How Ronda Rousey And Serena Williams Prove STRONG Is The New Sexy

Beauty around the world, especially in the United States has been viewed as a blonde, blue-eyed model that could grace the cover of any fashion magazine.

But there's a new trend toward women who are strong physically and mentally. (Good riddance, wilting flower!) 

For the first time, women like UFC boxer Ronda Rousey and pro tennis star Serena Williams are changing the way we view beauty in this country.  (Ronda Rousey was recently featured on the cover of the November Issue of Men's Fitness. It was the first time a woman was featured on the cover.) 

Yes, strong is new "sexy."  And men, should embrace this, not criticize.

What makes Ronda Rousey and Serena Williams sexy isn't just about their looks. There are plenty of pretty girls out there. It's these 3 character traits that make them really special.

1. They are multi-dimensional.

Even though both women are at the top of their game, they don't focus on their sports 24/7.  Sure they've been featured in magazines known to highlight beauty, like Vogue and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. But both of these woman haven't just rested on their good looks to expand their brand. Rousey has had several acting roles in movies such as Entourage and Furious 7. She will have the feature role in Roadhouse, which was a role that was held by Patrick Swayze. Williams has a successful clothing line that has been featured on the Home Shopping Network and is also part-owner of the Miami Dolphins.

What also sets them apart is their tremendous charity work. Rousey hosts a charity auction that supports impoverished John H. Liechty Middle School in Los Angeles.  

Serena, along with sister Venus Williams, took part in a program called the Break the Mould initiative, aimed at encouraging women to break through stereotypes that may be standing between them and their potential.

2. They’ve embraced their non-stereotypical looks.

It took a major illness for Serena gain an appreciation for her "thicker" body. She's been able to thrive with an athletic physique, while other female athletes have struggled with body image and eating disorders. Serena stated in a recent New York Times article that "I’m really happy with my body type, and I’m really proud of it. Obviously it works out for me. I talk about it all the time, how it was uncomfortable for someone like me to be in my body. But then I realized that you really have to learn to accept who you are and love who you are.”

Rousey is no DNB. After being criticized for having a masculine body, Rousey fired back: "Listen, just because my body was developed for a purpose other than f*cking millionaires doesn't mean it's masculine. I think it's femininely badass as f*ck because there's not a single muscle on my body that isn't for a purpose, because I'm not a do nothing b*tch." After that, she launched the #DNB campaign, selling T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan to raise money for charity.

3. They’ve worked hard to become the best.

For Rousey, it's the armbar which has allowed her to dominate her opponents. For Serena, her serve has hit speeds of 127 mph. But when I mean the best, I don't just mean in on the court and in the ring, I mean in life.

Being the best takes confidence and a take-no-crap attitude. Both women have definitely have that in spades. That level of confidence allows them to be themselves and to be honest. And in the end isn't that what makes a woman sexy?