Phil Heath believes there’s a way to dethrone Chris Bumstead.
Seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath recently gave his thoughts on how to defeat the reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead at the 2022 show. Having dominated the Men’s Open Bodybuilding division for seventh straight years, Heath has the kind of knowledge necessary to offer an expert opinion.
Champions rise through the ranks, prove themselves worthy, eventually reach the summit, but cannot remain there for all time. Every champion has once tasted bitter defeat. While some may have tasted it on their way up through the ranks, others find themselves eventually dethroned. It’s the nature of sports and bodybuilding is no exception. Great champions like Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, and Phil Heath have all sat atop the throne. They have all eventually tasted defeat. With that said, it gives these champions, even more insight onto how a reigning champion can be dethroned.
Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead appears to be nigh unbeatable. But if history has shown us anything, it’s that everyone can be beaten. It’s a bitter, sweet pill to swallow for a dominant champion to be knocked from their perch. One day you’re on top, and the next, you’re finding that your glory days may be behind you. From how things stand Bumstead does appear to be in his absolute prime. He is still the favorite to win at the 2022 Olympia. Despite that fact, it doesn’t mean he can’t be upset. There are many other talented bodybuilders in his division that can give Bumstead some issues.
Can Bumstead Be Dethroned?
A former reigning Mr. Olympia champion in his own right, Phil Heath gave some insight as to how to go about defeating Chris Bumstead. In a recent interview Heath spoke about the likelihood of Bumstead repeating this year and his tough opposition.
“You know, the answer for I think anyone is, yes I think anyone can be beaten, but at the same time, the likelihood is very slim, and I’ll tell you why: he’s done it three times. That’s tough man,” said Phil Heath.
“You have an edge. You have an edge. The crowd is going to side with you. They deliver energy to you. His back is ridiculous. His conditioning is going to be top notch.
“I can only imagine what him and Hany [Rambod] are going to do. It’s going to be very hard to knock that champ out. Now I will to say… Urs [Kalecinski] is knocking on the door.
“I saw what he looked like the other day, I was like, ‘holy smokes, this shit is nice.’ But what’s crazy is so is Breon [Ansley]. Breon looks fuc**ng dope too. So, it’s interesting.”
How Bumstead Could Be Defeated
Phil Heath gave his thoughts on what it will take to defeat Chris Bumstead, also mentioning Ramon Rocha Queiroz as well.
“Dino [Ramon Rocha Queiroz] from Brazil, like this is an opportunity for him to make a name. He already has a name but in order to beat Chris you have to have a full back, no question about it. It has to start from the hips on up. You have to have lat sweep because he developed a little bit of that as he went on. Your conditioning has to be on point.”
See the full Phil Heath interview here.
Do you think Chris Bumstead will repeat at the 2022 Olympia?
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
