Gregg Valentino believes that Classic Physique’s continued popularity and the crossover star power of Chris Bumstead prove that Men’s Open bodybuilding just isn’t exciting anymore
In the second installment of GI Conversation With Gregg Valentino, host Vlad Yudin continues his deep dive into the world of bodybuilding with one of its most controversial figures, Gregg Valentino. Known for his candid, no-holds-barred opinions, Gregg Valentino shares his thoughts on the current state of various bodybuilding divisions, the prospects of top competitors in the upcoming Mr. Olympia, and the evolving nature of the sport. As always, Valentino’s insights are as blunt as they are fascinating, offering viewers a unique perspective on the competitive bodybuilding scene.
Gregg Valentino’s Favorite Division: Classic Physique vs. Men’s Open
The conversation kicks off with Vlad Yudin asking Gregg Valentino about his favorite division to watch on stage. While Valentino initially expresses a fondness for Men’s Open bodybuilding, he quickly admits that the division has become “out of control” due to the massive size of the physiques, which often exceed 300 pounds.
Valentino draws a parallel to the Women’s Open division, noting that a similar trend in excessive muscularity led to its temporary removal from the Olympia stage for several years before its eventual comeback.
Ultimately, Gregg Valentino reveals that his current favorite division is Classic Physique. He appreciates how this division harkens back to the golden era of bodybuilding, where aesthetics and proportionality were prized over sheer mass. Valentino sees Classic Physique as a refreshing return to the ideals that initially drew him to the sport, emphasizing the importance of symmetry and the classic V-taper that defined legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Who Will Win the Mr. Olympia?
When asked about his predictions for the upcoming Mr. Olympia, Gregg Valentino expresses confidence in Derek Lunsford’s chances of securing another victory. He praises Lunsford for his determination and the impressive evolution of his physique since his early days in the 212 division. Valentino admits, however, that he is less familiar with many of the newer competitors in the Men’s Open category, largely because he has distanced himself from the division due to its shift towards excessively large and blocky physiques.
Vlad Yudin challenges Valentino’s opinion by asking about Hadi Choopan, a competitor who, despite being smaller than many of his peers, is known for his exceptional conditioning. Surprisingly, Valentino agrees that Choopan fits into the category of overly large physiques, although he acknowledges that Choopan’s physique is “alright” in his words.
Gregg Valentino, however, prefers Derek Lunsford’s overall look and even reminisces about the physiques of past champions like Victor Martinez, whose combination of mass and aesthetic appeal he finds far more attractive than today’s top contenders.
Gregg Valentino goes on to make an interesting point about what it takes to win the Mr. Olympia. He suggests that if sheer size were the only criterion, a bodybuilder like Victor Richards, known for his immense size, should have won numerous Olympia titles. This comment underscores Valentino’s belief that bodybuilding should be about more than just mass; it should also emphasize aesthetics, proportion, and overall appeal.
Nick Walker’s Chances and the Legacy of Hunter Labrada
The discussion then shifts to Nick Walker, another top contender for the Mr. Olympia title. Gregg Valentino believes Walker has a strong chance of winning, primarily because of his ability to combine massive size with superior conditioning, a rare combination in today’s Men’s Open division. Valentino also expresses admiration for Hunter Labrada, though he admits that his fondness for Labrada is partly due to his respect for Hunter’s father, Lee Labrada, a bodybuilding legend in his own right.
Gregg Valentino’s comments reflect a broader trend in bodybuilding where lineage and legacy play a significant role in shaping the careers of new competitors. The success of athletes like Hunter Labrada serves as a testament to the lasting impact of previous generations on the sport.
Chris Bumstead: The Modern-Day Arnold Schwarzenegger?
When the conversation turns to the Classic Physique division, Gregg Valentino is unequivocal in his belief that Chris Bumstead will continue to dominate. He compares Bumstead to a modern-day Arnold Schwarzenegger, praising his physique as a “work of art” that appeals to both men and women alike. According to Valentino, Bumstead’s crossover appeal is unmatched, making him not only a favorite among bodybuilding fans but also a figure capable of reaching a broader audience beyond the sport.
This crossover success is something Gregg Valentino finds lacking in the Men’s Open division, where the physiques are so massive and blocky that they may alienate casual fans. In contrast, Chris Bumstead’s aesthetic, reminiscent of the golden era, resonates with a wider public, making him a unique figure in the bodybuilding world.
Is the Classic Physique Division Too Friendly?
Vlad Yudin raises an interesting point about the camaraderie among Classic Physique competitors, suggesting that they may be too friendly with each other and not aggressive enough when competing against Bumstead. Valentino responds by drawing a comparison to the Golden Era of bodybuilding, where many athletes were content to place behind Arnold Schwarzenegger simply because they enjoyed being in his presence.
Gregg Valentino speculates that a similar dynamic could be at play with Chris Bumstead, who has achieved a level of popularity rarely seen in bodybuilding. While he doesn’t suggest that Bumstead is intentionally using this to his advantage, Valentino wonders if the other competitors might subconsciously be satisfied with just being in the same division as Bumstead, rather than aggressively striving to dethrone him.
The End of Big Ramy’s Career?
The episode concludes with a discussion about Big Ramy, the former Mr. Olympia champion. Gregg Valentino believes that Big Ramy’s career is winding down, and while he acknowledges Ramy’s achievements, he never considered him to be as great as others have claimed.
Gregg Valentino points out that Ramy, despite his size, lacked the density needed to become a true legend in the sport. With the rise of competitors like Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford, who bring both size and density, Valentino feels that Ramy’s time at the top has come to an end.
Wrap Up
In this episode of GI Conversation With Gregg Valentino, viewers are treated to a thoughtful analysis of the current state of bodybuilding, as seen through the eyes of one of its most outspoken personalities. Gregg Valentino’s critiques are rooted in his deep love for the sport and his desire to see it return to the principles that made bodybuilding a global phenomenon. As the series continues, fans can look forward to more of Valentino’s unfiltered opinions and insider knowledge, making it a must-watch for anyone passionate about bodybuilding.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
