Tag: Milos Sarcev
Milos Sarcev Talks Weaknesses of Samson Dauda and Nick Walker 3 Months from 2023 Olympia
Preparations for the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia are heating up as the show takes place this November. In a recent The Menace Podcast, Milos Sarcev laid out the strengths and weaknesses of Nick Walker and Samson Dauda three months before their showdown in Florida. Regularly weighing over 300 pounds, Dauda’s combination of stature, conditioning, […]
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Milos Sarcev Lauds UFC President Dana White for Ripped Physique at 54: ‘No Excuses’
UFC President Dana White is widely credited for pioneering the business aspect of mixed martial arts. He revolutionized the financial model and turned it into the most elite MMA promotion in the world. In a recent post made on Instagram, Milos Sarcev heaped praises on White for maintaining a ripped physique despite his packed schedule.
Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, Dana White grew up with a passion for boxing in his teenage years. He got into the fight business early as a fitness boxing instructor. While working at the gym, White received a threatening message from mobster Whitey Bulger and his associate Kevin Weeks to cough up $3,500. The blackmail forced White to leave Boston and permanently move to Las Vegas.
White worked as a manager before teaming up with childhood friend Lorenzo Fertitta and his older brother, Frank, to acquire the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for $2 million. The company was bleeding cash at the time of the purchase. Still, White managed to turn things around in a more positive direction and eventually sold the organization for $4 billion in 2016.
White is known for putting on the biggest fights possible in MMA. He played a major role in hosting the mega-crossover clash between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor. He even entertained the idea of organizing a bout between Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise and singer Justin Bieber.
The 54-year-old made waves online for his jacked physique. He gave fans a look into his crazy home gym and fridge along with his regular full day of eating on the keto diet. Then, he got more motivated to become healthier after being told he might die in a decade. He shed over 30 pounds and pulled off an incredible body transformation to get ripped.
With a plethora of elite contenders under his wing, renowned bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev has a sharp eye for talent and a respected voice in the community. He praised budding Classic Physique athlete Stephane Matala for his immense potential and backed him to be a considerable threat to reigning four-time champion Chris Bumstead.
Sarcev is convinced 2022 Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan could retain his title if he manages to overcome the danger presented by former 212 Olympia winner and last year’s Open runner-up Derek Lunsford again. He followed up by highlighting the issue of fewer athletes participating in shows.
Milos Sarcev Lauds UFC President Dana White for Ripped Physique at 54
In a recent Instagram post, Milos Sarcev praised Dana White for his shredded physique at the age of 54 despite having an insanely tight schedule managing the UFC and other businesses.
“@danawhite. 54,” wrote Sarcev. “Busy as shit!!! Healthy as they come. Lean, Muscular, Striated delts, Split biceps, Full chest, Flat stomach, Deep abs. No excuses, No compromises.”
Dana White teased a potential cage fight between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He made it clear the talks were serious and we could see a clash of the two of the richest men in the world in the near future.
Milos Sarcev is working hard to lead 2023 Arnold Classic winner Samson Dauda to his maiden Sandow trophy at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He expects his client to face fierce competition from Choopan and Lunsford on stage and believes conditioning would be the key to getting the win.
According to Sarcev, Andrew Jacked would likely defeat Hunter Labrada to earn his entry for the next edition of Mr. Olympia at the 2023 Texas Pro. He admitted Labrada boasts an insane package but favored the overall aesthetics of Jacked.
White’s shredded physique will inspire even the younger fitness fans and it’s great to see Sarcev praise the UFC head honcho for his dedication.
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 6:00 PM EDT
Milos Sarcev Compares Physiques of Hunter Labrada & Andrew Jacked Weeks from 2023 Texas Pro
With this year’s Mr. Olympia approaching, athletes are out in full force attempting to qualify for the prestigious show. In a recent Muscular Development interview, Milos Sarcev broke down Hunter Labrada‘s chances against Andrew Jacked, assuming they meet next month as planned at the 2023 Texas Pro.
“Listen, I love Labrada’s physique, I think he’s so complete. He just doesn’t have the wow factor of Andrew Jacked,” Milos Sarcev shared.
Having placed as high as fourth at Mr. Olympia, Hunter Labrada emerged as a Men’s Open threat with symmetry, conditioning, and mass. Instead of staying active last season, Labrada took extra time to work on his physique. However, when he reached the Olympia stage, Labrada struggled against a star-studded lineup.
In the end, he secured seventh place. Labrada was open about his mistakes and mentioned problems arose both during the peak and prep. Months later, he announced his participation in a pair of shows (2023 Tampa Pro and Texas Pro). Looking to correct the issues that held him back from success, Labrada promised to come back better than ever. He revealed changes to his diet and began practicing vacuum poses for abdomen control.
Andrew Jacked’s road to the top of the Open class was sudden as he recorded one of the most successful rookie seasons of all time. He earned his Pro card, and won the 2022 Texas Pro in his IFBB Pro debut, defeating names like Martin Fitzwater and Steve Kuclo. Before the year ended, Andrew won the Arnold Classic UK and finished eighth at his first Mr. Olympia.
As of this year, Andrew Jacked proved himself at the 2023 Arnold Classic. He held his own against the winner Samson Dauda and runner-up Nick Walker during the finals. Even though Jacked looked at his best, he was unable to earn his qualification for Olympia.
“It Could Go Both Ways,” Milos Sarcev Says 2023 Texas Pro Toss Up for Hunter Labrada & Andrew Jacked
Looking at the contest objectively, Milos Sarcev believes Hunter Labrada and Andrew Jacked both have the potential to win in Texas.
“I love Andrew Jacked’s physique. So, you know, Andrew Jacked against Samson, I could see Andrew getting Samson on some points, by all means, it’s not like a cake walk and Samson is dominating. I know he was a little bit drier, more condition and stuff, but just overall package, Samson dominated him,” said Milos Sarcev.
“It could go both ways [between Hunter Labrada and Andrew Jacked],” said Sarcev. “For me, still, Andrew Jacked has this height and width about him – and just so much aesthetic massive beauty. So, if he comes like Houston last year, you know how it is, he was way better conditioned at the Arnold Classic, way better condition, but he turned their heads in Houston.”
Sarcev argued Andrew could benefit from more side leg thickness. Then, mentioned Labrada had no glaring weaknesses.
“If he comes similar size he was in Houston in similar condition like he was at the Olympia, I just don’t see anybody touching him, right? He’s still a little bit light in the legs especially from the side. But other than that, Andrew doesn’t have any weaknesses.”
“We’ve never seen Labrada dried to the bone super conditioned,” said Sarcev. “Hunter is compact. He has no weaknesses.”
Sarcev examined Labrada’s mandatory poses to elaborate on why he doesn’t have weaknesses.
“He needs deeper abs, deeper abs, and much more control to express all the beauty of his shape. When the midsection is not happening that much, okay, then it affects everything. Front double biceps crazy. Lat spread is quite good. Side chest, side triceps, side triceps is phenomenal. Side triceps is very very good. Back double, back lat spread, now, very much improved.
I don’t see the weaknesses. His conditioning before maybe there was not slice and dice, so if you say weakness, but this is just a conditioning issue not the muscles, low lat insertions, x-frame, v-taper, sweeping thighs, calves, I mean he has it all. Abs and thighs was not a super good pose and most muscular, you know, very good pose, not stunning.”
Given his history of success, Sarcev believes with ‘once in a lifetime conditioning,’ Hunter Labrada could win the Mr. Olympia title.
“He beat Nick Walker, right? Nick Walker is considered a potential Mr. Olympia winner and now you’re going to tell me that Labrada just doesn’t train hard enough? He’s so hungry the last couple of years. He’s training his ass off. He has everything that it takes, if he comes in once-in-a-lifetime conditioning, you tell me why he can’t win, because all these guys are so superior? No.”
“So, Hunter Labrada is a potential Mr. Olympia winner. If everything goes well, if he did put the quality size and comes in ripped to the bone dry, conditioned, like I said, he doesn’t have weaknesses. You say that he does, I didn’t notice them but okay. You just think lower lat insertions, it’s not so visible that I would pay attention.”
Labrada and Jacked have kept up on progress photos leading into the show. Both men appear motivated and anticipate a tough battle en route to gold. In addition, Carlos Thomas Jr. has entered the contest as a definite wildcard. This event will serve as his first IFBB Pro show, and judging by his recent guest posings, he has a shot at winning.
Athletes have until October 9 to secure passage to the sport’s most celebrated event of the year, 2023 Mr. Olympia, which is slated to take place November 2-5, in Orlando Florida.
RELATED: Milos Sarcev Gives Top 3 2023 Mr. Olympia Predictions w/Jay Cutler, Talks Samson Dauda’s Progress
You can find the full video from the Muscular Development YouTube channel below:
Published: 2 August, 2023 | 3:18 PM EDT
Insane Stories of Gyno Surgery Gone Wrong by Milos Sarcev
Bodybuilders go to extreme lengths to be competitive in the sport. Using anabolic steroids to get shredded for the stage is a common practice but sometimes it can be excessive and result in adverse side effects. In a recent IFBB AMA YouTube video, renowned bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev traded crazy stories of gyno surgery mishaps with IFBB Pros Jose Raymond and Chris Tuttle.
Milos Sarcev has a respected voice in the sport based on his decades of experience competing and coaching. He first gained attention for his massive build after winning the Mr. Universe title in 1989. The two-time Mr. Yugoslavia enjoyed a successful run as a Men’s Open competitor in the 90s with several Mr. Olympia contests. Following his retirement, he turned into a prolific coach guiding many elite contenders, including Samson Dauda, seven-time 212 Olympia winner Flex Lewis, and Flex Wheeler, under his wing.
Sarcev highlighted the risk of dehydration from overusing diuretics for competitions earlier this year. He argued against rewarding extreme dryness to avoid having the coaches push more diuretics on their athletes.
After Dauda’s victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic, Sarcev urged his client to focus on building thickness in his back to improve his chances of beating top contenders like the 2022 Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan. Then, he doubled down on his stance of not rewarding conditioning weeks later. He revealed his experiences of helping athletes who nearly passed away due to dehydration and urged for a balanced approach to judging.
Sarcev suggested former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay skip the 2023 Mr. Olympia last month. He believes Ramy needs to take some time off to regain muscle and revamp his physique after dropping the title at the last edition.
Milos Sarcev heaped praises on rising Classic Physique competitor Stephane Matala weeks ago. He was in awe of Matala’s upper body muscle development and stated he had never seen a chest as striated as his. He believes Matala could present a tough challenge to reigning four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead. While he ranked Bumstead’s structure better, he favored Matala over him in a muscle-for-muscle comparison.
Sarcev backed Choopan and former 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford as the favorites going into the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He praised Lunsford’s impressive back but believes with the right improvements his pupil, ‘The Nigerian Lion’ can secure the Olympia title.
Retired bodybuilding veteran Jose Raymond laid out some of the biggest mistakes an athlete and coach could make while in prep for a contest two months ago. He argued against pushing competitors to extreme lengths to display striated glutes and following a low-carb diet for a long time.
Milos Sarcev & Jose Raymond Share Insane Stories of Gyno Surgery Gone Wrong
In a recent YouTube video, Milos Sarcev, Jose Raymond, and Chris Tuttle shared crazy stories of gyno surgery mishaps.
Tuttle started by detailing the time he asked his father, who had never performed a gyno surgery, to operate on him.
“I had gyno surgery,” said Tuttle. “My dad’s a physician, he’s never done gyno surgery before. I asked him about it and he goes, ‘I’ll give it a shot.’ And he goes, ‘But you’re going to be awake. We’ll just numb the area. If I hit a tender area, just let me know.’ So, I’m lying on the table, he’s trimming away, tracing the nipple and he flips the nipple over and I feel him start to cut the tissue out. I’m like *screaming* and he’s like, ‘okay, hold on.’
Goes in there with Novocain, numbs around the area again, goes back in, starts tugging on it. I didn’t even had that bad gyno but when he pulled it out it was pretty massive, like the size of an old school flip top cell phone. When you look at it, it doesn’t look pretty big but it’s an iceberg.”
Sarcev revealed he saw a bodybuilder who lost his nipples due to a gyno surgery accident.
“I go to the bodybuilding contest in England and I’m watching this… I can’t really like what is wrong, what is weird, what is it? Then I realized a guy had no nipples.I think his last name is Connolly. So, I guess he went to somebody that wasn’t really that much experience and skill to do the gyno surgery. He removed everything including the nipples.”
Raymond weighed in with a tale of Roelly Winklaar getting the surgery done in his hotel room.
“I heard a story about I think it was Roelly over at Kuwait and they just came to his hotel room to remove the gyno. It was just some guy in his hotel room just came with some scissors and blades and whatever and just cut it out right in the room.”
Milos Sarcev voiced his disapproval of modern bodybuilders not competing regularly at shows a week ago. He called on the promoters to raise the prize money to attract more athletes and pinned the blame on not getting enough sponsors. Sarcev followed up with his breakdown of the top contenders for the next edition of Mr. Olympia and predicted Dauda to secure the Sandow trophy ahead of Lunsford and Choopan.
Based on these comical stories, it’s a smart idea to consult with a professional for gyno surgery to avoid the risk of losing nipples and other side effects.
You can watch the full video below:
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Published: 30 July, 2023 | 10:03 AM EDT
Jay Cutler, Milos Sarcev Talk Hassan Mostafa & Blessing Awodibu’s Potential + Lack of Athletes Entering Shows
Jay Cutler continues to oversee the Men’s Open division, which served as his proving grounds following an illustrious career. In a recent Cutler Cast Podcast, Cutler examined the physiques of top talents Hassan Mostafa and Blessing Awodibu. Then, he joined Milos Sarcev for an honest discussion about athletes who live like bodybuilders but refuse to enter contests.
Making a name in the Open class has arguably never been more difficult. To reach the sport’s most-coveted throne, athletes must present a perfect combination of mass, conditioning, and balance on stage. There are still a number of athletes who have yet to earn their invites to 2023 Mr. Olympia – the biggest show of the year. Two of which are Blessing Awodibu and Hassan Mostafa.
Last year, Awodibu turned in a career-best season. This campaign saw him lay claim to gold at the 2022 Indy Pro and New York Pro. With two Pro show victories fueling his ambitions, Awodibu entered his first Olympia competition but didn’t place. As a result of the performance, Awodibu put his head down and trained in the 2023 off-season. As one of the more entertaining Open talents, fans are thrilled to see him back in action.
Hassan Mostafa, meanwhile, has kept a busy schedule this season. In June, Mostafa kicked off his year by finishing second to Iain Valliere at the 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow. A week later, he pushed himself against 49-year-old Phil Clahar at the Orlando Pro though ultimately finished runner-up. Three times a charm, as was the case for Mostafa, who achieved his first win of the season at the recent Vancouver Pro.
Jay Cutler, Milos Sarcev Take Closer Looks At Physiques of Hassan Mostafa and ‘Huge’ Blessing Awodibu
According to Sarcev, there was no way Stan ‘Stanimal’ de Longeaux had a shot at defeating Hassan in Vancouver, Canada.
“No way [Stanimal can’t beat Hassan]. He would not beat you right? No matter how conditioned… you have so much size and power in the Open division. So, for me, there was no contest for first place. I mean, Hassan – on the pictures – it was very good condition. Not Stan’s condition, but this kind of conditioning that’s why I’m saying, just condition can not be a perfect physique,” said Milos Sarcev.
“Years ago we talked about the most muscular bodybuilder on the planet, and we thought it was Hassan. We used to see him at Dragon’s Lair and he could barely walk he was so big. He’s come down a lot since then,” said Cutler. “Samson might be the most muscular bodybuilder right now. Samson is pretty – and Nick Walker is really big too.”
Looking at last year’s Olympia finishers, Sarcev said Mostafa wouldn’t have been able to defeat Rafael Brandao due to the Brazilian’s shape, width, and aesthetics.
“Close second twice, and if he would lose this one – there would be so much disagreement,” said Sarcev. “Hassan? Ten being Rafael Brandao… I would give it Rafael, myself. So, I don’t think he would make the top ten. Look, crazy size, but Rafael Brandao beat Samson a year before in Romania. Rafael has shape and width and aesthetics and everything. So, I’m not going to go for just pure muscle,” explained Sarcev.
Sarcev and Cutler agree Awodibu looks motivated ahead of this weekend, where he’s set to face off against rising talent Justin Shier.
“Justin is phenomenal. Yes for sure [Justin can win]. He has everything that it takes. I still haven’t seen him in person. The pictures that I’ve seen and the videos, he’s super impressive. The v-taper is – I think there was an argument that he could have bigger legs and a little bit fuller chest.”
“Blessing looked super motivated. He looked huge. He’s super wide. My advice is I told him right there in front of you: he has one of the craziest v-tapers and a super small waist when he opens up, right? He should not risk whatsoever to push down as his obliques come out and then his waist doesn’t look as good. This is about that presentation.
It’s not what you have it’s what you show. If you never show them a wider waist, they only see a smaller waist, and that’s how they’re going to judge. Then, you’re a super contender. Upper body, I mean, Blessing is a phenomenon, a phenomenon.
If Awodibu brings a comparable physique to what he displayed at last year’s New York Pro, Jay Cutler said the Chicago Pro is his show to win.
“If he comes like the New York Pro, I think he can win,” suggested Cutler.
“Yeah [he can win] by all means. In Las Vegas, maybe he would be the odds-on favorite still, but Justin is just — too complete and balanced. From an aspect of balance, that’s what the downfall was of Blessing’s. He had a crazy upper body and legs lacking a little bit. Patrick Moore the same thing.”
Sarcev, Cutler Talk Passing on Shows and Weak Prize Money
Given the costs associated with bodybuilding, Sarcev is surprised at how few athletes decide to compete regularly at contests. Cutler was quick to point out that the prize money in bodybuilding has remained lackluster for decades now.
“It makes zero sense [to not compete]. All these guys – so, gear costs. Gear costs. They’re going to do the gear whether they compete or not, they’re going to take pictures for Instagram or not. When they’re in the gym they do what they do, they eat what they’re supposed to. Okay, now, when you do all that stuff. Wouldn’t you want to be in shape – contest shape – and when you’re in contest shape and you have a Pro card you can be on the biggest stage in the IFBB? And you’re passing on all these shows, what the hell?” said Milos Sarcev.
Cutler and Sarcev believe the inactivity problem boils down to the lack of financial opportunities available from sponsors.
“They can compete but they choose not to compete, why would you not compete? You have a Pro card,” said Sarcev. “[It’s] too many shows, like you mentioned it, and it’s the same prize money. Why don’t you force promoters, promoters aren’t going to like me, they should easily double-up the prize money.”
“They can’t because the sponsors are scarce,” said Jay Cutler.
“Then don’t make the show. Have fewer shows and start valuing this bodybuilders,” said Sarcev.
This isn’t the first time that prize money in bodybuilding has taken over headlines. In June, athletes rep Bob Cicherillo took to a Voice of Bodybuilding Podcast to discuss the pressing issue. Similar to Cutler and Sarcev’s point of view, Cicherillo highlighted that prize money hasn’t changed for decades. Moving forward, Cicherillo would like to see the minimum purse raised from $10,000 to $20,000 for typical bodybuilding contests outside of the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia.
With the sport’s greatest event taking place in three months, athletes still have time to earn their tickets. Should Awodibu claim gold this weekend, he’ll have the chance to face the reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan later this year. As for Hassan Mostafa, he hopes to make it on the Olympia stage after health issues sidelined him from an appearance in 2022.
RELATED: Hassan Mostafa Shares Ramadan Diet And Workout
Watch the full video from the Cutler Cast YouTube channel below:
Published: 21 July, 2023 | 12:11 PM EDT
Lee Priest on Training Legs w/Tom Platz: ‘I Was so Fuc**ng Fried, Thought I Was Having a Heart Attack’
Australia’s Lee Priest remains enamored with the sport following a decorated career. He competed for decades en route to cementing his name as one of the best. In a recent Jujitoine Podcast on YouTube, Priest, joined by Milos Sarcev, opened up about training legs with bodybuilding legend Tom Platz.
While he might have lacked stature, Lee Priest made up for it on stage with granite conditioning, huge arms, and freaky fullness. In addition to winning multiple Pro titles, Lee Priest pushed some of the sport’s most elite at prestigious competitions like the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia. He gave eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, Dexter Jackson, Kevin Levrone, Chris Cormier, and many others tough battles during his tenure.
Before settling into retirement, Priest claimed a pair of victories in 2006 at the NOC New York and the PDI Night of Champions. He came back in 2013 for his final competition, which saw Priest leave the sport on top with a big win at the NABBA Mr. Universe. Priest remains a beloved figure in the sport despite his controversial nature.
Tom Platz, on the other hand, is a golden era bodybuilder known for his remarkable lower body strength and defined legs. His intense workout methods have been lauded for generations. Platz helped shape many competitors after him, such as six-time Olympia winner Dorian Yates, who attended some of Tom’s teaching seminars years ago.
‘He Was Demented & You Had to Go With Him’ – Lee Priest Looks Back on Training Legs with Tom Platz
Priest, a popular member of the Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, distinctly remembers a gruesome leg training session with Platz. Hours after the workout, Priest said he thought he was having a heart attack in the middle of the night.
“When I trained with Tom, Tom Platz, we would always mainly stick around four or five plates and just really rep them out. You know, Tom was crazy on static holds, whether it be leg press, hack squat, go halfway, hold it, then he would start pulling on the fucking thing, saying, ‘Go back up Lee, come back down.’ I’m thinking, fucking hell, have you ever trained with Tom, Milos?
When he went to that place in his mind, you’re like, ‘Oh fucking hell.’ He just went demented and you had to go with him. I’d get home that night and wake up in the middle of the night thinking I’m having a heart attack because my nervous system is so fucking fried from doing legs with Tom. I’d wake up in a sweat at 1 o’clock, like, ‘I’m having a heart attack, this is it, I’m fucking dying,’” shared Priest.
Sarcev shared his experience training with Platz as well. He said Platz eventually jumped on top of the machine he was using to make the workout more difficult.
“One time, he was coming to the Coliseum Gym and I was finishing calves. Here it is, from the door, he’s coming in. He saw me, okay. I’m on the seated calf. He didn’t even say hello right? ‘You’re doing my set, he says. I’m doing your set, what is it?’ I had two plates on the seated calf, he put another one, then put another one, put another one, as many as – shit – then he jumps on it, you know,” shared Sarcev.
“Something as simple as dumbbell laterals. I’ll do my set, Tom does his, he’d be like this and get lower and lower five minutes later, [he’s barely moving] he’s still going,” added Priest.
Priest remembers asking Tom to make a comeback, but Platz would always say he couldn’t compete again because he’d have to adopt a ‘crazy’ mindset.
“I used to say to Tom make a comeback, he said, ‘Oh Lee I couldn’t. If I got in that mindset I’d just go crazy.’ I couldn’t do it,” said Priest.
“He was doing with Monica Brant some cover shoot. Legs, were exactly like they were back in the day,” said Sarcev.
“In Gold’s Gym he had his green belt on doing squats. His legs had the shape, but as soon as he flexed them, they doubled in size, it’s like what the fuck?” Priest said.
Priest on Being Marked Down for Bloated Stomachs in Bodybuilding: ‘Certain People Were, Other People Weren’t’
According to Priest, the IFBB Pro League announced a rule discouraging bloated stomachs and bubble guts back when he was competing.
“Remember, because we were all competing back then when the judges brought out that rule, ‘If you have a bloated stomach, you’re going to be marked down, you’re going to be marked down.’ Certain people were marked down other people weren’t. To be bigger, everyone was like I got to get bigger, I got to get bigger.
So really, back then, there were a lot of great Classic Physique bodybuilding, the judges just let it go too far and ruined it. So, if they just judged how they are meant to judge, they would have gone to those grotesque bloated stomachs and shit. If someone has a bloated stomach, and you put him in seventh, that’d be like, ‘Fuck. I got to fix this problem. I can’t come in like this or I’m not going to place well.’ But if you give them first or second, they’re not going to change how they look,” said Lee Priest.
“Think about this: how can you let yourself as a bodybuilder get the bubbly gut, big stomach, how can you let yourself? It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to get bigger because once you see this is coming up, I say you have to do something about it,” said Milos Sarcev.
Even at 68 years old, Tom Platz hasn’t slowed down his leg training. He still pushes at the gym with the same principles he adopted as a bodybuilding star. Earlier this month, Platz showed why age is just a number with a jacked quad physique update.
Platz’s energy and training techniques are difficult to replicate, as was his iconic 525-pound squat record for 23 reps. However, reigning World’s Strongest Man and Arnold Strongman Classic champion Mitchell Hooper broke Tom’s record in May by a single rep.
To this day, Tom Platz remains an influential figure in bodybuilding. His attention to detail and tenacity inside the gym turned him into a one-of-a-kind talent. Priest, who had the benefit of learning from Platz, was blown away by his training practices.
RELATED: Lee Priest Says Remove ‘Useless’ Divisions & Backs Arnold Schwarzenegger Over Chris Bumstead
You can watch the full video from the IFBB AMA YouTube channel below:
Published: 20 July, 2023 | 6:50 PM EDT
Chris Cormier, Dennis James, Dave Palumbo, Milos Sarcev Talk Steroids, Synthol, & Bodybuilding After 40
Longevity in bodybuilding has become a booming subject given some of the risks associated with the sport. In a recent The Menace Podcast, Chris Cormier, Dennis James, Milos Sarcev, and Dave Palumbo discussed some of those risks, which included site-enhancement oils and expired steroids. They also talked about life as a bodybuilder after 40 years old.
The IFBB Pro League serves as the ultimate arena for bodybuilders who strive to sculpt their physiques into artistic masterpieces. These athletes dedicate their lives to achieving the perfect balance of muscle mass, symmetry, and proportions but diet and exercise alone are not enough to reach the pinnacle of this sport. To keep up with their rivals, competitors use an array of substances and methods to enhance their appearance or performance.
The use of site-enhancement oils goes back decades now. As was the case with 1990s veterans Milos Sarcev and Chris Cormier, both of whom have used Synthol. Looking back, Sarcev believes shooting his arms with Synthol was the biggest regret of his career.
Meanwhile, Cormier has mentioned that he used the same drug and remembers injecting it into his calves. He’s gone on to warn upcoming talent about the dangers associated with the practice. Cormier has also been honest about what it did to his physique, and said the ‘damage is real.’
“We All Inject Something” Milos Sarcev, Chris Cormier, Dave Palumbo, Dennis James Talk Synthol in Bodybuilding
When asked if the top 10 Open bodybuilders from Mr. Olympia are using site-enhancement oils, Palumbo implied they are all using ‘something.’ As for Chris Cormier, he believes athletes lack striations nowadays because of Synthol use.
“We all inject something,” said Milos Sarcev.
“I think every single one of them is doing something,” added Palumbo. “I don’t know one person that doesn’t shoot something in their shoulders and arms to make them bigger. I don’t know one person.”
“I see it down the back. I see it in the quads. You don’t have the quad striations you should normally have. When you do see quad striations everyone is like, ‘Oh my God.’ But that should be the standard if you’re that lean,” said Cormier.
Palumbo elaborated and said athletes today are using up to 10,000 milligrams of testosterone, which is unintentionally serving as a site enhancement.
“I think what happened is nowadays, guys are using it but they are not abusing it much. There’s still a couple of nut cases that do, but by and far, people understand that you have to be creative about the process of how you do it. Now a lot of guys just use their regular gear. You see these guys today. I know guys taking 10,000 milligrams of testosterone a week, I don’t know why they’re doing it but they don’t even need site injection oil, they just use the testosterone as their site injection oil because they’re popping it everywhere on their body,” said Dave Palumbo.
“It takes away from the quality of muscle. But that’s the look I see, because there’s no way you have striated glutes and hardly no body fat, I mean the diet is impeccable, but then when you do that as opposed to leaning on that side of the coin instead of the other side of the coin where you train hard, put it where you got to put it, but don’t put it where you don’t need to put it just because you’re trying to look a certain way. It’s taking away from the quality,” responded Chris Cormier.
Milos Relives 12-Year Expired Parabolan, Masteron Experience: ‘My Whole Body Exploded w/Acne’
Next, the group discussed the efficacy of expired steroids. Sarcev regretfully took a batch over 10 years expired back in his heyday.
“The only side effect that I could say [from expired drugs] is acne. That was – I got a guy that brought me 12 years expired parabolan and masteron and all this shit right. It expired 12 years before. When you have it in your hands, this is original. You can’t throw it away. How bad can it be?” laughed Milos Sarcev. “Man, my whole body exploded with acne.”
Sarcev added that there were points during his career when he used drugs like Viagra on stage.
“Did any of you use Viagra for the stage? Because in ’97, there was no Viagra man. Yeah, I told you too right,” Milos Sarcev said. “One million percent you get fully pumped.”
Bodybuilding After 40: Prostate Health, Blood Work + Stem Cell Updates
According to Chris Cormier, he began to experience problems in the restroom when he took steroids for more than two weeks.
“I started to urinate, and then towards the end of me urinating, I got to shit. I did that [checked my prostate]. Yup. I know when I was in competition I would take Equipoise and my prostate would get really sore for some reason,” said Cormier.
“You probably convert to DHT at a very high level,” said Dave Palumbo.
Monitoring blood work is a great way for athletes to keep an eye on relevant health markers. However, Dennis James worries that athletes would rather not know than go to a doctor and find out what’s wrong.
“Athletes now are more cautious with doctors and getting themselves checked since we see so many people dying,” said Dennis James. “I think these guys they just don’t want to know. The worse thing for them is they go somewhere, the doctors tell them this is high and tells them they shouldn’t be doing this or that,” said James.
Palumbo stressed that anyone over the age of 40 should have a cardiac CT angiogram done. He told Rich Gaspari to have the test done years ago and ‘The Dragon Slayer’ discovered a 100% blocked artery.
“Everyone over the age of 40 should have a cardiac CT angiogram done, it’s a CT scan, they put a little dye in you and you know what, you know if you have a blockage or not. If you have a blockage you go and get a stent, I told Gaspari to go get it done. He went and found out he didn’t even know he had 100% blockage in one artery,” said Palumbo.
Lastly, Dennis James updated fans on his training regimen, which has increased considerably since his stem cell injections.
“Yesterday, I was in the gym yesterday. By the way Milos, I started training. It was the first real workout I had in years. I did six exercises, normally I do two, two sets each and I did six with five sets each. I’m sore all over. I think it is [the stem cells],” explained Dennis James. “I also said when I’m done with the stem cell treatment I was going back to the gym and getting serious again. That’s why yesterday I really started training seriously.”
Flex Wheeler also appeared on The Menace Podcast recently and discussed his use of insulin and Synthol. While Flex admits his contemporaries also used it, he said prolonged site-enhancement oil use resulted in excessive scar tissue at the injection sites.
Even though the sport can be unforgiving, plenty of notable pros have found longevity in retirement. Most importantly, James, Sarcev, and Cormier agree that health after 40 requires a more consistent and calculated effort.
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Watch the full The Menace Podcast on YouTube below:
Published: 17 July, 2023 | 11:45 AM EDT
Lee Priest Responds to Backlash on Urging Removal of 212 & Other Divisions: ‘Shouldn’t Be a Pro’
Australian bodybuilding veteran Lee Priest is not one to shy away from ruffling some feathers with his hot takes. The outspoken pro has been vocal about his dislike for the evolution of some elements in the sport. In a recent IFBB AMA YouTube video, Priest responded to the backlash he received after calling for getting rid of the Men’s 212 and more categories in a debate with renowned bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev.
Lee Priest made a name for himself with his immense muscle mass, size, and symmetry in the Men’s Open division in the 90s and 2000s. He dominated the regional Australian circuit with his massive arm muscle development before making his way to international competitions such as the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia.
Although Priest did not win the Sandow trophy, he presented a major challenge to the likes of eight-time champion Ronnie Coleman and six-time winner Dorian Yates in his six Mr. Olympia appearances. His final outing saw him score gold at the 2013 NABBA Mr. Universe.
Priest voiced his disapproval of the Men’s 212 division earlier this year. Given the success of former 212 standouts like Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan, Priest suggested dissolving the division altogether and merging the prize money into the Men’s Open class. He argued the best competitors would be able to hold their own next to the mass monsters of the Open.
Priest laid out effective tips for maximizing preacher curl to build bigger biceps and get a better pump four months ago. He detailed various different ranges, machines, and grip variations to utilize for the best results. Then, he took issue with the Minnesota court’s ruling on USA Powerlifting allowing transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports.
The 51-year-old criticized the eligibility criteria of the returning 2023 Masters Olympia three months ago. According to Priest, the show should raise the age to 50+ instead of 40 and only permit competitors who have been out of competition for about two to three years.
Lee Priest opened up on his secrets to maintaining a high level of personal fitness post-retirement two months ago. While he largely follows the same training plan that he did in his 20s, he’s adjusted how heavy he lifts to accommodate for his injuries. He also reported burning body fat got more difficult with age.
Two months ago, Priest proposed the idea of hosting a ‘Golden Era’ seminar and facing four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler in a guest-posing appearance following the 2023 Masters Olympia. Then, he suggested taking on Kai Greene in an Olympia-themed superhero showdown at a bodybuilding show to entertain the fans.
Lee Priest Responds to Backlash on Urging Removal of 212
In a recent YouTube video, Lee Priest went on a rant defending his calls for removing the Men’s 212 and more categories while debating coach Milos Sarcev.
Priest believes the best competitors would rise to the top regardless of the division and those who don’t should not get a pro card.
“I mentioned a long time ago that 212 should be gone and then I hear people saying, ‘yeah Lee but if we don’t have the 212, these guys wouldn’t have an opportunity to compete as pros.’ That’s true but you know why they wouldn’t have an opportunity to compete as pros? Because they’re not f**king good enough,” Priest continued. “To be a pro, you got to be the best of the best. You’ve got to win the Nationals overall or win your class. Stop giving out pro cards like they’re popcorn because what other sport does that? If I want to be in the NBA, they’re not going to lower the hoop five feet and do a layup in the ball and sh**. No other sport dumbs it down.”
Priest bashed hosting divisions such as the Men’s Physique and Women’s Wellness and Bikini.
“Look, you might want to be a pro but guess what? Maybe the genetics aren’t good enough. Be a good amateur. There’s lots of guys who don’t even compete who make a lot of money training people and competing. But now we’ve got Classic, Physique, in the women’s, we’ve got wellness and bikini.
“You want to do that sh**? Go join the Hawaiian tropics and be a male model or bikini girl. We don’t need to sit at bodybuilding shows bored sh**less watching guys do this sh** with their hands and all that crap. Their legs look sh**, they wear board shorts. You don’t want to train your legs go do the wheelchair division for f**k’s sake. We don’t need all these classes.”
Priest mentioned the likes of Lee Labrada, Franco Columbu, and Lunsford to solidify his case. Sarcev pushed back on his argument but found some points of agreement.
“Labrada competed in the Open, Franco did, I did, Derek Lunsford, all these guys who were 212, they would’ve made it to the Open because they got the genetics,” said Priest. “If you don’t have the genetics to be in the Open you shouldn’t be a pro.”
“Back in the day they gave the Open chance like a lightweight and heavyweight Mr. Olympia and then the overall,” Sarcev replied. “Derek Lunsford, it took him years to switch from 212 to the Olympia when he felt comfortable that he can be competitive.”
Priest responded, “If they had to put like Flex Lewis against Phil Heath for an overall, yes I would agree with that. That’s the best of the best.”
‘212 is not Mr. Olympia,’ says Sarcev
They both agreed the 212 winner would not be Mr. Olympia. Sarcev supported the idea of presenting an opportunity to the smaller athletes whereas Priest argued the pool of pro contenders got diluted because of it.
Sarcev said, “Let’s face it, 212 is not Mr. Olympia. That’s a winner of 212 class but it shouldn’t really be called Mr. Olympia because there’s one Mr. Olympia. If they were given a chance to stand and compete that’s a different story. I agree with you. How can you measure it equally? It can’t be.
“Open division is the best bodybuilder in the world. But it gave an outlet for the smaller guys so they can maybe win something. Look at Shaun Clarida, he’s phenomenal but the best he could do is a fifth at the Arnold Classic.”
“He’s good enough for the Open, he’s proved that,” said Priest. “Back in our day, when we saw a pro stage lineup nearly all the pro shows were almost like the Arnold Classic or Olympia generally Mr. Olympia was the only guy missing. The Iron Man would be you, Dillet, Chris Cormier, Flex Wheeler, you knew everyone up there. Now sadly you go to some pro shows and half the guys on stage look like a pot plant, actually the pot plant looks better. Half of them look like sh** standing up there like stage decorations. Nothing against them I’m sure they train hard. We don’t know their names, who they are, they look like bad amateurs on a pro stage because they shouldn’t have got their pro card.”
Lee Priest gave his take on dieting while in prep for a contest last month. He’d target following a strict diet at least 16 weeks out from a show and getting stage-ready about four weeks out.
Two weeks ago, Priest urged for the removal of ‘useless’ bodybuilding divisions, which covered every category other than the Open and Fitness.
Priest’s latest comments might rub some competitors, especially those in the divisions he wants to eliminate, the wrong way. However, it would bring more attention back to the Open class.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 16 July, 2023 | 9:47 AM EDT
Milos Sarcev Backs Derek Lunsford & Hadi Choopan as Favorites for 2023 Mr. Olympia
Iranian bodybuilder Hadi Choopan cemented his place in the history books with a sensational victory at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Along with Choopan, former 212 Olympia champion, Derek Lunsford received major praise for his debut performance in the Men’s Open class. In a recent episode of Cutler Cast, renowned bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev backed Choopan and Lunsford as favorites going into the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Fans witnessed one of the most competitive and exciting seasons of the last few years in 2022. Former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay was tasked with the challenge of facing veterans like former champion Brandon Curry, William Bonac, and the ever-consistent Hadi Choopan along with a plethora of other top-tier talents, including Nick Walker, Andrew Jacked, and Samson Dauda. Aside from the mass monsters of the Open, Derek Lunsford entered the show following a special invite.
In the end, Big Ramy got knocked off the top by Choopan, who became the first Iranian to win the coveted Sandow trophy. Lunsford made a statement in his Open debut by taking silver in a close-fought contest with Choopan. Then, Dauda asserted his place in the mix of title contention by dominating the competition at the 2023 Arnold Classic earlier this year.
The 2023 Pittsburgh Pro presented an opportunity for some of the top Open competitors to give fans a sneak peek at the looks they plan to bring for the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Following the guest posing appearances, many thought Lunsford and Dauda emerged as the frontrunners for the show. Although Choopan was not in attendance, he sent warning shots with a massive physique update in the days that would follow.
Lunsford received the backing of bodybuilding legend and eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, who also called him his favorite contemporary bodybuilder last month. Former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout voiced a similar sentiment in backing Lunsford as the biggest threat at this year’s Olympia.
As for Lunsford, he reported significant improvements in the off-season and expects to return to action stronger than ever. Hadi Choopan doesn’t seem too worried as he issued a fiery message showing off his monstrous physique in an update weeks ago.
Derek Lunsford teamed up with Dauda for a grueling back workout session over two weeks ago. Both men boasted their humongous frames and pushed each other to the limit under the guidance of Hall of Famer Chris Cormier.
Milos Sarcev backs Derek Lunsford & Hadi Choopan as favorites for 2023 Mr. Olympia
In a recent YouTube video, Milos Sarcev shared his thoughts on the frontrunners for the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
According to Sarcev, there’s a high chance Choopan retains the title this year and the next.
“I have all the respect for Hadi,” said Sarcev. “Hadi could be three times Mr. Olympia.”
He backed Lunsford and Choopan as the favorites entering the show and highlighted the danger that 2023 Arnold Classic winner Samson Dauda brings.
“Derek & Hadi are frontrunners. Samson is going to the show to win and will do everything possible for him to win.”
Sarcev says Lunsford would be Mr. Olympia if it was judged from the back
Sarcev believes Derek Lunsford boasts one of the best backs in the game and is nearly unbeatable in front poses, like the front double bicep and front lat spread. For Sarcev, the deciding factor would be how convincingly Lunsford gets beaten in his weaker poses from the side.
“Derek would be Mr. Olympia if it was judged from the back already. He lost from the side a little bit and when you think front, front double biceps, front lat spread, he’s super dangerous because then you can really see the definition and hardness on the chest on those two poses and he had a crazy v-taper so you gotta give him. He has front double bicep, front lat spread, he looks crazy in all these poses. He’s super dangerous. From the back, he’s phenomenal. The other poses, he can be beaten. Can he be beaten in other poses convincingly enough? That remains to be seen. I still think Hadi Choopan is going to come [and be in the driver’s seat].”
Derek Lunsford showed off his huge legs in a heavy-duty off-season lower-body workout last week. He indulged in a friendly hot-dog eating contest, devouring 3,300 calories in a post-workout cheat meal. Then, he laid out a sleeve-busting arm workout to build jacked biceps earlier this week.
RELATED: Derek Lunsford Goes Through Title-Worthy Back Workout With Chris Bumstead
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 7 July, 2023 | 7:57 AM EDT
Jay Cutler, Milos Sarcev Talk Fantasy Battles: Jay vs Dorian Yates, Phil Heath vs. Ronnie Coleman
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler left a storied career behind but still serves as a visible ambassador for the sport. In a recent Cutler Cast Podcast, Cutler and Milos Sarcev discussed past Mr. Olympias and how they’d fare against each other in hypothetical match-ups.
The Men’s Open division has undergone immense changes since the 1990s, which saw six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates‘ successful reign. He ushered in an era of mass monsters, a valuable blueprint that athletes have followed decades after his exit from the sport.
In 1998, Ronnie Coleman shocked the bodybuilding world. He brought an unparalleled level of size, conditioning, and vascularity. Not to mention, he’s considered one of the strongest bodybuilders to ever compete, having been made famous for his epic 2,300-pound leg press and 800-pound squat for two reps.
In 2006, Jay Cutler was the chosen one, after almost a decade-long reign, the Massachusetts native did the impossible: he took out his rival Coleman. Cutler held on to the title in 2007 in a controversial contest. Eventually, Cutler would lose his championship honors in 2008 to Dexter Jackson, only to become the first Open athlete to ever win back the Mr. Olympia title a year later.
In the mid-2000s, Phil Heath established himself as a champion under the guidance of Hany Rambod. With cartoonish muscle density and three-dimensional fullness, Heath tied Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s record of seven Mr. Olympia titles.
All of these Mr. Olympias took drastically different paths to establish their dynasties. In their latest offering to fans, Cutler and Sarcev looked closely at how these champions would have fared against each other had they shared the stage.
Jay Cutler & Milos Sarcev Talk Dorian Yates vs. Cutler/ Ronnie Coleman vs. Phil Heath
According to Milos Sarcev, he underestimated the hardness and completeness of Yates’ rugged physique. However, he believes “any version” of Cutler could stand against Yates had they competed.
“Dorian never had good arms but has lines… you know. I don’t think Dorian had the greatest arms, greatest shoulders, greatest chest, greatest abs, greatest legs but put it all together it’s like holy moly. Lat spread, he was killing everybody. Side chest and side triceps, I really didn’t think he’d look as good when I watched the thing, but then I was like what am I talking about he’s good.”
“They say it’s not even fair to compare [past champions from different eras]. Jay said you have to really see it to believe it and appreciate the kind of hardness and dryness, the fibrotic tissue, would 2009 Jay be overwhelmed by any version of Dorian? No. Dorian would not overwhelm you, right, for sure, right.”
“I didn’t have the crazy back and the hardness,” added Cutler.
“Your shoulders are wider, your arms are better,” replied Sarcev.
Even though Heath possessed a freakish and one-of-a-kind physique, Cutler believes Coleman would have defeated ‘The Gift.’
“It’s like arguing Phil Heath versus Ronnie Coleman. Phil had a lot of things going on, but I think if you put him next to Ronnie in his prime he would get overwhelmed a little bit, you know. I’m asking you for the greatest physique ever,” Jay Cutler said.
Before ending the discussion, Sarcev and Cutler agree the greatest physique of all time belongs to Ronnie Coleman.
“’98 Ronnie for me, yeah,” stated Sarcev.
“I think a lot of people would say that same thing,” Cutler said. “I’m a little disappointed people forget about those guys [Lee Haney] and we never talk about Arnold how he was great or how Sergio was great. Even Frank Zane and all these guys, the early guys, you have to take into account the era, the equipment they use. Think about how advanced everything is now.”
This isn’t the first time that Jay Cutler praised Coleman’s prime physique. He joined the Don’t Be Sour podcast recently, where he laid out why Ronnie’s physique has yet to be matched by a contemporary competitor. He specified that Coleman’s combination of crazy muscle density and conditioning made him an extraordinary talent in the sport.
Coleman’s body stands out as the best ever for Sarcev and Cutler. Though, the debate as to who possesses the greatest physique is never truly over.
RELATED: Dana Linn Bailey Joins Jay Cutler, Defends Natural Status, Talks Health Scares & Thyroid Issues
You can watch the full video from the Cutler Cast YouTube channel below:
Published: 7 June, 2023 | 7:21 PM EDT