Tag: Big Ramy
Bob Cicherillo Says Big Ramy Not Taking 2023 Off, Talks Nick Walker vs Hadi Choopan: ‘Hadi at 100% Wins’
Despite initial speculation, athletes rep Bob Cicherillo believes fans will see Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay back on a contest stage in 2023. In a recent interview with Desktop Bodybuilding, Cicherillo said Big Ramy would likely compete at this year’s Olympia and discussed a possible showdown between Nick Walker and Hadi Choopan.
As a two-time Mr. Olympia, fans and bodybuilding veterans expected Ramy to retain his title for the next few years. However, the 2022 Olympia contest was highly competitive and he was unable to defend successfully. Instead, Hadi Choopan secured his first title with Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker taking second and third, respectively. In a shocking turn of events, Ramy dropped to fifth place.
With redemption fueling his next appearance, Big Ramy made a surprise entrance into the 2023 Arnold Classic. Before the event, he received intravenous stem cell injections in hopes of rectifying some of the issues that held him back from success, like his lats, triceps, and lower back. Dr. Khan, who oversaw Ramy’s therapy, believed it would make a difference in the months to come.
And while Elssbiay brought an improved package to Columbus, Ohio, it wasn’t complete enough to stop Samson Dauda from claiming gold. Ramy battled with Shaun Clarida en route to securing fourth. In light of his last two contests, Bob Cicherillo suspected that Ramy’s time on top had come to an abrupt end.
Cicherillo upset fans after admitting Ramy had little-to-no chance of regaining his Mr. Olympia title. He joined Ramy in a one-on-one interview recently, where they discussed the Egyptian native’s future in the sport. During the conversation, Ramy mentioned that he might not return until next year’s Olympia (2024). However, it now appears Cicherillo expects Ramy to make a play for Choopan’s title this November.
Bob Cicherillo Talks Big Ramy 2023 Plans: ‘I Don’t Think He’s Taking the Entire Year Off’
Bob said he misspoke during his recent interview with Big Ramy. He believes Elssbiay will likely compete at the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
“You just hit it. What I meant to say was the next Olympia, not really – I consider next year, we all talk in those same terms, it was really just me misspeaking in the way I was putting it. What I meant to say is we’re probably not going to see you until the next Olympia. Now, I think he was thinking the same thing. I don’t think he’s taking the entire year off.
But, you know, he was pretty candid in that interview as you heard. He’s pretty good. You can see there’s a sense of – he doesn’t really know. He’s in some uncharted waters right now which he was pretty much telling everybody, which is he’s going to have to see how his body responds. There has been some notable changes I think we can all see that.”
“We’ve heard he’s done some stem cells and this and that. Listen, there’s no guarantee with those types of things. If it involves nerves, which I think it does, we’ve seen it with bodybuilders over the year, body parts just start to shrink up. It’s a nerve impingement or whatever. Sometimes that don’t come back. If it don’t come back, he’s going to have a very difficult time.”
Cicherillo suspects Ramy will call it a career if he’s not able to ‘get back to where he was.’
“He may not be able to return to form as he said, which is interesting because everyone got on my ass for saying he can’t return to what he looked like basically, so why would he bother. He said the same thing. If he can’t get back to where he was then he’ll hang them up. What champion wouldn’t? Why would you want to come back at 50%? I don’t want to see that not just with Ramy, but I dont’ want to see that with any champion.”
Can Nick Walker Defeat Hadi Choopan at 2023 Mr. Olympia If Both Are 100%? Cicherillo Says ‘No.’
Despite Choopan’s latest performance, Cicherillo isn’t convinced he’ll remain champion after the next Olympia show.
“Yeah he just did [beat Nick Walker] it was called last year’s Olympia. Well, listen, Hadi can improve too right? So, I mean listen, Nick – anybody can improve okay, but what you can’t improve is your structure or proportions and that’s where Nick is going to have a tough time against a Hadi and not just Hadi because I believe Hadi is going to have a difficult time repeating this year, if I’m making an early prediction.”
With both men at 100%, Cicherillo says Choopan defeats Walker but reserved Samson Dauda as one of his frontrunners to win 2023 Olympia.
“I already put out there that I think Samson is literally the man to beat. I think it will come down to him and Derek Lunsford and you have some other new guys coming on. So, Nick’s got his work cut out but you can never count Nick out because he’s a workhorse and he’ll work himself to death and all he’s done is improved so you don’t ever count him out but by the same token, we got to keep things real and I got to look at what I see when it comes to structure, shape, symmetry, proportions, muscularity, and display of the muscles — all those factors come into play. Is Nick a contender? Absolutely. Do I think he can beat Hadi? If they are both 100%, No,” Bob Cicherillo explained.
Cicherillo compared Walker to bodybuilding veteran Branch Warren due to their conditioning and freak factor.
“You know what, that’s why we play the game and you’re exactly right. Listen, a guy named Branch Warren who I’m pretty good friends with did pretty good in his career I’d say taking runner-up in Olympia; almost won that, and you know, Arnold Classics and every other title you could possibly get. Branch admittedly over the years, he’s very candid, very blue-collar type of a guy. He just simply outworked everybody.”
In Bob Cicherillo’s recent Voice of Bodybuilding podcast, he took aim at biased coaches and trainers. Some fans argued that Cicherillo has never won an Olympia title therefore he’s not qualified to critique the sport. Cicherillo disagreed and stressed that contests can only be accurately judged live, not by looking at a computer screen.
RELATED: Big Ramy Training Partner Dennis James Calls Out Bob Cicherillo for ‘Misleading’ Comparison
The bodybuilding community is excited to see Ramy’s comeback story, and whether or not Nick Walker can take the throne from Hadi Choopan. Derek Lunsford will also be in the hunt to secure gold and was recently backed by Ronnie Coleman as the next Mr. Olympia.
Check out the full video below, courtesy of the Desktop Bodybuilding YouTube channel:
Published: 20 April, 2023 | 7:48 PM EDT
Big Ramy Casts Doubt on Competing This Year, Might Sit Out 2023 Olympia
It appears Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay‘s contest plans have yet to be finalized. In a recent YouTube video with Bob Cicherillo, Ramy suggested that he might take the year off and return at the 2024 Mr. Olympia competition. As a two-time Mr. Olympia, many in the sport suspected Ramy’s reign would last a few more…
Big Ramy Clears the Air with Bob Cicherillo on Retirement Calls
Egyptian bodybuilder Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay is on a mission to redeem himself after slipping at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. In a recent video posted on YouTube, Ramy cleared the air with IFBB Pro League athletes’ representative Bob Cicherillo regarding the criticism he received after getting dethroned and his plans ahead.
Former two-time Mr. Olympia Big Ramy has been a regular feature of the Men’s Open division since 2013. He turned heads with his freakish muscle mass and size that overwhelmed many mass monsters in the category. He scored gold at the 2013 New York Pro and retained his title in 2014 while working his way up the ranks. In 2020, Ramy secured his maiden Sandow trophy by dethroning Brandon Curry. He added the second title under his belt at the 2021 Mr. Olympia.
Last season, Big Ramy was looking to extend his lead at the top as he went up against a crop of new talent and proven contenders at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Ultimately, it was Hadi Choopan who knocked Ramy off the throne. Ramy suffered a setback and dropped down to the fifth place.
There was speculation about the possibility of an injury plaguing Ramy on stage in Las Vegas. Ramy did not let the result hold him back as he signed up for the 2023 Arnold Classic. He underwent stem cell treatment in preparation for the show. Dr. Khan reported positive findings after the treatment and expected Ramy to do better in Ohio.
Big Ramy at 2022 Olympia
His coach Chad Nicholls admitted the Olympia prep did not go according to plan. While he entered the event confident, a series of challenges halted the pair from bringing their best form.
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler extended his support for Ramy last month. He lauded Ramy for his impressive package and backed him to potentially pull off a triumphant comeback. In the end, Ramy slotted in fourth place at the 2023 Arnold Classic.
Bob Cicherillo counted out Ramy’s chances in the sport aftiner the outcome last month. He stressed the need for Ramy to completely transform his whole physique if he wanted to get back in the judges’ good graces. However, he expressed doubts about the prospect. He doubled down on his take days later when he called on Ramy to step on the sidelines.
The 38-year-old issued a fiery message aimed at the critics who suggested he hang up his posing trunks. He made it clear he was in the game to stay and will not be leaving anytime soon.
Big Ramy clears the air with Bob Cicherillo on calls for retirement
In a recent YouTube video, Big Ramy made peace with Bob Cicherillo in light of their differences regarding his career.
“I hear many things. If somebody can’t give the game 100 percent,” said Ramy. “We have many things in the sport we can do not only the state, but we can support the sport of many things else. But me and Bob agree I can do that if my body responds.”
Ramy faced backlash for missing the guest-posing appearance at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro. He confirmed he’d be at this year’s edition a few weeks ago and teased the anticipated showing when asked about his road to the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
“Maybe in Pittsburgh. Jim offered me to come, being the biggest name in the sport. When you close to him, he’s a great person and supports everyone and I never think I can do disrespect for any reason. Last year what happened, I really feel bad because I miss this show. It’s important for me because I respect this game and the fans.”
Cicherillo believes Ramy is past his best days and argued against giving him false hope about potentially reclaiming the Olympia title.
Ramy may not possess the package that won him the coveted Sandow trophy but he’s ready to give it his all in hopes of adding to his glittering resume.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 16 April, 2023 | 12:53 PM EDT
Big Ramy Shares Final Physique Update At 337.7 Pounds Before Olympia Diet Begins
Big Ramy is entering the final stage of his preparation for the 2022 Olympia.
Big Ramy is officially entering the final stages of his Olympia prep for the 2022 contest. The reigning two-time champion shared a final physique update before beginning his contest diet for the biggest show of the year.
Ramy looks massive in his most recent physique update at 337.7 pounds. He is viewed as the favorite to win his third consecutive Sandow Trophy because he is likely to enter the contest shredded at an insane size. Ramy missed a chance to guest pose at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro but has clearly kept up with his preparation.
Entering the 2021 Olympia, Ramy did not begin his training until a couple months before the show. He did not bring his best package to the stage but was still able to put together a winning physique. That was not the case this year as Big Ramy began prep right away for the 2022 show.
Now, Ramy is entering his contest diet to take his physique to another level.
Big Ramy: “Let The Fun Begin”
On Thursday morning, Big Ramy shared a physique update and his current weight before entering a different stage of preparation.
“Last pictures before start of my contest diet. Weight 153.5kg/ 337.7lbs. Let the fun begin.”
Big Ramy has been active on social media recently sharing physique updates and keeping fans current on his weight. In the pictures, Ramy is seen hitting a double-bicep pose and giving shots of his back. Ramy’s delts and lats look insanely large in the pictures as he prepares to put the finishing touches on a shredded physique.
Recently, Ramy spoke on who he believes would be the top three at the Olympia if he was not involved. He highlighted Brandon Curry, William Bonac, and Hadi Choopan. Curry and Choopan finished second and third respectively in 2021. There are many who believe that Bonac should have won the 2022 Arnold Classic and will be a force come the Olympia.
The Men’s Open division is extremely deep, making for an exciting competition. Newcomers, such as Andrew Jacked, will be in the mix as well. Nick Walker and Hunter Labrada will be looking to build off top-five finishes in 2021.
Dennis James has promised that Ramy will be at his absolute best coming into the 2022 Olympia. Off two championships, he has to be the favorite to lift the trophy once again.
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Big Ramy Discusses Competition, Shares His Top Three Heading Into 2022 Olympia
Big Ramy shared who would be in the top-tier of his Olympia score card.
Big Ramy is at the top of the bodybuilding world after two consecutive Olympia titles. He will be fighting for his third in a row come December. During a recent conversation, Ramy took some time to discuss the competition and who he believes could finish top three at the show.
In 2020, Big Ramy dethroned Brandon Curry to win his first Olympia title. He successfully defended his title in 2021 and many believe he is the odds-on favorite to three-peat. Curry finished as the runner-up in each of the last two years.
Big Ramy began his training for the 2022 show shortly after winning in October. He admitted to not bringing his best package to the stage his last time out and it was because his prep began late. Now, he will not have that problem and will likely hit the Olympia stage shredded at an incredible size. Ramy has appeared as a guest poser sparingly over the last year but missed the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro.
There are few who can contend with the overall size of Ramy and that is why he is considered the favorite once again. So, who does Big Ramy think can finish in the top three?
Big Ramy Shares His Top Three
Big Ramy joined Dennis James on The Menace Podcast on YouTube for a conversation. He was asked by Milos Sarcev who his biggest rival is. The question changed to who would be his top three if Big Ramy was not competing in the show.
“I have to say William, Brandon, Hadi,” Big Ramy answered.
Hadi Choopan finished in third place last year and has been one of the top competitors in recent years. There are many veterans who believe that Choopan showed up in the best shape last year and could have won the title.
“I respect all of them. Hadi, his shape and conditioning is really good,” Ramy said.
William Bonac impressed many during the 2022 Arnold Classic, as he finished second to Curry. Bonac put himself in position to reclaim the Arnold Classic title and put a winning package together. He will look to keep it together heading into the Olympia.
Big Ramy continued to explain who his biggest rival is. He did not single out an competitor but focused on himself.
“Dennis asked me this question, and it’s not a political answer, I say this for a long time. It’s one words. It’s Ramy. If I am not 100%, I would be f***ed up,” Big Ramy said.
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Dennis James Guarantees “The Best Ramy Ever” During the 2022 Olympia
Big Ramy and his coach Dennis James are putting together what could be another championship physique.
Dennis James is the bodybuilding coach of Big Ramy, who has won two consecutive Olympia titles. Is there any chance that he could come into the 2022 competition in better shape than previous years?
It was said following the 2021 Olympia that Big Ramy did not begin his preparation until just before the show. That was not the case this time around. Following his victory, Ramy and James were back in the gym just a couple weeks later preparing for 2022. According to James, this will be “the best Ramy” that we have seen.
Big Ramy has been a bit more active on social media sharing different workout videos and physique updates. This is all fans have seen since he missed out on being a guest poser at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro. Regardless, there are many who believe that Ramy will win the show going away if he comes in shredded at his current weight.
There is still 15 weeks before the biggest bodybuilding show of the year. James and Ramy are hoping to be on track to bring home a third consecutive title.
Dennis James On Big Ramy’s Physique: “It’s Next Level”
Dennis James got on the topic of the Olympia during an episode of The Menace podcast. As impressive as the physique updates have been, James believes that you have to see Big Ramy in person to completely understand.
“I’m pushing him hard. He’s willing to get totally pushed. It’s surprising to me because it’s four months out and I could push him really really well. Ramy looks f***ing bad! I had him pose today again. The videos and the pictures do not do him any justice.”
Bodybuilding veterans believed that Hadi Choopan showed up to the 2021 Olympia in the best shape and could have been crowned champion. Instead, the overall size of Ramy continued to impress during his routine. Because of his lack of preparation, Ramy was not in his best shape.
According to Dennis James, he is aware of that and is preparing to bring a better version of himself.
“He knows he wasn’t at his best. He was better Saturday, but he knows Friday he wasn’t on. He knows. He knows because there was over six months where he didn’t even train. So, three and a half, four months before the Olympia – trying to gain all that muscle back and get into shape at the same time — that’s not possible.”
Not only is Ramy looking good but he is stronger than ever. He showed that off by machine pressing 440 pounds during one of his workouts.
Big Ramy will be the favorite heading into the 2022 Olympia and Dennis James believes it will be the best we have seen.
“He’s going to be so good everywhere else, I guarantee you, if nothing goes wrong… I guarantee you, this is going to be the best Ramy ever. Then, it’s going to be really really frustrating for a lot of people.”
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Big Ramy Shares Workout Videos Ahead Of 2022 Olympia
Big Ramy looks primed and ready to make a run at his third consecutive Olympia title.
Big Ramy has been hard at work in the gym for months now preparing for the 2022 Olympia. He has shared different physique updates, sharing his current weight, and has now displayed some workout videos being used leading up to the competition.
In 2021, Ramy showed his pure size and conditioning on stage. There were many that thought he was not the most ripped and could have been defeated. In the end, the entire package was enough to earn him his second consecutive Sandow Trophy. Following the competition, it was admitted that Big Ramy did not train year round and was not at his best.
This was corrected in 2022. Big Ramy returned to the gym shortly after the 2021 competition so he had enough time to build the best physique possible. Since then, there has been some storylines surrounding Ramy, especially when he missed the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro as a guest poser.
Ramy is training at a high level recently and decided to share some different videos with his coach Dennis James.
Big Ramy Sculpting The Perfect Physique
On Friday morning, Big Ramy was back in the gym hitting shoulders. he was going up and down the rack performing side lateral raises with different dumbbells. In the caption, it is clear that his motivation is there for December.
“I will not slow down. I’m excited to see what the future has in store for me.”
James has also been sharing different workouts being used by Ramy over the course of his offseason.
“The 4 D’s Drive, Discipline, Determination and Dedication! Big Ramy at this point got it all.”
There are many who believe that Hadi Choopan showed up in the best shape in 2021. Ramy is making sure that these conversations do not happen again. If he comes in shredded, it is likely that Big Ramy displays a package that is difficult to top on stage.
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Big Ramy Gives Superhuman Physique Update, Looks Ready to Win the 2022 Olympia
Big Ramy looks superhuman in recent physique update.
Reigning Mr. Olympia Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay is looking absolutely insane in his latest physique update ahead of the 2022 Olympia. The two-time Olympia champion is looking to repeat this year. From his latest update it seems like a foregone conclusion.
It appears that Big Ramy is ready to win the 2022 Mr. Olympia. The reigning Olympia champion recently provided a physique update that shows him in top form. After years of climbing up the ranks, battling to secure his position as a top ten bodybuilder, Big Ramy has now asserted himself as the premiere athlete in the Men’s Open division.
While there are great up and comers like Nick Walker and Hunter Labrada that are sure to test Big Ramy in the future, it seems a forgone conclusion that the Egyptian bodybuilder will be a shoe-in for victory. Many have stated that the reigning champion hasn’t posted enough updates through the year. But each update that Big Ramy provides is made all the more impressive because he offers up little on social media.
His latest update on his Instagram page shows a Big Ramy that is not only in top form, but arguably more improved from last year. Even Nick Walker has said that if Big Ramy comes in shape he’s likely to win again. From the looks of things, the Egyptian powerhouse seems poised and ready to make those words a reality.
Incredible Physique Update
Big Ramy’s latest update shows that he has maintained an incredibly small waist while also retaining his enormous size he’s become known for. Every bodybuilder has been put on notice and we can only imagine what the finish product will look like. Until then this physique update will be enough to shut down the detractors and generate interest with the fans.
There’s no doubt about it, Big Ramy is once again the favorite to win the Olympia. If he’s able to bring this kind of physique to the stage at the 2022 show, every bodybuilder should simply be organizing their plans for taking second place. But while Big Ramy does look impressive, no one should be surprised if some of the talented top five competitors is able to shock the world with an upset. However, it seems pretty unlikely at this point.
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Nick Walker Discusses Facing Big Ramy In 2022 Olympia: “It’s Going To Be A Good Battle Between Me And Him”
Nick Walker admits that Big Ramy will win if he comes in shredded.
Big Ramy has won the previous two Olympia competitions and will enter the 2022 event as the favorite once again. The Men’s Open division is extremely top heavy, which makes for an entertaining show. If there is a mass monster that can compete with Big Ramy this year, it could be Nick Walker, if all goes right.
Walker turned in an extremely impressive rookie season and has built a championship physique at a young age. He won the 2021 New York Pro and followed that up with a victory at the Arnold Classic. Just two weeks later, Walker finished fifth at his first Olympia competition. He was unhappy with this finish and vowed for a better performance in 2022.
Big Ramy recently shared a physique update as he weighs 337 pounds at this point of his training. He will be the favorite to lift the Sandow Trophy once again and it is always interesting to think about competitors who could jump him on the score card.
Nick Walker Preparing For Battle Against Big Ramy
Nick Walker joined Fouad Abiad on Bro Chat to discuss Big Ramy’s physique update, along with his current progress in the gym. Walker believes that he can make a jump into the top two and even challenge Big Ramy for the title.
“I’m in pretty good shape for being 300. Listen, if this is going to go how I think it’s going to go… it’s going to be a good battle between me and him,” Walker said.
Big Ramy and his team admitted that his training was not up to par heading into the 2021 Olympia — and he was still able to best the competition because of his sheer size. Shortly after winning in October, Big Ramy returned to the gym to begin preparing for the 2022 event. Entering December, Big Ramy will have over a year of training under his belt.
Nick Walker admits that Ramy will “probably” win his third consecutive title if he shows up shredded.
“Okay, well he looks really fu***g good. He didn’t train last year that much and then he showed up at Olympia not as good as the year before. Now, it seems to me that he’s staying very consistent. If he comes in shredded, he’s probably going to win again. If he comes in even slightly off, he can be open to anyone.”
Nick Walker continues to give credit to Big Ramy for his posing and current look of his physique.
“His front double is really good. If those are recent updates, he looks very good.”
Nick Walker has a chance to improve upon his finish from 2021. He is one of the top competitors in the world and will continue to show it come December. Can he take down Big Ramy? There is no doubt that he is one of few who has a chance to accomplish this feat.
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Big Ramy Gives First MASSIVE Physique Update of 2022, Weighs 336.6Lbs
Big Ramy is looking massive in most recent physique update.
Number one bodybuilder in the world Mamdouh ’Big Ramy’ Elssbiay revealed that he weighs 336.6lbs in a recent physique update. The reigning Mr. Olympia champion gave his first major update of 2022 and it’s a doozy.
Whether you agree or not, size matters. That’s particularly true when it comes to Men’s Open Bodybuilding featuring the most massive bodybuilders on the planet. If that was T true then Big Ramy wouldn’t be the current reigning Olympia champion. Of course his other attributes make him the clear best of the best, but it’s his size that certainly helps his case.
As his name would suggest Big Ramy has always been massive compared to the competition. He is the first man to step onto the Olympia stage weighing over 300lbs. It was quite the feat to say the least. Now it appears that the reigning Mr. Olympia has packed on even more muscle ahead of the 2022 show.
Despite being Olympia champion, Big Ramy hasn’t been making many public appearances. He hasn’t shared many updates this year either. But things have changed, particularly in the latter regard.
Big Ramy recently shared a physique update and it’s quite a massive one. The two-time Mr. Olympia champion is apparently tipping the scales at a massive 336.6lbs.
18 weeks out at 336.6lbs/153kg
With such a massive increase in size it’s clear that Big Ramy is taking no prisoners at this year’s show. While he may not have flooded his timeline with updates all year, seeing this one makes it clear that he hasn’t been slacking in the off season one bit.
What do you think of Big Ramy weighing in at 336.6lbs?
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.