Fighter Ronda Rousey Feels More Beautiful Gaining 15 Pounds

UFC Fighter Ronda Rousey may already look her best while fighting on the ring, but the athlete revealed that she feels more beautiful and healthier after gaining 15 pounds.

The undefeated UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion opened up to Cosmopolitan.com about her issues with body image and told the magazine she purposely gained 15 pounds for the 2015 Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition shoot. Rousey explained wanting to be at her “most feminine shape,” adding that her fighting body, which typically is at 135 pounds, does not make her feel attractive. “At 150 pounds, I feel like I'm at my healthiest and my strongest and my most beautiful,” Rousey shared.

Hailed as ESPY’s Best Female Athlete, the 28-year-old UFC fighter admitted that it took her a long time to develop a healthy relationship with her body. Rousey revealed how she thought having her body look a certain way would make her happy, but it only made her feel worse. “It got to the point where I didn't feel I looked good at 135 pounds, the weight that qualifies me for the weight class that I fight in.”

Although it seems the UFC champion has finally figured out how to balance the demands of her job and personal happiness. Rousey disclosed she only maintains her fighting weight during competitions. “Afterward, I maintain a weight where I'm not starving or feeling weak, which makes me happier,” the athlete said.

Despite Rousey’s seemingly tough demeanor and amazing fighting prowess, the UFC athlete is a big hit with the kids. During an open workout in Rio de Jainero Wednesday, a little boy came running to give her a big hug, ESPN.Go.com reported. Rousey was reportedly taken by surprise, but hugged her little fan back before giving him an autograph.

Meanwhile, mixed martial arts athlete Conor McGregor described Rousey as “unbelievable” and a “special individual,” Sports Illustrated stated. McGregor also recounted a time he met the Olympic bronze medalist and hugged the UFC star in greeting. “I swear on my life her back muscles were the solidest (sic) back muscles I'd ever felt in my life," said McGregor.

Aside from being a UFC champion, Rousey has also branched out in Hollywood, appearing in movies such as “Expendables 3,” “Furious 7” and “Entourage.” Rousey is also set to defend her bantamweight title on Saturday in a match with Bethe Correia in Rio de Janeiro.