Is Victor Martinez walking back his previous PMMA use claims? Or was he simply misunderstood?
The Generation Iron Podcast returned with another discussion of the biggest stories in bodybuilding, with host Victor Martinez breaking down the 2026 Mr. Olympia results, fan reactions, and controversial topics surrounding performance-enhancing substances.
Here’s a brief overview on the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Victor Martinez clarifies some misunderstandings about his past PMMA and synthol use comments
- Hadi Choopan vs Hany Rambod – was there a misunderstanding in Hadi’s recent comments?
- Victor answers: what is wrong with Derek Lunsford’s biceps?
- Was Derek Lunsford robbed at the 2026 Mr. Olympia?
- Ryan Terry, Ali Bilal, and death threats in Men’s Physique
- Victor reacts to Bob Chicerillo and Nick Walker making up
- Victor answers: could Nick Walker have beaten a prime Hadi Choopan at the 2026 Olympia?
- A conversation about steroids in Hollywood and Sylvester Stallone’s recent comments
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a more in-depth recap of the conversation below.
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Victor Martinez Clarifies His Previous Statement On Past PMMA & SEO Use
A fan asked Victor Martinez to clarify his previous comments about using site enhancement oil (SEO). In a previous podcast episode, while Victor was talking about Natalie Coelho’s alleged PMMA use, he stated, “I’ve used. What are you going to do about it?” Leading many, including the producers of this podcast, to believe that Victor had used PMMA or perhaps some other sort of SEO.
However, Victor responded clearly this time by stating that he had never in his life used a form of PMMA or SEO during his bodybuilding career. So what could have caused this mix up? And why did Victor say, “I’ve used”?
Victor explained that he had used artificial muscle enhancers in his quadriceps, but insisted that the substance was water-based rather than oil-based and was not polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). According to Victor, the effect was temporary and diminished after approximately 24 hours.
Victor Martinez reiterated that the experiment failed to produce the appearance he wanted and contributed to what he considers one of his worst competitive showings. He acknowledged that his earlier explanation may have been misunderstood but stressed that he had never used PMMA or site enhancement oils. He also expressed concern about substances that could cause permanent damage to the body or compromise long-term health.
Was Hadi Choopan’s Comments About Hany Rambod Misunderstood?
One fan challenged co-host Ehsan Farahi over comments concerning Hadi Choopan’s claim that he helped make coach Hany Rambod famous in Asia. The fan argued that Choopan specifically referenced Asia rather than claiming to have made Rambod famous worldwide.
Ehsan maintained that the distinction did not change his position. Rambod was already internationally recognized long before his work with Choopan, making it inaccurate to suggest that the Iranian bodybuilding star was responsible for establishing the coach’s reputation.
Victor Martinez agreed, pointing to Rambod’s work with seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath as evidence of his global standing. In Martinez’s view, Rambod helped elevate Choopan’s career rather than the other way around. The discussion highlighted the importance of recognizing the established reputations and accomplishments of coaches who work with multiple elite athletes.
Derek Lunsford’s Biceps Problem: Genetics, Training, or SEO Use?
The hosts also discussed online speculation about Derek Lunsford’s biceps, particularly how they appear in the front double biceps pose compared with other positions.
Victor Martinez acknowledged that Lunsford has impressive arm size but questioned whether the separation between his biceps and triceps was as pronounced as it needed to be for top-level Olympia competition. When compared with Nick Walker and Samson Dauda, Victor felt that Lunsford’s arms did not always create the same visual impact onstage.
However, Victor refused to attribute the appearance to SEO or PMMA use without evidence. He suggested that genetics, arm length, muscle development, or a training issue could potentially influence how Lunsford’s biceps look in different poses.
Ultimately, Victor emphasized that outside observers cannot know the cause based on photographs and video alone. The discussion served as a reminder that bodybuilding speculation, particularly concerning an athlete’s health or substance use, should not be mistaken for established fact.
Was Derek Lunsford Robbed at the 2026 Mr. Olympia?
Memes claiming that Derek Lunsford was robbed at the 2026 Mr. Olympia became another major topic. Victor Martinez said he had not seen a verified recording or official statement in which Lunsford personally claimed he deserved a different result.
While joking that Lunsford might have expressed frustration backstage, Victor distinguished that possibility from the online narrative circulating among fans.
Victor believed the judges ultimately placed Lunsford where he belonged: third behind Nick Walker and the other leading contender. He argued that Walker defeated Lunsford pose for pose and delivered a physique that justified the victory.
Most importantly, Victor highlighted Walker’s improvements in conditioning and midsection control. These had been among the most frequently discussed weaknesses in Walker’s physique, and correcting them helped him present a more complete package at the 2026 Olympia.
For Victor, Walker’s victory demonstrated that improvements in presentation and conditioning can make the difference at the highest level of bodybuilding. Rather than viewing the result as a controversial judging decision, he saw it as recognition of Walker’s progress and competitive performance.
Ryan Terry Faces Online Hate After Fourth Olympia Victory
The Generation Iron Podcast also addressed the disturbing backlash surrounding Ryan Terry after his fourth Men’s Physique Olympia victory. Reports of hateful messages directed at Terry, including threats against his wife, prompted fellow competitor Ali Bilal to tell fans to stop the harassment.
Victor Martinez strongly criticized those targeting athletes and their families over competition results. He argued that supporting a bodybuilder means accepting both victories and defeats, just as sports fans must accept that their favorite teams will not win every season.
For Victor, threatening an athlete’s wife crosses a line that should never be crossed. He questioned the maturity of fans who cannot accept a judging decision and instead direct their frustration toward people who have no responsibility for the outcome.
His message was straightforward: bodybuilding fans should be able to disagree with results without resorting to personal attacks or threats. Respect for competitors and their families should remain a priority, regardless of which athlete wins.
Bob Cicherillo Congratulates Nick Walker After Their Feud
Victor Martinez also praised Bob Cicherillo for congratulating Walker following his Mr. Olympia victory. The two had been involved in a public disagreement over Walker’s physique and ability to reach the top of the sport.
Victor viewed Cicherillo’s response as an example of a man accepting that he was wrong and acknowledging another person’s achievement. Despite their previous differences, Cicherillo recognized Walker’s accomplishment after the competition.
There had also been speculation among fans about whether Cicherillo’s position within bodybuilding could create a conflict of interest in the judging process. Victor dismissed the idea that Cicherillo would manipulate the outcome to hurt Walker, arguing that the result demonstrated the judges made their own assessment.
In Victor Martinez’s view, Walker earned the title through his physique and performance, regardless of previous criticism or outside opinions.
Could Nick Walker Have Beaten Hadi Choopan and Can He Win Again?
Another major question concerned whether Walker would still have won the 2026 Mr. Olympia if Hadi Choopan had competed.
Victor Martinez believed Walker would have remained champion. He pointed to the motivation behind Walker’s journey to the title and the exceptional posing and physique he brought to the stage. Victor felt Walker was driven by the opportunity to win his first Sandow trophy, giving him an advantage that would have made him difficult for any competitor to defeat.
However, Victor acknowledged that the hypothetical matchup could never be settled without seeing both athletes compete under the same conditions.
Looking ahead, Victor believes Walker can win multiple Mr. Olympia titles, although repeating the victory will be challenging. The competition was close enough to demonstrate that Walker does not yet have an unquestioned grip on the division. With elite competitors continuing to push one another, the next Mr. Olympia could deliver another dramatic battle.
Sylvester Stallone Opens Up About Steroids in Hollywood
The episode concluded with discussion of Sylvester Stallone’s comments about steroid use in Hollywood and his claim that actors pursuing extreme physiques are not necessarily natural. Stallone also discussed reaching an extraordinarily low body-fat level for Rocky III.
Victor Martinez suggested that Stallone’s willingness to speak openly could reflect a shift in priorities as he gets older. Health and longevity may now matter more to the actor than maintaining the image or secrecy that surrounded his career when he was younger.
Victor recalled watching Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger growing up, explaining that their physiques and performances inspired him regardless of their personal choices. For him, the impact those stars had on audiences was what mattered most.
The discussion raised broader questions about the pressures actors and bodybuilders face when pursuing extreme physiques and how candid conversations about performance-enhancing drugs can help audiences better understand the realities behind those transformations.
Wrap Up
Ultimately, the Generation Iron Podcast examined the 2026 Mr. Olympia from several angles, from Walker’s championship performance to the speculation and hostility surrounding bodybuilding culture. Martinez’s central message was that results should be judged by what athletes bring to the stage, while rumors, personal attacks, and unverified claims should not replace evidence or respect for the competitors.
