Bodybuilding veteran Chris Cormier believes Chris Bumstead should continue to build his brand in Classic Physique.
The jump to Men’s Open is one that many competitors have considered and attempted over the years in bodybuilding. While it is the top division in the sport, is the grass always greener?
Bodybuilding legend Chris Cormier recently discussed the potential of Chris Bumstead, one of the sport’s biggest stars, in Men’s Open. With the career he has built for himself already, Cormier believes that Bumstead should remain where he is.
Bumstead is the reigning three-time Classic Physique Olympia champion. He burst onto the scene when he took the title from Breon Ansley in 2019 and hasn’t relinquished it since. Bumstead is the favorite once again to win his third consecutive title. He has discussed retirement and the jump to Men’s Open in the past but there are no plans set in stone at the moment.
Former recently sat down for an interview on Muscle and Fitness’ YouTube channel to share his thoughts on Bumstead at the next level.
Chris Cormier: “He’s A Superstar In The Classic Physique”
Chris Bumstead has built an incredible brand as a bodybuilder. He has totaled over 10 million followers on Instagram and has plenty of business opportunities. Would it be worth it to move on from Classic Physique for a chance at Men’s Open?
“I think Chris should stay in the Classic Physique. He’s dominant, relevant, and a superstar in the Classic Physique,” Chris Cormier said.
“Let’s look back at his history as a bodybuilder. Chris Bumstead turned Pro at the North Americans as a bodybuilder heavyweight. On that day, he lost to Justin Rodriguez, who was the super heavy and outmuscled him by a lot. Once the Classic division started, Chris jumped right in and has been extremely successful.”
The obvious issue would be size. Chris Bumstead would have to put on weight to compete in Men’s Open and this might take a toll on his health. Cormier continues to explain how he would not have the mass to compete at the next level but would bring great conditioning and be aesthetically pleasing.
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“If the question is how he would do in the open, he would be outmassed by most. Nobody would deny that. He has very nice lines but now you’re dealing with guys that also have nice lines and are bigger than him which is Brandon Curry.
He’d be clearly outmassed by Big Ramy. In terms of conditioning, which is one of his strengths, now he’s dealing against Hady. Hunter Labrada is kind of a hybrid, he would expose him on size and shape because Hunter is really good; Bumstead could be more conditioned.”
Chris Cormier ended the discussion by saying he would like to see Chris Bumstead make the jump and talked about what he would have to do to compete.
“He might do okay. I don’t think he’s going to win the Olympia in the Open. He gets up to 260-265 pounds in the off-season so if he gets down, if he loses 30 pounds, that’s still a substantial physique and a competitor at that bodyweight.”
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