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This Or That: William Bonac VS Big Ramy

By
GI Team
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Strength Wars Movie

William Bonac or Big Ramy?

THIS OR THAT WITH JESSENIA VICE – takes two highly debated fitness topics and compares them to determine the best solution for maximizing your bodybuilding lifestyle. The best part? We let you decide the winner to be announced by Jessenia the following week. We raise the facts, you choose the champion. New episodes every Thursday!

This year’s Mr. Olympia was one of the closest competitions in years. This was due to the stellar showing of both Big Ramy and William Bonac. Ultimately, both of them were switched into the middle spot during the top three pre judging… and while Phil ultimately won the Olympia… it was still a tight competition for second place. This neck and neck face off continued into the post-Olympia European tour. That’s why we decided to compare these very different but very impressive bodybuilders so you can decide who has your personal favorite physique – William Bonac or Big Ramy? Jessenia Vice breaks down the competitors and then YOU decide the winner! Check it out above!

With Tony Ferguson And Nate Diaz Waiting In The Wings, Who Should Conor McGregor Fight Next?

By
Nicholas Bell
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Arguably the biggest question in MMA right now is: Who will Conor McGregor Fight next?

After getting knocked out by Floyd Mayweather in August, Conor is expected to make an appearance in the cage around the end of the year. Tony Ferguson and Nate Diaz are far and away the strongest candidates for his next opponent.

Tony Ferguson holds the UFC Interim Lightweight Title and the longest win streak in the Lightweight division. Many fans feel that the Tony fight is necessary to legitimize the Lightweight belt. Conor was granted a title shot at lightweight after getting finished in a fight with Nate Diaz, then winning a razor-close split decision against him. In a private event Conor himself acknowledged that the belt had lost legitimacy, as he expressed a desire to “legitimize it again.” This is exactly what a fight with interim champion Tony Ferguson would do. The problem of course, is that Tony Ferguson is not a mainstream draw. A fight with him would be far less lucrative than the alternative. According to UFC commentator Joe Rogan:

“Tony’s… the interim champion and he’s the logical fight. Conor sells like f**king crazy and Conor versus Tony sells because Tony’s a legit threat. Conor versus a legit threat sells. Conor fighting someone sells but Conor versus a legit threat is where it gets interesting.”


But nobody can argue that a Tony fight would sell better than a rubber-match with Nate Diaz. Through his two fights with McGregor, Nate’s signature Stockton style and unique charisma have attracted mainstream attention. A trilogy fight with Conor McGregor is without question the biggest fight the UFC could possibly make. The problem is that Nate has lost four of his last seven fights. His number 6 ranking at Lightweight is extremely generous. For Conor to shun the interim belt-holder and defend his against the number 6 would be nothing short of ridiculous. UFC commentator Dan Hardy predicts that McGregor would relinquish his belt to Tony and fight Nate. But McGregor made an Instagram post suggesting that he would look to legitimize his belt.


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Conor’s career has been a nonstop ascension to bigger and bigger events. A fight with Tony would represent a reversal of that trend, and many have speculated the Instagram post to be a negotiating tactic to pressure Nate into reasonable terms. Rogan also commented on that fight:

“Those guys are rivals man and Nate choked him the f**k out in the first fight. That’s always gonna be there. . . The big money would be the Nate Diaz fight even if Nate beat him in the second fight. You think you can go to the gas station right now and go, ‘Hey man, who’s Tony Ferguson?’ If you go to the average person and ask them who Nate Diaz is, way more people are gonna know who he is than Tony.”


In a way, this dilemma will determine the UFC’s policy on whether they favor the money fight or the right fight. And while most fans are hoping for the latter, recent trends indicate that Conor ‘s next fight could very well be against Nate.

Who do you think Conor McGregor should fight next?

Arnold Schwarzenegger Talks Steroid Abuse In Bodybuilding, Rich Piana And Calum Von Moger

By
Nicholas Bell
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The GOAT speaks in recent interview.

Men’s Health got a hold of the legend himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger this week and spoke with everything from steroids to his film Killing Gunther, in theaters now. First, he addressed Calum Von Moger, who is starring as Arnold in the upcoming film Bigger:


“I met him. He’s a terrific fellow, very talented. He’s talented in bodybuilding, too; he’s got a very symmetrical physique, a good looking face and a good spirit. I think he’s a very good person. I hope that he does well with his acting. I haven’t seen [anything he’s acted in], but that doesn’t mean he won’t be good. I think he’s smart enough to take it seriously and to take acting classes and he will be pulling off a good performance… He could really carve out a nice niche for himself as the younger version of me.”


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Next Arnold referenced deaths in the fitness community attributed to steroid use, the most example recent being Rich Piana:

“You can say it’s because of the drug usage or being out of control with what they use, or not doing research and using things they don’t know; I cannot tell you what is true and what is not. I think that when anyone [doing a sport] dies, it’s always sad, because this is not their intention and I just hope that we figure out ways of how to guide people through an dangerous, uneducated phase in life where they make these mistakes. We have to make sure this is bodybuilding and not body destroying.”


In general Arnold believes steroid use has expanded to extreme levels since his day, and emphasis has been removed from discipline:

“You cannot compare what we took in the Seventies with what they’re taking now. We were taking 15mg then and they take 1000mg of the same thing now. It’s really outrageous. It’s just huge amounts of dosages. It’s only because of a lack of education that they don’t know that it will kill them. What they need to do is rely more on the work. One of my six principles of success is work your ass off. There is no shortcut. If you think there is, you’re wrong. Everything I’ve ever accomplished in my life was because I worked my butt off, not because I found some shortcut.”

The legend as always gives a fantastic interview. His new film Killing Gunther was released October 20, 2017.

For more news and updates follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

National Guard Soldier Uses Competitive Bodybuilding To Combat Stress

By
Nicholas Bell
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Bodybuilding can be the cure for what ails you.

Ohio Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Megan Simpson was the first female on the Shawnee High School powerlifting team in Springfield, Ohio, and she’s spent plenty of time in the gym as an adult. But it wasn’t until 2014, when she returned home from a deployment in the Middle East, that she became seriously devoted to bodybuilding. The army reporter recently interviewed Simpson about her new life.

“I was going through a rough transition and needed something else to help me focus. I found bodybuilding was a great way to cope with outside stressors,” Simpson said. “It helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle, and helps me teach my children about healthy eating, balance of nutrition and workouts and enjoying life.”


Simpson manages to compete in around two shows a year and has won trophies in novice and masters’ categories. Her office at the Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Ohio, boasts impressive accolades including four first place trophies and the overall winner at this year’s Midwest Battle of the Champions in Indianapolis.

Simpson trains five days a week, does cardio three to six times a week, adheres to a rigid diet, and drinks plenty of water. She is a big believe in the potential of the human mind and body.


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“My discipline, focus and drive from being in the military helps me through the mental trials of bodybuilding. Your body is an amazing machine and pushing it to its limit is enlightening and motivating.”

Her family, including her husband mother and two children, is her support system. They motivate her through training and cheer her on at shows. She credits her children in particular with being strong sources of motivation.


“It really is a team effort and I have the best one around,” she said. “What bodybuilders do is intense and to the extreme when we get closer to show time, but my family gets it. They put up with my carb depleted attitude. If they catch me eating a cookie they’ll ask, ‘Mom is it a cheat meal?’ ‘Mom can you have that?’ They crack me up.”

As one could expect, since she started competing Simpson exceeds all required scores in for the Army’s physical fitness standards. And she doesn’t plan to stop competing any time soon.

Is bodybuilding your therapy?

Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

With Fox Deal Over In 2018, Dana White and The UFC Are Considering Digital Platforms

By
Nicholas Bell
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Dana White and the UFC are making some big moves.

The UFC’s exclusive broadcasting contract with Fox Sports expires at the end of 2018, and negotiations are already in progress for the next big deal. Although most of the particulars are confidential, President Dana White told the Wall Street Journal that the UFC is considering digital platforms as well as cable networks. Shunning major cable networks would be a massive transition for the UFC, even if they did sign with a well-established digital platform.


White said the world is changing. His kids don’t watch television and are constantly on their phones. Three-hour football or baseball games are not the type of events that excite the youth anymore.

“That’s why I love my content. My content works. My content is quick, exciting and fun to watch on any platform.”

White also referenced the deterioration of ESPN’s ratings, and praised the trend of over-the-top or OTT (non-TV) services supplanting traditional networks.

“I think where you really see it is, look at ESPN,” White said. “Look at how powerful ESPN was five years ago, what they were getting per sub. Their subs are dropping. They’re scrambling to figure it out right now. There’s no doubt that the internet and OTT is where it’s all going. So, it’ll be interesting to see when the smoke clears who’s still around and who’s not.”


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Of course, this could be another masterclass in negotiating tactics from the veteran businessman. But the truth is that one of the UFC’s biggest assets is its digital infrastructure and ability to produce shows without the support of huge networks. This gives it freedom and versatility as a business. Whatever deal the UFC signs, it will drastically influence the development of MMA for years to come.


“Fighting, it works everywhere, all across the planet,” White said. “Now with technology, we’re getting to the point I always dreamed about. I always used to say, ‘We’ll take this thing all around the world, build a fanbase, build some talent in every country around the world and then we’ll get to a point in time where everybody can watch it at the same time — on the same platform.’ We’re getting to that day.”

Do you think the UFC will leave the Fox deal behind?

Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

WATCH: The World’s Most Ripped Biceps Ever

By
GI Team
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Strength Wars Movie

Not just pros – this compilation shows the most insanely ripped biceps ever recorded.

Biceps are the most common muscle that lifters of all experience levels seek to improve and show off. While bodybuilders want to perfect their entire package – the average lifter is always excited to build up some impressive biceps to show off to friends and strangers alike. Thats why Beast Ugis has put together the ultimate compilation of insanely shredded biceps. This includes pros and surprisingly impressive biceps from randos on the internet. It’s a sight to behold and will motivate you to try even hard so that maybe one day your biceps will be on this list. Check it out above!

Make sure to check out Beast Ugis’ official YouTube channel and subscribe if you like what you see!

Episode 2: Preparing For The Arnold Classic Ohio | Gaspari: The New Era

By
GI Team
-

Strength Wars Movie

What it takes to prepare for the Arnold Classic Expo.

GASPARI: THE NEW ERA – is a reality docu-series brining you into the life and mind of Rich Gaspari as he rebrands and rebuilds his supplement company into the new age. Chronicling a full year into the struggle and triumphs of Rich and his team, Gaspari: The New Era showcases what it really takes to not only be a legendary bodybuilder… but a legendary entrepreneur in the bodybuilding industry. New episodes every Wednesday!

A huge part of being a business in the bodybuilding world is making your presence known. There’s no better way to do that than at the two biggest bodybuilding and fitness expos of the year – the Arnold Classic Ohio and the Mr. Olympia weekend. With Gaspari Nutrition’s rebrand and relaunch well underway, the pressure is on to leave a powerful impression with the fans at the upcoming 2017 Arnold Classic Expo.

This just might be the biggest weekend of the year for Rich Gaspari and his team and everything needs to be perfect. But that doesn’t mean the daily operations of the company come to a halt either. Get an inside look of Rich Gaspari navigating the immense prep work for the Arnold Classic while also maintaining the rest of the operations of the company. Athlete photoshoots, meetings with sponsored bodybuilders, and staying on top of every single aspect of the Arnold Classic prep all intersect just weeks before the big weekend. Witness the power, resolve, and leadership in the episode of Gaspari: The New Era above!

EXCLUSIVE: Liquid Sun Rayz Signs with Generation Iron Network For Strategic Programming

By
GI Team
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The partnership will catapult LSR’s rebranding campaign efforts.

Liquid Sun Rayz (LSR), a leader in competition sunless tanning has signed with Generation Iron Network, a prolific fitness media company. The partnership will catapult LSR’s rebranding campaign efforts.

Liquid Sun Rayz , an international company, was established in 2005 by Marilyn Spatola. Spatola’s passion for healthy skin motivated her to create a world-class product with all skin types in mind.  Her cutting edge bronzers are quickly becoming the go to sunless tanning product for competitive bodybuilders and fitness models.  The bronzer’s intense, physique-defining color is revered during competition for its highly reflected nature. LSR sponsors a wealth of world class athletes that includes 4 x time Ms. Physique Olympia, Juliana Malacarne (Brazil); 3 x time Ms. Bikini Olympia, Ashley Kaltwasser; Fabian Mayr (PCA/NABBA) and Mr Universe; Juan Morel, New York Pro Champion (2015); and Candice Lewis-Carter, Arnold Classic Figure Champion (2017).

The Generation Iron Network is a leading publisher and provider of original programming within the bodybuilding, fitness and MMA realm. Releasing feature length films and docu-series worldwide in theaters, ESPN, Netflix, Amazon and digital VOD. The network prides itself on showcasing athletes and their stories beyond sports. Generation Iron is excited to showcase a new side of LSR and their importance to the bodybuilding and fitness industry. 

October and November are months steeped in fitness competitions, making this partnership with Generation Iron perfect timing. The companies are excited to announce an official roll out during the Kentucky Muscle with Promoter, Brent Jones, October 27-28 in Lexington, KY. The industry is already buzzing about the pairing of the two industry giants. LSR General Manager, Pamela McMullen states she is looking forward to the exposure that Generation Iron will provide for LSR.

For more information about the pairing of the Generation Iron Network and Liquid Sun Rayz, please visit GenerationIron.com and www.liquidsunrayz.com.

About Liquid Sun Rayz

Liquid Sun Rayz is an international company established in 2005 by Marilyn Spatola and provides a world-class product with all skin types in mind. LSR’s cutting edge bronzers are quickly becoming the go-to sunless tanning product for competitive bodybuilders and fitness models. LSR sponsors a wealth of world class athletes that includes 4 x time Ms. Olympia Physique, Juliana Malacarne (Brazil); 3 x time Ms. Olympia Bikini, Ashley Kaltwasser; Fabian Mayr (PCA/NABBA) and Mr Universe; 4 x Olympia Physique, Heather Grace, 3rd in the world.

About Generation Iron Network

Generation Iron Network is the first digital network broadcasting original video content for all things bodybuilding and MMA. The network covers premiere contest coverage, news and cutting edge original shows – the network’s vision is to deliver all aspects of bodybuilding and MMA instantly to fans across the globe. No limitations. No missed opportunities. Just pure groundbreaking bodybuilding, fitness and MMA. A division of The Vladar Company.

Bellator Champ Darrion Caldwell Recalls His Confrontation With UFC Champ Cody Garbrandt

By
Nicholas Bell
-

Darrion Caldwell, the Bellator Bantamweight champion, apparently has beef with his UFC counterpart.

On Mondays MMA Hour, the newly crowned Bellator champ revealed that he was involved in a confrontation with UFC Bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt during UFC 207 last December.


According to Caldwell, Garbrandt, who was set to fight Caldwell’s Alliance MMA teammate Dominick Cruz,  tried to ruffle Cruz’s feathers prior to weigh-ins. The encounter with Garbrandt left Caldwell with a certain distaste:

“He just rubs me the wrong way, I don’t like his vibes. There was a little run-in when he was fighting Dominick Cruz. When you’re in fight camp, or fight day, or weigh-ins, you’re really feeling yourself, you feel me? You feel like you can beat anyone and I think that day he was barking at the wrong tree.”


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The mild-mannered NCAA Division I Champion went on,

“He was just… I just had to calm him down because he was doing too much with my teammates. He was just bickering at this one, yelling at this one, and I just had to let him know that this is not the time, ‘look, we got a fight down tomorrow. So if you want to fight tomorrow, stop the bullshit or you’re not going to be fighting tomorrow and it’s going to be a TKO right here.’ Then UFC people got into it and I don’t know.”

Although Caldwell and Garbrandt are champions in two different promotions, Caldwell doesn’t think it’s impossible that he may one day be across the cage from Garbrant. Both are young, extremely skilled, and fan-friendly. In this age of super-fights and volatile contract negotiation, anything is possible.


Caldwell also believes that he possesses the skills to dethrone Cody.

“The gap is already closed,” Caldwell explained. “Cody don’t want these problems. If we were to have an intertwined match, where UFC fights Bellator, I’m taking his head off either way. Either way, he’s going to get the business. He can’t deal with my pressure, you know. If I were to get on top of this guy, he’s either going to sleep or he’s tapping. However he wants it.”

Do you think Darrion Caldwell could beat Cody Garbrandt?

Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

Sergio Oliva Jr Is Headed To The Big Screen To Play His Father In Upcoming Bodybuilding Movie ‘Bigger’

By
GI Team
-

Sergio Oliva Jr is headed to the big screen.

Pumping Iron is without a doubt one of the biggest reasons that bodybuilding has gained popularity in the main stream. Bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno were able to gain major popularity by starring in the iconic bodybuilding documentary. The film industry has shone a light on bodybuilding in the past and many bodybuilders benefited from the results of that showcase. Now it appears that the new bio flick Bigger, based on the life of Weider brothers, is set to do the same for a whole new generation of bodybuilders.

Among the large list of actors, bodybuilders like Calum von Moger have been confirmed for the movie. There are now rumors that Arash Rahbar is also getting involved and could potentially portray bodybuilding icon Frank Zane, though that has yet to be confirmed. What is confirmed however is who is playing the legendary Olympia champion Sergio Oliva. That’s right, Sergio Oliva Jr is set to portray his father in the anticipated bio pic.

One of the greatest bodybuilders in history and perhaps ahead of his time, Sergio Oliva stands as one of the only athletes to dominate Arnold Schwarzenegger on stage. He was also one of the most massive bodybuilders out there while still maintaining a symmetrical form. Hoping to honor his father in the film, Sergio Oliva Jr is making the steps to transform into his father as confirmed by his Instagram post below.

What do you think of Sergio Oliva Jr portraying his father in Bigger?

Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

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