During the 80s and 90s, western action cinema was dominated by a few men, all household names. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone are perhaps the first names that come to mind for a great many people, as well as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Chuck Norris and a host of others. Another was Steven Seagal, a master of aikido and once one of the kings of the action genre. Fast forward to today and Steven Seagal is still making action films, both domestically and abroad.
But now it seems that Steven Seagal has found himself in some pretty hot water.
As the Me Too Movement continues to gain traction, Steven Seagal has been named by an accuser claiming the action star assaulted them. When being interviewed on BBC Newsnight, Steven Seagal appeared visibly upset when asked about these allegations, so much so that the walks off set before concluding the interview.
With the 2018 season of pro bodybuilding shows coming to a close, competitors are beginning to look forward to 2019 and the possibilities ahead. With major shows like the Arnold Classic to look forward to, bodybuilders are already prepping themselves to make a huge impression in 2019. One of those athletes is Cody Montgomery who made waves after deciding to compete in the 212 division.
With James ‘Flex’ Lewis deciding to leave the 212 division behind, the category is wide open for other bodybuilders looking to make an impression and Cody Montgomery is one of them. He’s young, hungry, and has the right genetics to potentially become an Olympia threat. He’ll have to contend with other talented bodybuilders like Hadi Choopan and Luke Sandoe, but the young Montgomery has what it takes to defy the odds and turn himself into a world beater.
A recent Instagram post showed just how much progress Cody Montgomery has been making since last competing back in June and the progress is certainly astounding.
After three years of work, Kai Greene reveals Chronicles Of King Kai at NY Comic Con.
Kai Greene has always been a creative force in and out of bodybuilding. His posing routines have always brought a level of creativity unseen on the bodybuilding stage. His costumes have always been memorable. And as a painter his art has been inspiring to say the least.
Kai has been hinting about his graphic novel, ‘Chronicles Of King Kai’ for years now. Three years to be exact. And fans have been anxiously waiting for when they could actually hold it in their hands and read through the pages of this bodybuilding inspired artistic novel.
For those at the NYC Comic Con this week – the wait is finally over. Kai Greene has officially unveiled the first edition of ‘Chronicles Of King Kai’ in it’s full and complete glory. While Kai has always been an illustrator and artist – this is his first foray into the comic book and graphic novel world.
Check out the tease of the comic in this promo image below along with team Generation Iron congratulating The Predator on his new release.
What strategies do Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor need for victory at UFC 229?
This is it. The fight that everyone’s been clamoring for. Ever since Conor McGregor went haywire and threw a dolly through a bus window, the masses have been waiting to see a confrontation with his rival, UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both men have built up animosity that makes this match far more compelling than a battle between two respectful professionals. There’s bad blood here, the kind that seems to be infectious as both fighter’s camps and loyal fans are frothing at the mouth in support of either Nurmagomedov or McGregor.
UFC 229 is being billed as the biggest fight in the organizations history and with good reason. Khabib Nurmagomedov has been a wrecking machine ever since joining the promotion back in 2012. Conor McGregor has taken the MMA world by storm with his devastating knockout finishes. Both men are 30 years of age and in the prime of their lives and now they get to settle their differences inside the world famous Octagon. By how do they get the job done? What strategies should they use heading into this historic event? Here’s some approaches both men should take heading into this fight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov: Style
If there is one word to describe the style of Khabib Nurmagomedov, relentless would sum things up nicely. The man doesn’t take half steps and is always looking to stay in an opponent’s face from the sound of the bell. Coming from a wrestling heavy, combat sambo background, Nurmagomedov is always looking to get his hands around his opposition and drag them to the ground where he can proceed to put a thrashing on them with punches and elbows.
For the entirety of his career, Nurmagomedov has worked with an “ain’t broke, don’t fix it” kind of approach. Rather than look to completely change his game in favor of becoming a striking wizard, Nurmagomedov sticks to what works for him, which is pushing the pace and coming forward with aggressive, and sometimes, reckless abandon.
Khabib Nurmagomedov: Proposed Strategy
While you could say Nurmagomedov’s best option is getting things to the ground, it’s all about the approach where this fight is concerned. Nurmagomedov must mask his takedown entries or risk getting countered on the way in. He’ll have to feint with takedowns and the jab before closing distance on McGregor. Once he’s in a clinching position he’ll have to look to stay in close and chain his takedowns together, preferably from a body lock where he can either take the back or drop down for a double or single leg takedown.
Normally Nurmagomedov’s approach would be to coral his opponent to the cage and shoot in for a take down. He’ll have to decide which side to come in from as McGregor’s takedown awareness is truly impressive. Getting on the outside of McGregor’s right leg will be great for double leg takedowns. While single leg takedown at distance could force tie-ups.
Ultimately though, a good approach for Nurmagomedov here is to have McGregor lead the dance a bit. Utilize some in and out movement, force McGregor to bite on something then immediately engage in wrestling. In order to do that he’ll have to get McGregor to move forward, utilize his jab to create space then circle around to an angle to allow for solid double leg takedown entry.
Pressuring McGregor with fake and feints will be paramount for Nurmagomedov as well. As soon as he can get McGregor’s back to the cage, Nurmagomedov should unleash with combinations and move in for the takedown, chaining techniques together until he can floor his opponent.
Conor McGregor: Style
On the flip side, if there is one word to describe the style of Conor McGregor it would be precision. There was a time where many believed that McGregor was overrated, a fighter who simply came forward throwing whatever strikes he wanted until landing his left hand and sealing the deal. While that isn’t the case at all, McGregor has fallen pray to throwing techniques for the sake of flash rather than substance. That all changed after his only loss inside the Octagon against Nate Diaz. Since then, we’ve seen McGregor stick to a game plan and remain composed looking for sharp counters and pinpoint shots.
McGregor is keen to stand his ground in front of an opponent, particularly one who likes to charge forward. His in and out movement helps him to pick his shots while avoiding return fire from his opposition, but it’s his willingness to meet his opponent with a solid counter shot that truly makes him so dangerous.
Conor Mcgregor: Proposed Strategy
While conventional wisdom would be that Conor McGregor should avoiding a kicking based approach in this fight, it’s exactly one of the tools that could help carry him to victory. As an aggressive counter puncher, McGregor is going to want to hold the center of the cage while throwing pot shots in order for Nurmagomedov to walk right into a counter. Since Nurmagomedov likes to pressure as well, distance management is going to be key for McGregor.
Enter the front and low line side kick.
Both of these kicking attacks will be great for McGregor as they can maintain distance as well as do some serious damage to Nurmagomedov’s mobility. McGregor has used the low line side kick in the past to keep orthodox opponents from rushing in on him. The front kicks look to be his go to move when fighting orthodox, wrestling based opponents. A focused body attack could be the ticket to victory for McGregor as head hunting could open him up to a takedown.
McGregor has also done well to use frames in order to both sense when he can be aggressive and move forward with punches or when his opponents are ready to shoot in for a takedown.
It’s imperative that McGregor controls both Nurmagomedov’s front leg with low side kicks and frames up top to keep the champion stationary or moving backwards.
X Factors
If Khabib Nurmagomedov does get a hold of McGregor he’ll have to be sure to keep the pressure high and be relentless. One failed takedown doesn’t mean the end of his offense but only the beginning. Though wild exchanges can be dangerous with McGregor it’s imperative for the champion to keep the momentum once it shifts in his favor.
For Conor McGregor, if his distance is penetrated and Nurmagomedov does get a hold of him, wrist control should be the first thing on his mind as well as turning his opponent. The more McGregor can get Nurmagomedov turning, the less success the wrestler will have with his takedowns.
Who do you think leaves the Octagon Lightweight champion at UFC 229?
Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.
FIBO, the world’s largest fitness & heath expo to make it’s mark in the US this December.
Most of you are most likely already aware of FIBO, the massive fitness expo that takes place every year in Germany. Every year it continues to grow and grow but for many fitness and bodybuilding fans, it’s not possible to make it across the globe to the massive event.
That’s all about to change as FIBO has officially announced that it will be holding the first ever US FIBO Global Fitness Expo in Orland, Florida on Dec. 5-8, 2018.
For those uninitiated, here’s FIBO’s mission statement:
It’s a best-in-class trade show, conference, and immersive expo all in one. And it’s your personal fitness experience. Whether you’re a seasoned instructor, a sought-after club manager, or a fitness fanatic, at FIBO USA you’ll find what you need to reach your goals. With trend-setting education sessions and group fitness classes, an exhibit floor featuring the freshest ideas and innovations shaping the marketplace, and events connecting you with thought leaders, industry influencers and other passionate professionals, you’ll be ready to move to the next level.
“It’s rare to find an event that pulls together every corner of the health and wellness category as seamlessly as FIBO,” says Petra Robinson, Trade Show and Fitness Industry Adviser at Zumba® and former AFAA Vice President. “In the almost three decades since I attended my first FIBO event, I’ve found it to be a dynamic display of what’s shaping the industry and a crucial tool for business expansion.”
Looking for one last fitness party before you buckle down for the holiday season? Head on over to the FIBO USA official website for more information about tickets, schedule, and events!
Phil Heath goes in deeper than ever before on his rivalry with Kai Greene.
ONE ON ONE WITH PHIL HEATH – is an exclusive 4-part interview with Phil Heath one week after his loss at the Mr. Olympia 2018. Vlad Yudin sat down with Phil for nearly two hours discussing his immediate emotions after losing, a play by play of the weekend, and his plans for the future. This is the final part of the interview.
Many consider the rivalry between Phil Heath and Kai Greene to be the best ever in bodybuilding – and they just might be right. Even over two years since Kai Greene has stepped off the stage, people still wonder whether or not he will return. Many only care about seeing Phil vs Kai on the big Olympia stage.
So of course in our one on one conversation with Phil Heath we had to ask about the Kai vs Phil rivalry… and what we got was his most honest answer to their back and forth relationship we’ve ever heard from The Gift. He gives insider details to the most tense moments of their rivalry, including what was exactly said between the two of them when they got into a fight on stage.
But more surprisingly, Phil opened up about how without Kai Greene, the 7x Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath might not have existed in the same way. Kai aggressive battle against Phil made him a better athlete. That’s not something you would easily hear from Phil about his biggest rival – but here we are in a new era of the sport. And a new era of Phil Heath.
Check out the fourth and final part of our one on one with Phil Heath above!
Kevin Levrone teaches the perfect back double bicep.
There are many different greats in bodybuilding that have changed the game. From Golden Era bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sergio Oliva, Frank Zane, to old school monsters like Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman, bodybuilding has seen its fair share of athletes that have brought something special to the stage with every passing competition.
With all that said, there are few bodybuilders who have taken more than a decade off to return to the posing stage and do so with such enormous fan fair. Kevin Levrone made his return to the Olympia stage back in 2016 and considering his long lay off performed admirably against the current crop of top level bodybuilders. Kevin Levrone was always known as a competitor who knew how to present the best package on stage, through posing with a sense of classical grace and raw strength.
While he may not be stepping onto a posing stage these days, Kevin Levrone has devoted his time to teaching others how to best conquer the posing stage in order to convince the fans and the judges that they are deserving of the top spot.
The Instagram clip below shows Kevin Levrone teaching young bodybuilders how to perfect their back double bicep and all the small nuances that go into presenting the quintessential pose.
In the world of professional bodybuilding presentation rules supreme. In order to take yourself to the next level you need to be able to present your hard earned muscle in a way that let’s the judges know that you’re the best of the best. One of the ways to draw that attention is by applying tanning products to accentuate the muscle.
Ric Drasin is an OG in the bodybuilding game and has competed in many competitions as well as trained many different individuals during his tenure. On the latest episode of Ric’s Corner, Ric Drasin addresses spray tan and other alternatives used in bodybuilding in order to give a competitor that much needed edge on stage.
A beat by beat look at Stanimal’s Olympia 2018 weekend.
ALL EYES ON OLYMPIA – is a docu-series focusing on Stanimal De Longeaux’s final four weeks of Classic Physique training and prep for the Olympia 2018. Each episode gives an inside look at a full day of diet, training, and mental preparation before the biggest bodybuilding event of the year. Track Stanimal’s progress up to and through the Mr. Olympia 2018 in this all access digital series! New episodes air every Monday and Thursday!
Last we saw Stanimal he was mere days away from competing in the Olympia 2018. And while we now know the outcome of the Classic Physique Olympia 2018 competition – this episode of All Eyes On Olympia shows the entire behind the scenes look at Stanimals final days before the competition and the night of the competition itself.
Being Stanimal’s first ever Olympia competition of his career, the excitement is palpable as he inches closer and closers to the Friday night prejudging. We see him enter the weigh in, we see him meet with his team for final preparation before the show, and then we see him head onto the stage and compete with the best in the world.
While Stanimal does not end up making it to the finals on Saturday – he finally jumped headfirst into the Olympia experience. In the episode’s final moments, Stanimal looks back at the weekend and reflects on what went wrong, how he plans to improve, and how he sees the entire experience.
Bonus points – we also get a sneak peek behind the scenes look at Shawn Rhoden before he eventually wins the Olympia 2018 competition. You can see it in his confidence even then – he knew he had this one in the bag.
Check out the full episode of All Eyes On Olympia above!
An epic bodybuilding motivation video showcasing the unstoppable spirit that makes a champion.
While bodybuilding can be criticized quite harshly by the mainstream world – calling it unhealthy, full of steroids, and unappealing. There’s one through line about the sport that no one can deny is powerful. Specifically, the non stop spirit and desire for greatness. This sport has hundreds of pro bodybuilders all fighting for the same thing – and when you watch this motivational video put together by Varyjer Motivation, you’ll see just how human and powerful that struggle can be.
Whether it’s bodybuilding, fitness, filmmaking, writing, or fine arts – almost every single human on this planet has a dream and they scrap and struggle and fight to climb to the top. It’s quite moving really – and something at the core of bodybuilding that needs shouted from the mountaintops.
That’s basically what this bodybuilding motivation does – it amps you up and makes you want to scream so the whole world can hear. Put that energy into your next workout and you’ll be putting up lifts you never imagined. Check it out above!
