Swimsuit

Ronda Rousey Shows Power and Poise in These 7 Stunning Photos From Florida

Despite cool temperatures, the athlete managed to look comfortable and beautiful during her SI Swimsuit debut.

Martha Zaytoun

Ronda Rousey poses for the camera wearing a black halter neck bathing suit and with her hair braided.

Ronda Rousey was photographed by Walter Iooss Jr. in Captiva, Florida.

Ronda Rousey may be most known for her appearances in the wresting ring, taking part in competitions on both World Wrestling Entertainment and Ultimate Fighting Championship, but the martial artist is also a repeat SI Swimsuit model. Beginning with a trip to Captiva, Fla., in 2015, the athlete has graced the pages of the magazine on two separate occasions (including the ’16 cover). 

While she was a bit nervous, Rousey wasn’t scared for her first feature. Her professional athletic career helped her put it “into perspective.” While wrestling and fighting is dangerous, posing for SI Swimsuit couldn’t hurt her. “What’s the worst that can happen? Someone will say I look bad in a bikini?” she said. 

Rousey had to “[feel] things out,” when she first stepped on set and met photographer Walter Iooss, Jr. Because of the cooler temperatures, posing during sunrise and sunset were a bit of a challenge for the athlete. Despite the cold and the goosebumps covering her body in the first few snapshots, “I just had to look as comfortable as possible,” she said.

The 36-year-old succeeded in looking comfortable and poised in all of the images from the day. Below are some of our favorites of the poised and powerful athlete in Florida.

Ronda Rousey poses in the setting sun with her hair down and wearing a black triangle bikini.
Ronda Rousey lays on a blue mat wearing a black one-piece and looks at the camera.
Ronda Rousey poses in the sun with her hands on her hips wearing a black halter neck bikini.
Ronda Rousey poses with her hair down in a black one-piece with cut-outs.
Ronda Rousey performs a martial arts pose in the sand wearing a black sheer shirt and black bikini bottoms.
Ronda Rousey sits on the counter of a bar with her back to a wooden pole wearing a black triangle bikini set.
Ronda Rousey poses in a black bikini and white button down and holds her arms out in a punching position.

Now through Nov. 1, 100% of SI Swimsuit’s portion of proceeds from cover prints purchased here will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which is helping to support the people and places of Maui affected by the recent wildfires.

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Martha Zaytoun

MARTHA ZAYTOUN

Martha Zaytoun is a Lifestyle & Trending News writer for SI Swimsuit. Before joining the team, Martha worked on the editorial board of the University of Notre Dame’s student magazine and on the editorial team at Chapel Hill, Durham and Chatham Magazines in North Carolina. When not working, Martha loves to watercolor and oil paint, run or water ski. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a huge Fighting Irish fan.