Victor Martinez recounts the story of his rumored physical altercation with Chris Cormier in Germany
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, bodybuilder and host Victor Martinez covered several hot-button topics, including why bodybuilders have disappeared from major Hollywood films, the infamous Victor Martinez and Chris Cormier altercation, Derek Lunsford’s growing competition heading into the Mr. Olympia, and Hadi Choopan’s new partnership with Milos Sarcev.
Here’s an overview of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Why there are not more bodybuilders in Hollywood
- Victor Martinez vs Chris Cormier: inside the infamous rumored fight
- Victor’s analysis of the 2026 Pittsburgh Pro guest posing – Derek Lunsford is in trouble
- Milos Sarcev to coach Hadi Choopan – how will this play out?
- Does Victor believe Nick Walker is done competing for the year?
- Victor Martinez reacts to Kevin Bacon’s six-pack at 67 years old
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a more detailed breakdown of the episode. Let’s jump in!
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Why Aren’t More Bodybuilders in Hollywood Movies?
The episode opened with a fan question directed at the panel regarding bodybuilders in cinema. The fan, a filmmaker who previously worked with Vlad Yudin and Edwin Mejia Jr. on the film Catskill Park, argued that Hollywood needs more real bodybuilders in movies instead of relying on CGI enhancements and rubber suits.
Victor Martinez immediately agreed with the core idea. According to Victor, bodybuilders absolutely belong in movies and should continue to have a place in action films and mainstream entertainment. However, he also explained why that trend has slowed dramatically compared to earlier decades.
Victor pointed out that many modern bodybuilders simply are not pursuing acting careers. He also made another important point: many bodybuilders are not investing time into learning how to act.
According to Victor, the problem is not the physiques. The problem is performance ability. As a result, studios often choose experienced actors and then use modern fitness training, dieting, and CGI effects to create superhero physiques rather than casting actual bodybuilders.
Vlad Yudin pointed out that many actors now dramatically transform their bodies to fit major roles. Victor agreed and joked that some actors likely experiment with bodybuilding PED cycles to achieve rapid transformations for blockbuster films.
Several examples were discussed during the segment:
- Hugh Jackman transforming into Wolverine
- Chris Pratt rebuilding his physique for superhero films
- Ryan Reynolds getting shredded for action roles
Ultimately, the panel agreed that Hollywood currently finds it easier to train actors into decent shape than it does to teach elite bodybuilders how to perform convincingly on screen.
Victor Martinez Addresses the Chris Cormier FIBO Fight
Another fan question asked Victor Martinez why he refuses to discuss his old conflict with Chris Cormier in Germany. Victor immediately dismissed the controversy as ancient history.
Co-host Ehsan Farahi then jumped into the conversation – because he was actually present during the altercation. According to Ehsan, the incident happened during either the 2009 or 2010 FIBO event. He could not remember the exact year with certainty.
Ehsan recalled Chris Cormier walking from one booth to another when he passed Victor Martinez. One of them said something to the other, though Ehsan could not remember who initiated the exchange.
Then suddenly, according to Ehsan, Chris started punching Victor.
What stood out most in Ehsan’s memory was Victor laughing during the altercation.
The hosts explained that the conflict ultimately turned out to be far less serious than many fans made it out to be over the years. Victor joked that they were probably fighting over a woman and emphasized that the entire issue only lasted a couple of hours before both men reconciled.
According to the hosts, bodybuilding legends Rich Gaspari and Kai Greene helped bring both sides together later that evening.
By the end of the night, Victor said they had already moved on and were sharing beers together.
Derek Lunsford Faces Serious Threats Heading Into Olympia
The podcast then shifted into current bodybuilding competition talk, specifically reactions to the recent Pittsburgh Pro guest posing appearances featuring Derek Lunsford, Samson Dauda, and Andrew Jacked.
Victor Martinez did not hold back with his assessment. In his opinion, Derek Lunsford is in real danger heading into the next Olympia competition.
Victor referenced how close Hadi Choopan already came to defeating Derek at the 2025 Mr. Olympia. He believes the margin between them was extremely small.
Seeing Samson Dauda standing beside Derek during the Pittsburgh guest posing only reinforced Victor’s concerns. According to Victor, Samson’s increased size and improved overall look make him a major threat for the Olympia title.
Victor also praised Andrew Jacked’s conditioning and structure, predicting that Andrew could become one of the biggest challenges in future Olympia contests, especially by 2026.
Vlad Yudin added another interesting layer to the discussion by referencing comments Derek recently made at the Olympia Battle event. Derek directly told Andrew Jacked that he would “never become Mr. Olympia,” apparently sparked by Andrew not wanting to train legs during a session.
Victor found the interaction unusual because Derek Lunsford is typically more reserved publicly. However, Victor also welcomed the competitive energy.
He explained that bodybuilding needs more personality, rivalry, and hype leading into the Olympia season.
Milos Sarcev Begins Coaching Hadi Choopan
The panel also discussed recent news that legendary coach Milos Sarcev will now work with Hadi Choopan. Victor Martinez said he believes the coaching change could be excellent for Hadi and may help elevate him back to championship form.
Ehsan Farahi agreed but added an important caveat. According to Ehsan, Hadi has a reputation for taking time before fully trusting or listening to a new coach. He referenced Hadi’s previous relationship with coach Hany Rambod, saying it reportedly took nearly a full year before Hadi truly followed the system completely.
Another challenge discussed by the hosts involved communication barriers.
Hadi Choopan does not speak English fluently, while Milos Sarcev does not speak Farsi. Although modern translation technology can help during most of contest prep, the hosts noted that peak week preparation often requires extremely precise communication.
Even small misunderstandings during the final weeks before competition could potentially affect conditioning, water manipulation, or overall presentation on stage.
Still, the panel largely viewed the partnership positively.
Victor emphasized that Milos coaching a former Olympia champion significantly boosts Milos’ legacy and reputation in bodybuilding. If the partnership succeeds, it could become one of the defining coaching relationships of this era.
Is Nick Walker Done Competing This Year?
The hosts also addressed growing speculation surrounding Nick Walker and whether he will compete again this season. Victor Martinez acknowledged hearing rumors that Nick may sit out for the remainder of the year, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
One major concern discussed was Olympia qualification. Nick Walker still needs to secure qualification, and time is becoming increasingly limited as major shows continue to pass.
Victor pointed out that there are still opportunities available, including events like the Tampa Pro. He believes Nick has the talent and ability to qualify if he chooses to compete soon.
However, Victor stressed that the clock is ticking.
Victor Martinez Reacts to Kevin Bacon’s Six-Pack at 67
The episode wrapped up with a lighter discussion after actor Kevin Bacon revealed an impressive six-pack physique at 67 years old.
Victor Martinez said he has always been a huge fan of Kevin Bacon and praised several of his films, including:
- Hollow Man
- Footloose
- Tremors
Victor responded with one of his trademark observations: wealthy celebrities should have no excuse to be out of shape.
According to Victor, rich individuals have access to personal chefs, trainers, nutritionists, recovery treatments, and unlimited time to focus on health. Because of that, he does not find celebrity fitness transformations particularly impressive.
While he congratulated Kevin Bacon for staying healthy and maintaining visible abs at 67, Victor argued that average working people accomplishing similar transformations deserve far more credit.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast balanced humor, insider bodybuilding stories, and serious analysis of the current bodybuilding landscape.
Victor Martinez, Vlad Yudin, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Ehsan Farahi covered everything from Hollywood’s reliance on CGI physiques to Olympia rivalries and coaching changes shaping the future of the sport.
The biggest takeaway may be that bodybuilding continues evolving both inside and outside the gym. Whether discussing actors transforming into superheroes, Derek Lunsford facing mounting pressure, or Hadi Choopan entering a new coaching era, the panel made it clear that bodybuilding remains deeply connected to mainstream entertainment, competition culture, and larger conversations about fitness and fame.
