Sarah Villegas issues a challenge to Shanique Grant.
There’s nothing like to good competition. It appears that Sarah Villegas understands that notion well. In bodybuilding just like most other endeavors if there’s no good storylines then it’s unlikely to generate interest. After winning the Women’s Physique Olympia title, Sarah Villegas has secured her place as the best in the world. But without healthy competition being the best means very little.
Shanique Grant had decided to hang things up after the 2020 Olympia. With successful endeavors outside of bodybuilding, Grant may not be tempted to make a return. But a recent message from her old rival Sarah Villegas could potentially change her mind.
The Challenge
Villegas took to Instagram to issue a friendly challenge to Grant. In the message Villegas states that she’ll give $20,000 to Grant if she loses to her at the 2021 Olympia. See her full message below.
I’m all about competition and @therealfitnessbeauty , you bring great competition to stage. Let’s give the fans something they really want… Here is what I have for you:
You come back this year and face me at the 2021 Olympia and if you win, I’ll give you $20,000 cash out of pocket (willing to put the money in escrow now with anyone you choose). But if you lose, you give me your 2019 Olympia gold medal.
We’re still 20 weeks out, you have plenty of time to get ready. Let’s go!
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This kind of call out generates a great amount of interest. Like the recent rivalry between Nick Walker and Blessing Awodibu, people get more invested in competitions when they feel there’s some skin in the game. Sarah Villegas understands that there’s a market for exciting rivalries in bodybuilding. Rather than remain a quiet champion, Villegas is choosing to use her new found champion status build interest in her division.
Whether Shanique Grant accepts the challenge is still anyone’s guess. It will be interesting to see if she gives this a response or if she chooses to walk off into the sunset like she originally planned. Either way, this has definitely generated some interest in the Women’s Physique Division.
What do you think of Sarah Villegas challenging Shanique Grant?
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Managing Editor 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.
