Ronda Rousey on One of Three Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 Covers

Earlier this evening, Sports Illustrated, TNT and IMG announced who will grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 issue during the one-hour special “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 Revealed.” Hosts Rebecca Romijn and Nick Cannon announced that, for the first time in the history of the annual issue, there will be three separate covers featuring three different models: Hailey Clauson, Ashley Graham and Ronda Rousey (The Expendables 3, Furious 7, upcoming Road House). You can view the announcement clip below and check out photos in the gallery.

“Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 Revealed” was a first-of-its-kind broadcast event that culminated with the unveiling of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 cover models. Actor, comedian and recording artist Nick Cannon and “The Librarians” star and “Skin Wars” host Rebecca Romijn led the festivities, which celebrated the women in this year’s edition. The special aired earlier this evening during NBA All-Star Weekend on TNT, following the network’s coverage of State Farm NBA All-Star Saturday Night.

“Every single woman that is booked for this magazine is cover worthy,” said Assistant Managing Editor MJ Day. “The collective beauty in the magazine is overwhelming. SI has always been and will always be about the models; the pictures you see here are a celebration of them. The three covers of Hailey, Ronda and Ashley celebrate the new SI Swimsuit. All three women are beautiful, sexy and strong. Beauty is not cookie cutter. Beauty is not ‘one size fits all.’ Beauty is all around us and that became especially obvious to me while shooting and editing this year’s issue.”

On choosing Ronda Rousey’s cover: “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.”

On choosing Ashley Graham’s cover: ” Ashley Graham is a sultry, feminine masterpiece. I dare you not to stare at her. Ashley commands your attention in her photographs. She owns her sexiness in a way that every woman should. Her confidence is contagious.”

On choosing Hailey Clauson’s cover: “Hailey Clauson is the definition of a modern bombshell. Learn a little about her and you’ll appreciate her beauty even more. Even as unsettling as her beauty can be, one minute in her company and you’ll feel like you’ve known her for years.”