Victor Martinez believes that whether or not the fight was staged – people would watch anyway
In this week’s episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, hosts Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., Ehsan Farahi, and Vlad Yudin, tackled a range of compelling topics including the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match on Netflix, Chris Bumstead’s Men’s Open debut results, and the retirement of legendary coach Hany Rambod.
This week, the GI crew covers the following key topics:
- Was the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson boxing match rigged?
- How much does TRT really cost?
- The role of Clomid in post cycle therapy.
- Evaluating Chris Bumstead’s Men’s Open debut.
- How will Hany Rambod’s retirement affect the bodybuilding world?
Here’s a detailed recap of the episode for those looking to stay informed on bodybuilding and fitness trends. Let’s dive in!
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: A Netflix Sensation or Mere Spectacle?
The much-hyped Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match, streamed live on Netflix, reportedly drew 65 million accounts—a staggering figure compared to traditional pay-per-view events like Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, which garnered 4.6 million PPV buys. The panel debated the implications of these numbers, particularly how many new subscribers Netflix gained from the event versus existing ones.
Victor Martinez shared his personal experience watching the fight with his daughter, who humorously critiqued Tyson’s performance. This prompted Victor to showcase Tyson’s prime years to underscore his legendary status.
While Ehsan praised Tyson’s ability given his age (58), Victor Martinez expressed disinterest in such exhibition matches, arguing that the hype often overshadows the quality of the fight. To bring his point home, Victor contrasted the quality of undercard bouts featuring active professional boxers with the lackluster energy of the main event, ultimately labeling the Paul-Tyson clash as more entertainment than sport.
After the fight concluded, discourse online immediately was filled with accusations that the fight was staged. Vlad asks Victor Martinez if he personally thought that the match was rigged – being a long time fan of boxing.
Victor didn’t commit to a specific answer, noting that it was impossible to prove whether or not it was staged. But ultimately, he felt like it didn’t matter. Regardless of the outcome, super fights like Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson will always generate massive amount of interest and views.
“Whether or not it was staged, people were going to watch the fight anyway,” Victor Martinez stated.
TRT Costs: Fan Insight Sparks Discussion
A fan responded to Victor Martinez’s comments on TRT costs in a previous episode, stating that their clinic offers treatments for $250 every 10 weeks, significantly less than the $500–$700 range Victor mentioned. Victor delved deeper into the pricing discrepancy, asking if this price was for cash payments without insurance. He expressed interest in learning more about the clinic to recommend it to others but highlighted that TRT costs can vary based on individual needs, clinic policies, and additional treatments like blood tests, peptides, and supplementary testosterone bottles.
Victor Martinez’s analysis sheds light on the complexity of TRT pricing, emphasizing that while competitive rates like $250 exist, add-ons could drive the total cost higher. His transparency and willingness to explore options reflect his commitment to supporting listeners in navigating the often-confusing world of hormone therapy.
Fan Questions: The Role of Clomid in Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)
The hosts addressed a fan’s question about the best steroid that doesn’t aromatize and a follow-up query about “comida.” Victor Martinez interpreted the likely autocorrect error, deducing the fan meant Clomid, a medication used primarily for fertility but also in PCT for steroid users.
Victor explained the role of Clomid as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that helps balance hormone levels post-steroid cycle, especially for users aiming to conceive. He reiterated that Clomid’s specific purpose makes it unsuitable for routine use by those not targeting fertility goals. This nuanced explanation reflects Victor’s expertise and ability to demystify complex fitness topics for his audience.
Chris Bumstead’s Men’s Open Debut: A Shocking Success
Chris Bumstead’s decision to compete in the Men’s Open at the 2024 Prague Pro created waves in the bodybuilding community. Despite placing second, Victor Martinez and the hosts agreed that Bumstead’s performance was a victory in itself. Beating seasoned competitors like Shaun Clarida and holding his own against top-tier Men’s Open athletes demonstrated Bumstead’s remarkable versatility.
Vlad pointed out the immense pressure on Martin Fitzwater, who placed fourth at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, to defend his position against Bumstead. The crowd’s vocal support for Bumstead added to Fitzwater’s challenges.
The discussion shifted to whether Bumstead might return to the Men’s Open category. Victor Martinez speculated that Bumstead’s potential for success in Men’s Open is undeniable, particularly if he had more time to prepare. However, with a newborn child and a strong focus on family, Bumstead’s return may not be imminent. Still, the possibility remains tantalizing for fans.
Hany Rambod’s Retirement: The Future of Top Bodybuilders
The hosts also tackled the bombshell announcement of Hany Rambod’s retirement, a move that could significantly impact elite Olympia competitors like Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan. Ehsan voiced concerns about Hadi, who heavily relied on Rambod’s guidance and training camps in the U.S. leading up to the Olympia. Without that level of support, Hadi faces logistical and strategic challenges.
Victor Martinez, however, offered a more optimistic perspective, emphasizing Hadi’s innate talent and self-reliance. He argued that while Rambod’s absence will require adjustments, athletes at Hadi’s level possess the skills and resilience to succeed independently. Victor’s balanced view reassures fans that the top contenders will continue to excel, even amid changes in coaching dynamics.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast highlighted the hosts’ ability to blend serious fitness insights with humor and relatability. From unpacking the nuances of TRT pricing to debating the value of exhibition boxing matches and speculating on bodybuilding’s future, the discussions were engaging and informative. Victor’s candor, combined with Vlad’s journalistic precision, Ehsan’s thoughtful questions, and Ed’s insider knowledge, creates a rich tapestry of conversation that appeals to fans and fitness enthusiasts alike.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
