2016 SI Swimsuit Models Body Paint: Ronda Rousey Makes a Comeback?

As we dive into another year of Sports Illustrated's iconic swimsuit issue, rumors are swirling about who will be gracing the pages this time around. Meanwhile, she’s down in the Caribbean somewhere, soaking up the sun and probably smiling from ear to ear. She was also featured in 2015, so it’s pretty impressive that she’s appearing again this year.

This won't be the first time Ronda Rousey has graced the pages of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition. In fact, a body-painted spread would truly be a comeback for the ages! Ronda is coming off a shocking loss to Holly Holm for the UFC women’s bantamweight title and has largely remained out of the public eye since then.

We can neither confirm nor deny these rumors, but isn’t the idea of Ronda donning nothing but paint enough to tie you over until the issue comes out in February? And although the official images have not yet been released, SI Swimsuit tweeted a few cryptic clues that have left fans buzzing.

Thanks to a few inconspicuous tattoos, it looks like our next body-painted beauty may be the one and only Ronda Rousey. Who else out there has a tiny Kodokan flower (a traditional judo symbol) and octagon inked on their wrists? Let’s take a closer look:

It didn’t take long for eagle-eyed Internet readers to notice some distinctive tattoos on the mystery model, which quickly led them to determine this wasn’t just any random backside. In fact, Lindsey Vonn wore nothing but paint for the 2016 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, and it looks like this year might be following suit.

Stay tuned for more updates on who will be making an appearance in this year's SI Swimsuit Edition!

2016 si swimsuit models body paint