Several notable athletes have posed for the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue over the years. Fighting star Paige VanZant is among them.
The 27-year-old fighter rose to fame during her time with the UFC. VanZant, an Oregon native, has since moved onto other fighting area. She’s currently a part of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
VanZant posed for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 2019.
“I was unbelievably shocked that SI Swimsuit called and asked if I would be apart of their magazine. I have constantly been having to prove to the world and UFC fans that you can be beautiful and a bad ass at the same time. Well, now it’s my moment to shine,” she told SI.com.
VanZant, who’s profile continues to grow on social media, has shared some of her favorite shots on Instagram.
“This is my way of not holding anything back. I want people to know that you don’t have to choose. You do not have to label yourself as one thing because that’s what surrounds you. I’m not scared anymore to show how girly I am. To go from an amazing UFC finish win in January, to shooting for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine in February could not be more of a dream come true.”
The 2021 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue also features a notable athlete.
Tennis star Naomi Osaka is on the cover of this year’s issue. The 2021 edition of the iconic magazine hit newsstands earlier this summer.
The online edition can be viewed here.
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