Tag: nEWS
Matt Jansen: Genetics Are Only Truly Seen Through Work Ethic
Matt Jansen goes into detail about why it’s a mistake to judges a bodybuilder’s genetic potential early in their career.
There’s a lot of talk about genetics in bodybuilding. That’s because when you reach the top levels of pro bodybuilding – your genetic potential can make or break your chance at Olympia victory. Though there have been exceptions – genetics can be the deciding factor between being a Ronnie Coleman and a bodybuilder who doesn’t make the top 5 at Olympia. That being said, there might be too much emphasis put on genetics to the point where it discourages bodybuilders from succeeding. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, bodybuilding coach Matt Jansen explains how the true potential of bodybuilding genetics might not be known without putting in the hard work first.
Straight off the heels of a big victory for Nick Walker at the New York Pro 2021, Matt Jansen is a bodybuilding coach worth listening to. He’s behind some of the best upcoming talent in pro bodybuilding. Most importantly, he has the knowledge to be a true valuable asset and not simply an online self proclaimed guru.
During our conversation with Matt Jansen, we asked him the role genetic potential plays in bodybuilding. How important are the right kind of genetics to succeed in bodybuilding? Are some people genetically predisposed to not succeed in the sport? Should they call in the towel before they sacrifice too much time?
Matt Jansen believes that it’s a mistake to judge a young bodybuilder’s genetics early in their career. According to Jansen, it’s impossible to truly know the genetic potential of someone before they actually put the work in. Too often has Jansen seen genetics used as an excuse to quit or as a reasoning for poor placing. The reality is it could take years of hard and honest training to know what your genetics truly are capable of.
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Watch our GI Exclusive segment with Matt Jansen above!
Matt Jansen uses bodybuilder Brett Wilkin as an example. Jansen states that if he had assessed Wilkin’s genetic potential four years ago – he would have given him some grim news. That would have likely discouraged the bodybuilder. Maybe he would have found another path in life.
Instead, Matt Jansen worked with Brett Wilkin to see how far his body can be pushed. Four years later and Wilkins has shown incredible improvement and is poised to be a true threat in the coming years. Jansen believes that Wilkin would not have made such improvements if he were told that his genetics are holding him back.
At the core of bodybuilding there is something that’s almost impossible to grasp. In fact, it’s at the core of all sports champions. There are many tactics, guides, and expectations that are needed to be a champion. Habits and techniques you can learn. But to be truly great requires something deep down. A mental state that can push further past normal limits. There’s no real way to teach someone how to achieve that psychological state.
Perhaps evaluating a person’s genetic potential too early on further hinders a person’s mental preparedness to be great. Matt Jansen seems to believe that nothing should be final until every single option has been tried.
You can watch Matt Jansen go into more detail about bodybuilding and genetics in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Juan Morel Calls Out Copycat Cookie Companies Stealing Ideas
Juan Morel isn’t pleased with copycat companies.
It appears that Juan Morel is fed up with companies stealing ideas. The bodybuilder recently called out companies who have been stealing he and his wife’s ideas and passing them off as their own. Juan Morel brow beat these accused thieves in a recent post making the rounds on social media.
There’s nothing quite like healthy competition. It drives businesses to produce greater, more superior products than their rivals. A healthy rivalry can drive greater profits for both businesses involved.
However, when those same rivalries can take on a darker twist. There are some companies that aim to completely copy another’s game plan. They aim to steal the very identity of their rivals and pass it off as their own creation. When that starts to happen, things can get ugly.
It appears that very thing has been happening to Karen and Juan Morel. The bodybuilder and his wife have their own business, a gourmet cookie company named My Cookie Dealer. The business has garnered a ton of followers and fanfare since it’s launch. But it seems that other companies have been stealing those same idea that have built the My Cookie Dealer brand.
A Firm Message
Well, Juan Morel has had enough. The bodybuilder took to Instagram and had this to say to those stealing the company’s ideas.
We worked so hard to build OUR company. The way we do things is because is specific and never meant as marketing. When someone comes around when you worked really hard to build something and they pretend they are here to help and then copy you!
One thing is to start a cookie company; hey I’m cool with that nothing wrong with starting you’re own company but when you’re web page and you’re Instagram looks like ours. And I’m getting non stop DMs from people sending me your profile that you are copying us. You should be embarrassed, you are not original and should be ashamed. Down to “perfecting” strawberry poptart cookie?!!? #beendoingthissince2018 You’re legit wild. We SUPPORT so many bodybuilding shows, AS in ACTUALLY sponsor the shows- you think you can come to my family? YOU are a JOKE.
I don’t put people on blast; BUT enough is enough.
Watch the people around you because they are the thieves.
This is definitely an unfortunate situation for Karen and Juan Morel. To work so hard and see your ideas stolen, it can truly be disheartening. Hopefully they’re able to put an end to those out there who are brazenly stealing their ideas.
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Managing Editor 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.
Samir Bannout: Arnold Schwarzenegger Won Olympia 1980 Because Of His Name
Samir Bannout’s First Hand Account Of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Controversial Olympia 1980 Win
One of the most controversial Mr. Olympia competitions in history was in 1980. It was the year that Arnold Schwarzenegger decided to compete last minute after stepping away from the sport. He ended up winning first place and his 7th Olympia trophy. Many fans believed that it was an unearned win fueled by his rising Hollywood fame. It was an infamous moment in pro bodybuilding history. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Samir Bannout shares his first hand account both back stage and on stage of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Olympia 1980 win.
Samir Bannout is a bodybuilding legend in his own right. He is a Mr. Olympia champion and considered by many to have one of the greatest physiques of all time. He was also present at the 1980 Mr. Olympia competition. We sat down with Samir via video chat for our latest GI Exclusive interview. During that conversation, we asked him to reflect on his first hand account of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s return and the drama that ensued at Mr. Olympia 1980.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Secret Competition Prep
Samir Bannout notes that the first thing he remembers I seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger in the gym about a month before the Mr. Olympia. While Arnold did not confirm anything, Samir could tell from the nature of his training that he was preparing to compete again. In fact, he was not completely surprised when Arnold eventually announced he would appear at the Mr. Olympia. It seems that perhaps it wasn’t as last minute a decision as many believe. Simply a surprise to the public.
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Check out our latest GI Exclusive segment with Samir Bannout above!
The Press Conference Aggression
Samir Bannout goes on to describe the press conference before the Mr. Olympia. This is where the drama started to build up. Samir recalls Arnold Schwarzenegger saying some harsh words – particularly to Mike Mentzer. This wasn’t particularly off character for Arnold – who was always cocky as part of his bodybuilding persona. But due to his sudden appearance last minute at this specific competition – the cocky trash talk was received a little differently.
Mike Mentzer became so angry from the press conference comments that he and Arnold Schwarzenegger physically attacked each other. The rest of the athletes and staff had to pull Mike and Arnold apart. That’s how heated things were before the actual competition even started. Of course, this didn’t bode well for what was to come.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Controversial Olympia Win
Arnold Schwarzenegger ultimately was crowned the winner of the Mr. Olympia 1980. This decision was so poorly received that Frank Zane threw his trophy to the ground and multiple athletes stormed off stage. It was clear that many disagreed with the judges decision.
So what about Samir Bannout? Did he disagree with the call? He makes it clear in our conversation that he felt Arnold Schwarzenegger did not deserve to win the Mr. Olympia 1980. In fact, while he does not have confirmation, he has heard many rumors from trusted friends in the industry. Rumors that imply that Arnold Schwarzenegger received help from the judges due to his rising star in Hollywood.
There are those who thought perhaps Arnold was scored more favorably because of how much power he held as a celebrity. Or alternatively, he was so beloved that the judges scored more on Arnold the icon rather than his conditioning.
“Yeah of course so many people got pissed off and I also believe they have the right to get mad,” Samir Bannout states in our interview. He continues:
“I think the assumption was then… do I know exactly what happened or why did Arnold win? Sometimes you have to remember, Arnold had a lot of fans. And he’s Arnold. Everyone looked up to Arnold. And so, I heard that some of the judges loved Arnold. Loved him as Arnold. They didn’t care about his conditioning that day. They voted for him as Arnold and that’s not right. Me personally if my brother was on stage, doesn’t deserve to win, I wouldn’t let him win.”
Samir Bannout makes a point to state he has no proof of this. It’s a rumor he has heard from enough people to trust in the topic. That’s a testament to just how controversial Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1980 victory was. While all of these claims may simply be one day proven false – it’s the optics that led to such fervor.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s last minute entry, his conditioning being off compared to his prime, and his rising fame outside of bodybuilding all created an atmosphere ripe for conspiracy theories and unhappy fans.
We may never know the truth behind what exactly happened or if there was truly foul play. But Samir Bannout’s recounting of the Olympia 1980 is wonderfully entertaining and insightful. It provides a behind the scenes oral history of a very infamous and dramatic moment in bodybuilding history.
You can watch Samir Bannout go into full detail about the 1980 Mr. Olympia by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview above!
Hafthor Bjornsson Reveals The Training and Diet That Helped Him Drop 110Lbs
Hafthor Bjornsson reveals training and diet a week out from his next match.
Hafthor “Thor” Bjornsson has always been a beast of a man. Once weighing a massive 205kg (451lbs), Thor now tips the scales at 155kg (341lbs). See, still pretty massive. But despite that, dropping that amount of weight within the last year and a half is truly impressive.
155kg (341lbs) still sounds like a whole lot. But when you see the recent before and after Thor posted on his Instagram you can see how much his physique has changed. Thor has gone from massive and bulky to massive and shredded.
The Transformation of Hafthor Bjornsson
How did he do it? But remaining dedicated to his training for his upcoming battle with Eddie Hall. But that’s not all Thor has done to drop the weight. It required him to make a massive lifestyle change. Namely, Thor had to massively alter his diet in order to shed the fat and maintain his muscle mass.
From 205kg to 155kg. Swipe to see the difference. Filmed a whole day in my life the other day on my YouTube channel. Click the link my my bio to check it out and see my new daily diet!
Hafthor Bjornsson has definitely shown an incredible transformation. The 2018 World’s Strongest Man had to remain dedicated to his new boxing lifestyle in order to get it done. That and his new diet plan.
Thor recently posted a video all about his full day of eating and training. In the video he broke down his meals and an example of the type of training he does during his prep. In the video, Thor detailed his meals.
Hafthor Bjornsson Diet and Training Schedule
Meal One
3 eggs
200g chicken
Smoothie (150g green yogurt, 100g strawberries/blueberries, 40g oats)
Boxing Technique Workout
Meal Two
220g tenderloin beef
180g white rice
100g green vegetables
Weight Training
Meal Three
220g chicken
250g potatoes
100g green vegetables
Rest
Meal Four
220g salmon
100g green vegetables
100g white rice
Physical Therapy
Meal Five
250g greek yogurt
50g almond butter
100g bananas
1 scoop whey protein shake
“This is what I eat throughout the day,” said Bjornsson. “Can you believe it? I’m eating nothing, getting skinny. It’s crazy.”
“I feel so much better than I felt when I was 205kg,” Bjornsson continued.
“I was force feeding myself every single day, about to puke every single day. I kept eating because my goal was to be the strongest human on this Earth. Now I have different goals so I don’t have to be force feeding myself. Feels good.”
Just one week out from his next exhibition bout, Hafthor Bjornsson is looking sharp and ready for combat. With just a few more months until his bout with Eddie Hall, it appears that Thor has been doing everything possible to prepare himself. One thing is certain, Hall better be ready and fast.
What do you think about the diet and training of Hafthor Bjornsson?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor 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.
Brad Castleberry: Too Many People Use Bad Genetics As An Excuse To Not Train Hard
Brad Castleberry discusses a frustrating reality in bodybuilding – some people will always have to train harder than others to succeed.
Brad Castleberry is a love him or hate him kind of bodybuilding personality. But one thing that cannot be denied is his impressive physique. It’s a large part of why he built such a massive following as an influencer. And regardless of fake weights in videos or not – it takes hard work to achieve that kind of physique. It also helps that he has incredible genetics.
Brad Castleberry has inspired many to want to follow in his footsteps. Like many other bodybuilders, he becomes an icon that aspiring bodybuilders want to achieve. While the bottom line is that it will always take hard work – Castleberry isn’t ashamed to admit it’s easier for some than others. It call comes down to genetics. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Brad Castleberry explains some individuals simply have to train harder than others to achieve the same level of success. The problem is – too many people use bad genetics as an excuse to avoid hard work.
The unfortunate truth about bodybuilding and fitness is that one size does not fit all. Yes, the core tenets of weight loss and building muscle are universally true. But what works for one person might not work as fast or as well for others. This has been the hardest psychological aspect of fitness. It’s what bars so many people from success. They follow a diet or training plan. They don’t see results as fast as a friend or training partner. They get frustrated and give up.
It’s true that some foods or some training methods react better to some bodies than others. But there is no training program or (well formulated) diet that will even actively NOT work. It might just take more time than you want. It might simply require more trial and error than you want. Fitness and bodybuilding is about the long term. It’s a marathon not a sprint. A lot of people don’t make it that far to really see those kind of results – unfortunately.
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Check out our GI Exclusive segment with Brad Castleberry above!
That’s why Brad Castleberry went into great detail about the realities of how genetics play a role in bodybuilding. It’s foolish to go in thinking you will look like Ronnie Coleman if you just follow his routine. You might not have the genetics to sustain that kind of aesthetic and size. It’s not 100% impossible. It just might take 10 times more work than it actually did for Ronnie himself. And Ronnie certainly trained his ass off.
But the bigger problem Brad Castleberry sees is that people use bad genetics as an excuse. If a training program doesn’t show results fast enough. If a diet doesn’t work as initially intended. If someone simply has more trouble keeping off weight than others. All of these factors become excuses. A person might say “I can never look like an IFBB pro bodybuilder – so why even try?”
Brad Castleberry wants individuals to understand and temper their expectations – but also to have motivation to still succeed. Yes, you may have bad genetics. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t create a fantastic physique. The difference between the best bodybuilders in history are not just genetics. It’s willpower. It’s dedication.
Arnold Schwarzenegger himself has admitted that he has poor genetics. But he worked twice as hard to make up for it and become the best in the world and win seven Mr. Olympia titles. If he let genetics decide his fate – he wouldn’t have become the historic bodybuilder, actor, and politician we know today.
It might be hard to imagine yourself as becoming the next Arnold Schwarzenegger. That’s because the odds are very much not in your favor. But at the same time – someone eventually has to become the next big legend. What separates the icons from the normal folk isn’t fate. It’s having the mental strength.
You can watch Brad Castleberry go into further detail about genetics and excuses in bodybuilding by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
New Supplement Brand UNBOUND is Looking to Take Over the Game
The supplement world just got another contender.
The supplement game is a difficult one to navigate. In order to set yourself apart and really establish your worth on the market it takes a number of things. Namely you have to have quality products as well as trusted voices backing your brand. For new supplement brand UNBOUND they have both of those covered.
Looking to set itself apart as superior supplement brand, UNBOUND prides itself on producing the highest quality supplements. The brand which just launched has come out the gate hot. This press release from their website sums up the brand and it’s mission.
UNBOUND™ is for those who set standards, rather than follow them. It is a call to reject limitations in the pursuit of what’s ours. UNBOUND™ is a demand to ourselves not to be bound by the restraints of others; to be UNEQUALED in a world of mediocrity. Together we are UNBOUND™. Together, we are UNEQUALED.
UFC Athlete Approved
UNBOUND has been endorsed by professional athletes like UFC veteran Lyman Good. One of the most talented fighters on the planet, Good has established himself through a trial by fire.
Lyman Good has built an impressive physique and fighting skills by long hours of training, quality supplementation giving him an extra push. Without the proper diet and nutrition, you can never achieve ultimate greatness as an athlete.
Some people don’t believe in supplementation. Many would rather get all their nutritional needs from food rather than any supplementation. While that may not be the worst thing in the world, there are a ton of positives to utilizing supplementation in your diet.
Depending on your diet and nutritional needs, some protein supplementation or pre-workout can really change the game. Protein is a necessity in muscle building and recovery. Getting in your protein from food only is possible, but it also requires more preparation. A quick protein shake can take care of things in a fraction of the time.
Pre-workout can push your training to new levels. If can give you that extra edge in performance that can mean massive gains or just a mediocre workout. This alone is a great reason to add supplements to your game.
UNBOUND supplements looks to provide all those needs and more as they set themselves as the new kid on the block. If you’re interested in giving UNBOUND a shot head over to the official website, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Big Ramy Calls for All Arabs and Muslims to Show Solidarity with Palestinians
Big Ramy calls for solidarity with Palestine.
Big Ramy is calling for the Arab and Muslim community to show solidarity with Palestinians. The conflict in the Middle East has been a truly harrowing one to say the least. The loss of life has been tragic. While Israelis have lost lives during the recent conflict, it pales in comparison to the amount of Palestinian lives taken. Men, women, and children have all perished during this conflict, the death toll rising all the time.
In the wake of so many Palestinian lives being lost the international community is speaking out. At this point it is clear that what is occurring simply isn’t right.
Now it appears that 2020 Olympia champion Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay has some words to offer on the situation.
A Call For Solidarity
Only the second Middle Eastern bodybuilder to earn the title of Mr. Olympia, Big Ramy is hoping to use his platform to address the situation at hand. A recent Instagram post by the Olympia champion expresses his feelings on the conflict in the Middle East.
Forgive me for my words only. The horror that our young children, our mothers and brothers are experiencing in Palestine is a terrible and humiliating thing to us as Arabs and Muslims. Our Lord is sure to help them, but the rest is on us that we are living, seeing and hearing, and our hearts are not excited for what happens only a few seconds if that happens. I am thinking about you and I am thinking about myself, the case is the case of a mother, not just Palestine. Oh God, grant us your victory that you promised ?
(translated by google translate)
It’s clear that Big Ramy feels for those suffering in Palestine during this terrible conflict. So many lives are being needlessly snuffed out and destroyed. Children are being killed or traumatized by all this death and destruction. It must be put to a swift end.
Big Ramy is imploring others to join in solidarity with the Palestinians suffering these atrocities.
Big Ramy isn’t the only bodybuilder calling for solidarity. Kai Greene also was clear on his stance when it comes to Palestine.
What do you make of the conflict currently escalating in the Middle East?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor 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.
Victor Martinez: Hollywood Embraced Massive Muscle Only When They Ran Out Of Ideas
Victor Martinez reacts to Chris Hemsworth’s recent comments about being typecast because of his physique.
Chris Hemsworth recently made headlines by stating that he often gets overlooked for certain roles due to his impressive physique. Basically, he’s being typecast for action and comedy roles base more on his body than his acting ability. The intersection between massive muscle and movies have been a rollercoaster ever since Arnold Schwarzenegger burst onto the scene and became a star. In our latest GI Exclusive, pro bodybuilder Victor Martinez reacts to Chris Hemsworth’s recent statement and reflects on muscle in Hollywood.
For many bodybuilders, movies provided a first glimpse into seemingly impossible mass monster physiques. It inspired an entire generation to become professional bodybuilders. But muscle in Hollywood has risen and wained over the decades. Today we seem to be at an intersection. Superhero movies are bringing bigger physiques back after nearly a decade of slimmer more conditioned bodies.
However, a massive physique seems to still be seen as more of a gimmick. Something that gets headlines due to an impressive transformation. Or worse, something that typecasts certain actors into only action roles. Chris Hemsworth is an actor who spoke out about this recently.
During our new interview with Victor Martinez, we asked for his reaction to Chris Hemsworth’s statements. In some ways, massive muscle is back as a selling point in Hollywood. Actors like The Rock are garnering in millions of dollars. Hemsworth himself is likely doing financially very well after starring as Thor in multiple Marvel movies. Is this typecasting? Or just playing to the actor’s strengths?
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Check out our GI Exclusive segment with Victor Martinez above!
Victor Martinez thinks that Hollywood still sees massive muscle mostly as a gimmick. In fact, Martinez believes that the only reason Hollywood even hires massive muscular actors is due to the fact that big studios have run out of ideas.
“Hollywood embraced muscular physiques when they ran out of things to do and Marvel comics and DC took over,” Victor Martinez claims in our interview. He continues:
“That’s when they embraced it. But Hemsworth being Thor and getting too big, you know, like bodybuilders in the past like Arnold was. You get typecast. You become a bodyguard, you become a bad guy, you die in the first scene.”
While Victor Martinez doesn’t mention more about Arnold Schwarzenegger. In some ways, Hollywood had never embraced massive muscle the same way again after Schwarzenegger’s heyday. Predator comes to mind as a movie that combined so many massive physiques together. They weren’t villains. They were heroes. And they could all damn well act.
Even today in Hollywood, with 20 superhero movies releasing per year, there are very few physiques that match the kind of mass monster size seen in the 80s. Perhaps that is why actors like Chris Hemsworth feel typecast. Muscle is still seen as an oddity – even after so many years of it rising in popularity.
You can watch Victor Martinez go into more detail about Chris Hemsworth and muscle in Hollywood by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Guy Cisternino Explodes, Yells at Gym Members During Legday Training
Guy Cisternino exploded in anger during a recent training session.
Guy Cisternino has recently gone viral as he was caught yelling at gym patrons during his training. The video clip of the 212 bodybuilder has been making the rounds and many people have different opinions on the issue.
Bodybuilding at the highest levels requires a great deal of focus and dedication. You can not expect to be one of the best in the world and half ass your training. You have to be willing to push yourself to the limit. The intensity required in training is on a whole other level. It’s what veteran bodybuilder Guy Cisternino understands well.
During a recent legday training session, Guy Cisternino exploded in anger at two gym patrons. The reason for his explosive rage was due to the other gym goers breaking his concentration during his set. Cisternino confronted the two male patrons as the confrontation intensified.
Angry Moment at the Gym
WATCH THE END!!!Lift with purpose and passion! Not everyone is here for the same reason, but gym etiquette and respect these days with cell phones, people with camera crews, fucking around, only training hard when the cameras rolling, isnt training. Have a dam purpose, go there with your purpose to better yourself, the whole “if it’s not filmed, it didn’t happen” mentality is complete bullshit. Train hard, let your hard work show the results and success will follow.
It’s clear that Guy Cisternino was distracted by the actions of the patrons. What’s unclear is exactly what the two men were doing that was so egregious that Cisternino needed to confront them.
More to the Story
As it stands, Cisternino released a follow up video explaining the situation in detail. It’s a pretty long video, clocking in at one hour and twenty minutes. You can take a look at the full video below.
Clearing the air about the hack video!
Had a long conversation and not only that my man @davidmstrongg the kid involved in the incident and came on towards the end. Everyone who was pointing the finger thinking this was some out rage out of the blue, well I won’t say I’ll wait for the apologies but let’s see how many of y’all are real men/woman and can say that. And the dude Dave I got nothing but respect for that dude for coming on. Next time we’re at @destinationdallastexas him and I are getting a training session on camera #Quadro style! Remember don’t assume and there’s always 2 sides to every story.
What do you think about Guy Cisternino and this recent incident?
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Managing Editor 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.
Melle Mel: Dexter Jackson Should Have Won Mr. Olympia 2020
Melle Mel doesn’t believe any of the bodybuilders were vastly superior at the Olympia 2020 and that Dexter Jackson should have won
By and large, the Mr. Olympia 2020 was not a very controversial one. After many years of close calls and fans contradicting the judges’ decisions – this past Olympia was pretty straight forward. Most fans and experts agree that Big Ramy was the clear cut victor. And that’s exactly what the judges gave him. But hip hop artist and bodybuilding enthusiast Melle Mel doesn’t quite agree. He doesn’t think Big Ramy looked vastly superior to anyone else in the top 10 on that stage. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Melle Mel explains why he believes Dexter Jackson should have won the Mr. Olympia 2020.
Most fans of bodybuilding didn’t argue with Big Ramy winning the Mr. Olympia 2020. By most accounts, it was clear that he was the superior athlete on stage. Melle Mel isn’t a man who falls in this category. In fact, he thinks that Big Ramy’s excellence was a bit overrated.
This isn’t to say that Big Ramy didn’t bring his A game. Far from it. In fact, Melle Mel believes that most of the bodybuilders in the top 10 had incredible physiques. His problem is that not one of them stood out from the other clearly. It was so close in his mind – that any of the top 10 could have been claimed champion and no one would have a problem with it.
With that in mind, Melle Mel believes that Dexter Jackson should have been claimed the champion of the Mr. Olympia 2021. He has two reasons for this belief. First, it was Dexter’s last show and sending him off with a victory would have been a nice bookend to his career. Second, his aesthetic represents the true goal of bodybuilding more than anyone else on stage. At least, that’s what Melle Mel believes.
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Check out our latest GI Exclusive segment with Melle Mel above!
Bodybuilders like Big Ramy, Brandon Curry, and even Phil Heath certainly have more mass than Dexter Jackson. But Melle Mel doesn’t see Men’s Open bodybuilding as a battle of mass. The goal is to bring in mass, conditioning, and aesthetic into a perfect package. He believes most bodybuilders today fall short on the aesthetic side of things. Everyone except for Dexter Jackson.
“How many of those guys gave a better body than Dex?” Melle Mel states in our interview. “They don’t. But they’ll [the judges] find reasons to not give it to Dex.”
Melle Mel goes on to explain how Dexter Jackson won the Mr. Olympia one time previously by beating Jay Cutler. And Jay Cutler became Mr. Olympia after defeating Ronnie Coleman. So if Dexter was able to be Cutler – how was he not able to beat Ronnie before Cutler became champion? In Melle Mel’s mind it’s because the judges didn’t want to give Dexter Jackson the victory.
Of course, it must be said that bodybuilder’s physiques change year after year. Just because Jay Cutler beat Ronnie Coleman one year (after Ronnie had already been slowly fading), doesn’t mean Cutler was the same quality years later when he lost to Dexter Jackson.
And that brings up the ultimate disconnect that can happen with bodybuilding fans, judges, and athletes. Bodybuilding is ultimately subjective. Even with a set of rules and standards. Even with images of past champions to give a benchmark for what excellence is – the mind’s eye sees what it wants to see. We all walk through life with different perspectives. It flavors our judgement.
So maybe Melle Mel is right. Maybe we’ve all bought into the size game and the narrative that Big Ramy was vastly superior at the Olympia 2020. Or perhaps Melle Mel is simply falling victim to his own subjective viewpoints. At the end of the day, it’s that kind of debate that can make the sport of bodybuilding so exciting and dramatic.
You can watch Melle Mel’s full thoughts on the Olympia 2020 in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!