After a brief hiatus to recover – Victor Martinez returns to the podcast and details his health relapse and second spinal surgery
The Generation Iron Podcast is officially back with hosts Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., Ehsan Farahi, and Vlad Yudin. After months of silence, the bodybuilding world finally got an update from Victor Martinez himself, who revealed the harrowing details behind his second spinal surgery, his painful recovery process, and how he’s pushing forward.
The hosts also dove into the controversial results of the 2025 Mr. Olympia, sharing strong opinions about Derek Lunsford’s win, Hadi Choopan’s loss, and the state of bodybuilding judging today.
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Victor Martinez recaps the last month of recovery after his second spinal surgery.
- 2025 Mr. Olympia recap: Derek Lunsford’s comeback, Samson Dauda’s fall, and Nick Walker’s misstep.
- Was Hadi Choopan the real winner of the Mr. Olympia? Why did Derek get the edge?
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a full detailed breakdown. Let’s drive in!
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Victor Martinez Returns After a Brutal Second Spinal Surgery
Victor Martinez’s long-awaited return to the Generation Iron Podcast came with an emotional and honest update. After his first spinal surgery earlier this year, things seemed to be going well – until the infection that caused the initial issue resurfaced. About a month after recovering, Victor began noticing symptoms again, realizing that the infection hadn’t been completely removed during his first operation.
This revelation forced him to undergo a second, even more challenging surgery. However, this time, Victor moved quickly. Because doctors already knew the source of the problem, he was able to go straight to New York City for immediate treatment from top specialists.
While the process has been excruciating, Victor shared that he feels different this time around. He described his recovery as “hell,” yet emphasized a newfound sense of optimism. He believes the infection is truly gone for good – something he says he can feel deep in his gut. After everything he’s been through, that instinct gives him hope for the future. The bodybuilding legend seems determined not only to recover fully but to come back stronger than ever.
Breaking Down the 2025 Mr. Olympia Results
After catching up with Victor’s health, the conversation turned to one of the biggest events in bodybuilding: the 2025 Mr. Olympia. The results shocked both fans and the hosts alike.
Victor Martinez admitted he didn’t expect Derek Lunsford to win this year’s title. While he acknowledged Derek’s incredible symmetry and stage presence, Victor thought Hadi Choopan had the superior conditioning. In Victor’s view, it came down to what the judges prioritized: Derek’s “flow” and the 3D look of his physique versus Hadi’s sharper, harder definition.
Victor explained that in past eras of bodybuilding, Hadi’s conditioning would have easily earned him the victory. But times have changed. Today, judges seem to reward overall flow and balance rather than extreme leanness alone. That said, Victor still recognized the logic in Derek’s win—particularly his standout back poses, which displayed a depth and detail that likely sealed the deal with the judges.
Ehsan Farahi, however, didn’t hold back his frustration. He called Hadi Choopan’s loss “highway robbery” and questioned what happened behind the scenes this year. Ehsan went as far as to say his personal top three would have been Hadi Choopan in first, Andrew Jacked in second, and Derek Lunsford in third.
Both Victor and Ehsan pointed out that while Derek’s back was phenomenal, his chest and front bicep poses lacked separation—described by Ehsan as looking like “one piece of meat.” They also mentioned that Derek appeared to be holding some water in his legs, something that may have cost him some detail during pre-judging.
Behrouz Tabani’s Olympia Debut
The discussion then shifted to newcomer Behrouz Tabani, who made his long-awaited Olympia debut and placed eighth overall. While it might not have been the finish fans were hoping for, the hosts noted that Behrouz faced an unexpected setback just before stepping on stage. According to Ehsan, Behrouz developed a tooth infection the day before the competition, which impacted his final prep and conditioning.
Despite the bad luck, both Victor and Ehsan agreed that Behrouz showed tremendous potential. Ehsan predicted that this is only the beginning for him, emphasizing that the Iranian bodybuilder will likely climb the ranks quickly in future Olympias once he gains more experience.
Nick Walker’s Disappointing Sixth Place Finish
One of the biggest surprises of the night was Nick Walker’s sixth-place finish. Known for his massive size and freaky muscle density, Nick decided to present a more streamlined look this year—a move that Victor believes cost him.
Victor Martinez argued that Nick’s biggest strength has always been his sheer size and muscle thickness. By trying to come in smaller and more aesthetic, he lost the very advantage that made him stand out. Ehsan went even further, saying bluntly that Nick Walker will never win a Mr. Olympia title. In his opinion, Nick’s thick waist prevents him from achieving the kind of flow and proportion that modern judges now prefer.
Ehsan also speculated that Nick’s waistline issues might stem from a deeper training problem—possibly related to how he braces or poses under heavy load.
Samson Dauda Drops from Champion to Fifth
Last year’s Mr. Olympia champion, Samson Dauda, also faced disappointment. After winning in 2024, Samson dropped to fifth place in 2025. Victor and Ehsan analyzed what might have gone wrong. According to Victor, Samson came in looking “flat” during pre-judging—a small but critical issue that had big consequences.
“The top five at the Olympia is incredibly close,” Victor said. “Every hour. Every minute. Everything matters.”
A slight miscalculation in carb loading or water management can be the difference between first and fifth. While Samson still looked impressive, that flatness on day one created an opening for competitors like Derek and Hadi to pull ahead.
Bob Cicherillo or Shawn Ray? Victor answers
Wrap Up
The Generation Iron Podcast’s return was a mix of reflection, controversy, and hard truth. Victor Martinez’s story of resilience set the emotional tone, reminding listeners how fragile life—and health—can be, even for elite athletes. The heated debate over the 2025 Mr. Olympia results showcased how subjective bodybuilding judging remains, with conditioning, flow, and mass all vying for top priority. And the candid discussion about PED side effects closed the episode on a sobering note that cuts through the glamour of the sport.
Victor’s recovery may have been “hell,” but his determination shines through. His optimism, paired with the team’s unfiltered analysis, proves once again why the Generation Iron Podcast remains one of bodybuilding’s most authentic and insightful shows.
