of the lucky few chosen to be a canvas for a hand painted masterpiece that took 14 hours to put on – these are just behind the scenes shots taken with a phone’s camera, can’t wait to show you guys the final pics the when the issue hits stands!”
Sports Illustrated was clearly behind the initial “leak” and continued with the charade, making reference to more “leaked photos.”
“Well, as it turns out, the beach where we shot Ronda’s gorgeous photos is public, so some eager paparazzi got a few early snaps,” they wrote. “That means Christmas is coming again, folks! We’re sharing a few BTS shots that are sure to tie you over until our official images of Ronda hit newsstands next month.”
If by “paparazzi” they meant SI photographer MJ Day, then the report is accurate 🙂
Don’t expect to see more than paint from Rousey. When Playboy indicated interest in a nude photoshoot, Rousey replied memorably.
“No one should be able to see my cash and prizes for $5, okay,” said Rousey to New York Daily News. “I don’t care how much money they gave me.”
Rousey has done ESPN’s body issue, but while the featured athletes are nude, the cash and prizes are discretely blocked.
“I felt like it was a good way to promote myself and women’s MMA,” said Rousey of the ESPN body issue.. “It wasn’t like Playboy.”
Rousey expanded on her limits, following a discussion with her mother.
“Well, no one saw my vagina,” said Rousey. “There’s the one big difference. The agreement that me and my mom came up with was whatever you’re not willing to show in public, you won’t show in a magazine. So if I’m gonna tan on the beach with my top off facedown, how is that different than anything I’ve shot so far? If they can’t see your cash and prizes, then I’m fine with it. If I’m gonna do that on a Saturday, then what’s wrong with me doing it in a magazine?”
So maybe Rousey will be wandering around the beach in paint!?
