Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue: Ashley Graham, Ronda Rousey And Hailey Clauson Land Historic Covers (PHOTOS)

Sports Illustrated just made history with their 2016 Swimsuit Issue. Instead of just one cover, the magazine unveiled three different covers featuring three gorgeous women, all while celebrating the fact that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

The covers were officially revealed on TNT Saturday night during an hour-long special called "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 Revealed" following the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk competition. After weeks of speculation, the magazine finally announced that plus size model Ashley Graham, UFC fighter Ronda Rousey and model Hailey Clauson would be on the three different covers of the iconic issue.

"The three covers of Hailey, Ronda and Ashley celebrate the new SI Swimsuit," Assistant Managing Editor MJ Day said. "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 because especially obvious to me while shooting and editing this year's issue."

Day then went on to explain why they chose these three from all the beautiful woman in the magazine that were "cover worthy."

"Ronda Rousey is a cultural phenomenon. She is the perfect combination of beauty, brains, brawn and humility," she explained. "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."

Rousey, 29, posted her cover, which she's wearing nothing but body paint, on Instagram, writing, "Such an honor to share the cover with @theashleygraham and @haileyclauson for @si_swimsuit's issue celebrating women of all body types."

As for why Graham, 28, landed a cover spot, Day explained that she is a "sultry, feminine masterpiece." "I dare you not to stare at her," she added. "Ashley commands your attention in her photographs. She owns her sexiness in a way that every woman should. Her confidence is contagious."

Graham also took to Instagram to share her cover and a few photos from inside the magazine and to explain that having a size 16 model on the cover is not just an accomplishment for her, but a win for women everywhere.  

"Truly speechless!!! This cover is for every woman who felt like she wasn't beautiful enough because of her size," she wrote. "You can do and achieve anything you put your mind to. Thank you so much to the entire @si_swimsuit team! I'm so excited to be a part of your family. I love you all!!!"

And for why they decided on Clauson for the third and final cover, Day explained that it's because she "is the definition of a modern bombshell." "Learn a little about her and you'll appreciate her beauty even more," she said of the 20-year-old blonde. "Even as unsettling as her beauty can be, one minute in her company and you'll feel like you've known her for years."

Clauson also shared her topless cover shot to Instagram with a lengthy caption, explaining just how happy she is to be a part of something as major as this. "I'm so incredible excited to announce that I am on the cover of the 2016 issue of sports illustrated swimsuit issue," she wrote. "Honestly words can't describe how grateful I am. I have worked my butt off and never gave up on my dream! Thank you so much for making my dreams come true tonight. @mj_day I have so much love for you!"