Ronda Rousey's #instabooty sends the internet crazy

Ronda Rousey in fight mode. Photo / Getty Images

A photo of a toned derriere, bodypainted to look like the model is wearing a grey and white swimsuit, has the internet in overdrive with speculation that it belongs to Ronda Rousey.

The image posted on Instagram by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor MJ Day hints that the mystery model will feature in their February 2016 edition.

Keen-eyed viewers noted the blonde hair, muscular physique and tattoo's identify Rousey as the model.

The former UFC champion previously debuted new ink on both wrists, a kodokan flower on her right and octagon on her left, both of which are present in the SI snap.

View this post on Instagram

#instabooty if #2016 keeps going like this then I'm going to be one happy happy girl! #bootypaint #siswimsuit

A post shared by MJ Day (@mj_day) on Jan 5, 2016 at 8:15am PST

Rousey posed for Sports Illustrated in 2015, wearing a series of skimpy black swimsuits and shot by famed photographer Walter Iooss Jr in Florida.

The magazine would not say whether she would be returning for a spread this year, but did keep people guessing with a post on their website.

"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?," the article read.

Rousey has remained largely out of the public eye since her shocking loss to Holly Holm for the UFC women's bantamweight title.

"A body-painted spread in SI Swimsuit would truly be a comeback for the ages".

View this post on Instagram

#tbt @si_swimsuit #MultipassSuit Shot by the amazing @walteriooss

A post shared by Ronda Rousey (@rondarousey) on Apr 16, 2015 at 4:20am PDT

If the swimsuit rumours are true, Rousey will be back in the spotlight well and truly, with a recent announcement that she will also be hosting Saturday Night Live later this month.

- nzherald.co.nz