Yes, Ronda Rousey did pose for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit again, and yes, without a scrap of clothing.
Earlier this week, the 28-year-old MMA fighter sparked speculation she will appear in the annual issue for the second year in a row after one of the outlet's editors teased on Twitter an uncensored photo that appeared to show her naked from behind, covered in a body-painted black and white swimsuit. Sports Illustrated teased readers further but saying, "We can neither confirm nor deny these rumors, but isn't the idea of Ronda donning nothing but paint enough to tide you over until the issue comes out in February?"
Rousey, who's fittingly sporting We Are Handsome's "The Fighter" suit, and the magazine confirmed her upcoming appearance on Thursday, after candid photos were also leaked.
"Secret's out—so here's a free preview of this year's 2016 SI swimsuit issue," the UFC star wrote on Instagram, alongside a screenshot of a tweet from the magazine, which contained another photo of her in her body paint, sitting on a beach in the shallow water.
"I was one of the lucky few chosen to be a canvas for a hand painted masterpiece by @joannegair that took 14 hours to put on and photographed by the brilliant @fredericpinet," she said. "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!"
Other models will also appear in body paint in the 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.
"Back for her second year, Ronda Rousey will join an elite club of body-painted swimsuit models in the 2016 SI Swimsuit issue," the magazine said on its Swim Daily website. "Yep, you read that right. Ronda will wearing NOTHING BUT PAINT on the pages of our magazine next month."
"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," the message added. "That means Christmas is coming again, folks!"
The new image shows that Rousey's body-painted swimsuit bears an illustration of what appears to be a snow leopard. Rousey had said in 2013 that that is her favorite animal.
?@ZeeRealJimmy: @RondaRousey whats your favorite animal?? Snow leopard
? Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) May 3, 2013This marks her first sexy magazine shoot since she lost UFC 193 and the Women's Bantamweight championship title to Holly Holm in November.
Rousey had appeared in the 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, wearing several racy swimsuits. She also posed naked for ESPN the Magazine's 2012 Body Issue.