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9 DAYS OUT FROM ARNOLD CLASSIC 2016: IS JUAN MOREL IN TROUBLE?

By
GI Team
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Generation Iron Juan Morel Arnold Classic 2016

Generation Iron Juan Morel Arnold Classic 2016

Will Juan Morel be in top form by the time he hit’s the Arnold stage?

The Arnold Sports Festival has slowly crept up on us and now we’re a week away from the festivities. Athletes from all over the world will come to Ohio to compete in various different competitive sports to leave with high honors. Whether it’s powerlifting, kickboxing, or strongman contests, none can compare to the main draw of the event: open weight bodybuilding. The division will feature the top bodybuilders in the world including mainstays like Kai Greene and Branch Warren to name a few. The show will also feature some young up and comers looking to make their mark on the sport and solidify their position in the IFBB’s ranks.

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The athletes are all getting ready for the competition, cutting weight in hopes of shedding all the water that is covering up the muscle they’ve worked hard to build up during the off season. As the days close in to the momentous event the pros are readying themselves for their best performance. One of these pros who are hungry for a big win is Juan Morel, a New York based bodybuilder with great potential, but who just hasn’t had that signature win to truly turn heads.

Recently Morel released a video of himself 9 days out from the Arnold Sports Festival. If the video is any indication, Morel may be in some big trouble heading into the event.

Despite looking impressive in this video there a few inconsistencies in his physique that are cause for concern. Granted he’s still holding some water on his physique, but the lack of striations and insertions, particularly in his biceps and shoulders, are cause for concern. With a week left before the competition it’s still possible that Morel can pull it together, but as of now he’s not looking in the best condition.

What do you think Juan Morel’s physique in this video? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

THINGS GET HEATED BETWEEN SILVA AND BISPING AT UFC FIGHT NIGHT 84 WEIGH-INS

By
Jonathan Salmon
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silva-bisping weigh in headerThe fight almost got started early between Anderson Silva and Michael Bisping.

In an era where tough talk and polarizing figures rule the day, Michael “The Count” Bisping is furthering cementing himself as the man who popularized trash talk in the UFC. Sure, Conor McGregor may be the best at mental warfare and talking trash, but Bisping was the man who paved the way for other brash European fighters to boast and brag about their talents once entering the UFC. At today’s UFC Fight Night 84 weigh-ins, Bisdping proved once again why he’s such a draw for MMA fans. Anderson Silva was the epitome of a mixed martial artist, dispatching his opposition with ease during his UFC tenure. At least that was the case before he ran into former middleweight champion Chris Weidman. With a well timed left hook, the Silva era in the middleweight division came crashing down and now it’s up to “The Spider” to pick up the pieces. Both of these fighters have a lot riding on this fight. Bisping isn’t getting any older and a title shot at this point of his career could be out of reach, especially if he loses to Silva come Saturday. On the other hand, Anderson Silva will have to prove himself to fans and pundits alike after failing a drug test in his last outing. Both men are looking to get back into title contention and a big win Saturday will go a long way to getting them a title shot in the near future. The weigh-ins got pretty heated with the two middleweights trading a few barbs, Michael Bisping in particular. If you haven’t seen it already then do yourself a favor and take a look at the weigh-in highlights below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1_Cl_1nMiw Who do you think will be triumphant at UFC Fight Night 84? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter. Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter to keep up with his antics.

FIGHTING WORDS: ANDERSON SILVA VS MICHAEL BISPING

By
GI Team
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fighting words ando bispo headerMiddleweight veterans battle it out this Saturday in London.

Fighting Words pits two of our Generation Iron MMA writers against each other in a heated debate on big fight predictions. Jonathan Salmon: So we finally meet again for another Fighting Words face off. I’m hearing that you’ve lost your mind and actually believe that Michael Bisping will defeat Anderson Silva come Saturday. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion of course, but I really don’t see how Bisping gets it done. Silva is too crafty a striker for Bisping to last for long. Lionel Harris-Spence: Correction, vintage Silva is too crafty a striker for Michael Bisping. The Anderson Silva I’m talking about suffered crushing losses to Chris Weidman, one ending by eyes wide open K.O. and the other by shin shattering knee. The Anderson Silva I’m talking about has also come off of being found positive for steroids and P.E.D’s. Now whether it’s true or not is to a certain degree irrelevant as the damage has already been done. We saw how he looked against Nate Diaz, and having your lights turned out twice (yes in that second Weidman fight he technically went out for a sec), will definitely effect your chin. Combined with a underrated, very crafty himself, Michael Bisping, things should get interesting. usa-today-8358770.0 JS: Things should get interesting, that’s true, but I think Bisping’s game, particularly against southpaw, is considerably flawed when facing off against the upper echelon of the middleweight division. He lacks commitment on his strikes when he’s facing a top five opponent and I see that hesitation getting him into trouble when he faces off with Silva. Silva’s chin has no doubt recovered since the Weidman fights and his fight was Diaz was all about him testing the waters after suffering that horrific shin injury. We can’t be certain which Silva we’ll see come Saturday, but even if he isn’t in vintage form he has the movement and striking acumen to keep Bisping shy when he comes into striking range. LHS: I agree in the fact that Anderson is definitely the better striker. Bisping will have to take the fight to the ground if he wants to win. While I do believe he has the striking skills to hang with Silva long enough to look for a takedown opportunity, I see the fight being won by ground and pound. While I’d have to go back and review how much hesitation has played a factor – Bisping has a myriad of striking skills and I think the reason why he lost to Rockhold was because he was bigger and stronger with better Jiu Jitsu. This is not the case with Anderson. I’m always shocked at how bad Silva’s Jiu Jitsu is against worthy opponents. He’s been practicing so long and it doesn’t seem to get better. He doesn’t really threaten from his back and the only real travesty would be letting him get up. If Bisping can employ the Weidman tactic and not be scared by the mystique, I see Bisping shocking the world and taking this fight. mma_ufc159_22 JS: A lot of people are talking about the decline of Silva, but Bisping has shown even more signs of decline than his opponent. Bisping has been somewhat inconsistent, albeit against the best in the world. Silva has lost to only one man in a decade and those fights were not without some kind of controversy. I see Silva getting a win and an impressive one at that. The Pick: Anderson Silva wins by TKO in round 2 LHS: While it’s definitely possible that Silva can end this fight with anything from an elbow to a pinky, I feel Bisping will the the more suffocating fighter and ultimately get Anderson to the ground. I’am agreeing with you that it will be round 2 – just a different name. The Pick: Michael Bisping wins by TKO (ground and pound) in round 2 Who do you think will win at UFC Fight Night 84? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter.

IS PHIL HEATH’S SHOCKING REACTION TO FANS THE WRONG APPROACH?

By
GI Team
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Generation Iron Phil Heath Fan Reaction

Generation Iron Phil Heath Fan Reaction

What is the right way to interact with fans on social media?

Being a professional athlete is truly a daunting task. You have to train your mind and body to overcome adversity, defeat your fellow competitors, and please the onlookers in order for them to keep interest. In a sport like bodybuilding these ideologies are even more important than basketball or football. Unlike bodybuilding, most other popular American sports are team based and have loyal followings established over decades. A bodybuilder is more like a fighter in that they are an individual in their sport and are responsible for their actions no matter how major or inconsequential.

Champions in any given sport are usually held to a higher standard than any other competitor in the sport. Phil Heath is a five time Olympia winner with the potential to become one of the most dominant champions the bodybuilding world has ever known. He’s held to a higher standard because of his status yet he seems like he’s getting caught in a war of words every other week on social media. Recently Heath shared the below statements with a fan who was scrutinizing the bodybuilding champion.

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Living in the public eye has to have some major drawbacks, ones that no average person can truly understand or appreciate. That said, it doesn’t give Phil Heath the right to go off the handle on social media. For one it’s not winning him respect from the fans, in fact it’s doing the exact opposite. Everyone certainly gets angry, particularly when they’re bombarded by internet trolls whose sole purpose is to cause some kind of strife or discord, but it simply can’t help Heath’s case if he blows up like this in a fit of anger.

At this point in his career Heath should be taking the high road in these situation not feeding into the negative garbage that is tossed his way. It may not be the simplest of things for Heath to do, but it’s better that he ignores the hate and keep doing what he does best; winning competitions. If you don’t get drawn into a fight then no one’s going to end up with a blackeye in the end.

Do you think Phil Heath handles his haters in the wrong way? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

Sergio Oliva Jr Interview: Destroying “The Myth”

By
GI Team
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Strength Wars Movie

Does The Myth live up to the legend?

Every week, Iron Cinema will connect you with Generation Iron director Vlad Yudin. Giving you unprecedented inside access to the creative process behind his the Generation Iron Fitness Network. Get a first hand look at the entire journey of taking Vlad’s creative ideas to the big screen – from stories on set of films like Generation Iron and CT Fletcher all the way to exclusive behind-the-scene looks at our newest GI news and films. This week Vlad talks one on one with Sergio Oliva Jr about his future as a pro bodybuilder and the complicated relationship with his father – the legendary bodybuilder that rivaled Schwarzenegger.

When many people hear the name Sergio Oliva – their mind almost always goes to the legendary bodybuilder who rivaled Arnold Schwarzenegger back in the golden era of the sport. But now it’s his son, Sergio Oliva Jr, who has captured my attention… and is starting to get the attention of many other bodybuilding experts and fans in the industry. He’s recently earned his pro card and will soon be pitted against the greats currently competing for the Olympia title. Can he live up to, or even surprass, the legend of his father? I sat down with the up and coming athlete to get a true in depth look into what “The Myth” was really like and how Oliva Jr plans to move forward as a pro. Watch it in the video above.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT 84 BREAKDOWN: ANDERSON SILVA VS MICHAEL BISPING

By
Jonathan Salmon
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silva vs bisping headerCan Bisping topple the greatness of Silva?

The more that I pay attention to what’s going on in the mixed martial arts world, the more I begin to understand how the casual MMA fan’s mind works. When it comes to down to it, the casual fans are always going to be a “what have you done for me lately” kind of bunch. They cheer for the victor and admonish the loser as if in some effort to prove that they were right about outcome all along. As high as Anderson Silva was built up, his fall from grace has been one marred with accusations of doping as well as questions about his ability to fight at the highest levels of the sport. First off, let me start by saying that anyone doubting Anderson Silva at this stage of the game. He was the longest reigning champion in the UFC and dominated his division before running into Chris Weidman. He was the Conor McGregor or Ronda Rousey of the sport before the two were even recognized by the masses. andersonsilvabelfortHis recent failed drug test is certainly something that has tarnished his legacy, but despite that, if we look at the performances that Silva has put on in the cage their should be no reason for anyone to doubt his skills. Silva is an excellent counter puncher with a knack for making his opponents miss and miss often. He’s shown great cage control and lead foot dominance when fighting orthodox opponents. While owning quite a few numbers of knockouts on his ledger, Silva doesn’t rely on power to win his bouts, but rather precision and timing. He lures opponents in and counters like a snake once they leave openings. Though his wrestling game has always been less than impressive, he has an active enough guard that he’ll be able to attack from his back should Bisping put him on the ground. Michael Bisping is also a very talented and technical fighter. He has good fundamental striking and decent pressure game once he gets into a proper groove. His wrestling game has also been fairly strong on the offensive side of the equation. His wrestling defense is certainly above average but fails against exceptional grapplers. Lucky for “The Count” that he won’t have to worry about that hole in his game.20150718015452_zzzz In fact, if he hopes to beat Silva then he’ll have to utilize his offensive wrestling game and grapple with Anderson as much as possible to take away the former champion’s formidable striking game. While Bisping can potentially pose a great deal of problems for Silva, the likelihood of “The Count” taking down “The Spider” is slim. Bisping certainly has the wrestling ability to do so, but Silva is a master of distancing and could catch the British fighter coming in with a well timed left cross. Bisping has always struggled against southpaws and he’s facing off against the most talented southpaw he has ever faced in his career. If Silva still has some gas left in the tank then it should be an easy night for “The Spider.” Anderson Silva defeats Michael Bisping by TKO in the second frame. Who do you think will win the battle of middleweight veterans? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter. Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter to keep up with his antics.

NO FLEX ZONE EPISODE 15: DID THAT REALLY JUST HAPPEN!?

By
GI Team
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Generation Iron No Flex Zone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy6IXVq1hRc

Be amazed by number 12 on this countdown.

NO FLEX ZONE – is a new weekly series showing the best and craziest user generated fitness footage on the web every Wednesday.

Whether it’s a major fitness win or major fail – the main thing that might cross your mind is “did that really just happen?” The truth is occasionally you’ll see some amazing things happen in the gym. You’ll see some amazingly terrible things happen in the gym. People who loves fitness are just like everyone else – there are stupid people and there are smart people. And hey – sometimes there are just accidents. But in the end it all leads back to that one inevitable phrase – “Did that really just happen?” It did. And you can watch it for yourself in our latest episode.

And don’t forget we want to see from YOU! Submit your most amazing fitness videos to us at [email protected] to have your clip featured in the next episode of No Flex Zone.
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No Flex Zone airs every Wednesday right here on the Generation Iron Fitness Network. Make sure to subscribe to our official YouTube channel to get daily updates on our latest and greatest shows. Stay pumped.

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GI PODCAST WITH KAI GREENE: HOW THE MEDIA SCREWS OVER BODYBUILDERS

By
GI Team
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Generation Iron Podcast

Generation Iron Podcast

If we all listened to the mainstream media…

 

The reality of bodybuilding versus people’s perception of bodybuilding are vastly different. While a true fan understands the hard work and dedication required every day; the “average Joe” sees a bunch of steroid abusing freaks. Why does this happen? It all comes down to how the mainstream media portrays the sport and lifestyle. This week Kai and Krystal talks about how the media uses fear and misinformation to hold back what is otherwise a thriving sport. Give it a listen right now in the episode above!

The Generation Iron Podcast With Kai Greene airs every Wednesday and is available to listen right here on the Generation Iron Fitness Network, the iTunes podcast app, or on CBS’s official Play.It website. Please help us make a mark in the podcast world! Listen, subscribe, and rate us!

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RONNIE COLEMAN CAN’T WALK AND HE’S STILL MORE JACKED THAN YOU

By
GI Team
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Generation Iron Ronnie Coleman Update

Generation Iron Ronnie Coleman Update

Ronnie Coleman gives us all an update.

With the Arnold Classic right around the corner it seems that the bodybuilding world has shifted focus. More and more fans are growing more interested in the competitors that will be hitting the stage and less on the everyday happenings going on within the sport and who can blame them. This year the Arnold Classic will be featuring some of the top talent in the industry including veterans like Kai Greene and Branch Warren as well as up and comers like Cedric McMillan, Justin Compton, and Cody Montgomery. If you’re a fan of massive muscle then it’s no surprise as to why so many people are taking an interest in the 2016 event.

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Despite that, the world is still turning outside of bodybuilding as a past star of the sport struggles in the aftermath of a career filled with massive lifting and competing. Eight time Mr. Olympia winner Ronnie Coleman recently underwent surgery that effectively took away his ability to walk. But Ronnie has stayed as positive as always. Instead of looking at his situation as a setback he has instead used it as a new challenge to overcome. For every competitor out there having a new mountain to climb will always invigorate them to be the best version of themselves.

Though Coleman may be on the shelf he’s still trying his hardest to regain the ability to walk and in the meantime he’s still looking as impressive as ever. Coleman is not just in good shape for a former competitor, he in fact looks even more impressive than many individuals his age who aren’t battling against the same odds as the former champion.

Coleman went to his Instagram to give an update on his progress and ensure his fans and supporters that he’s doing fine as well as showing off some massive muscle and vascularity.

Show some love for Ronnie Coleman in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

Female Bodybuilder With Bigorexia Obsessed With Making Gains

By
GI Team
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Generation Iron Female Bigorexia
Strength Wars Movie

Dedication or obsession?

Bodybuilding as an activity can be looked at through many different lenses. It could simply be viewed as a way of life, as simply a pass time, or an obsession. Hitting the gym, pushing weight and making gains can become a never ending ritual that sees a person make progression and then continuously push past that point in order to achieve more and more development. Bodybuilding as a sport, however, is a different kind of beast.

Professional bodybuilders aren’t your average athletes hoping to improve upon a relatively normal physique. Instead, they’re more concerned with improving upon a frame that has already built up a tremendous amount of muscle and strength and that in itself sets apart the amateurs from the professionals.

To be a pro bodybuilder it takes a certain amount of dedication, at times bordering on obsession. In fact, the reality is that most bodybuilders are obsessed with the goal of attaining more muscle and improving those imperfections that most people can’t even see. It essentially becomes an experiment that you put your body through in order to see the most development and look better than how you did last week and the week before and the week before that.

When body dysmorphia is talked about, most times we think of male bodybuilders who are expected to build massive muscle. We never consider the fact that, though it may not be highlighted as much these days, that female bodybuilders could be faced with the same issues. Rene Campbell is an IFBB Pro Female Bodybuilder who has gone from pencil thin to a mass monster. Many people may not agree with the change, but it’s become apparent that without bodybuilding Rene would be a different person physically and mentally and according to her that would’ve been a truly sad existence.

How far has Rene come and how far does she plan to go? Check out the video below as she tackles the issues of being a woman suffering from “Bigorexia.”

What’s your opinion on body dysmorphia in bodybuilding? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

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