In a recent episode of The Menace Podcast, celebrated bodybuilding figures Dennis James and Milos Sarcev engaged in a discussion about the highly competitive Classic Physique division. The focus of their conversation revolved around the emerging talent of Stephane Matala, who is eager to showcase his skills and potential when he graces the stage in July.
Evaluating Matala’s Potential Against Olympia Talent
During the podcast conversation, Dennis James emphasized the need to assess Matala’s abilities by comparing him to the top-tier talent in the Classic Physique division. While an individual may appear impressive in isolation, true evaluation comes from observing their presence alongside accomplished competitors.
“You know how it is always. You can look great standing by yourself. We have to see him stand next to these guys to really compare him,” shared Dennis James.
The Competitiveness of the Classic Physique Division
Since its inception, the Classic Physique division has consistently featured a wealth of talent and intense competition. Year after year, the category has witnessed an upsurge in popularity and an increase in skill level among participants. Chris Bumstead, a four-time winner, has reigned supreme in the division, wresting the crown from two-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Breon Ansley in 2019.
Bumstead’s Reign and Formidable Challengers
Chris Bumstead’s dominance has posed a challenge for aspiring contenders, prompting curiosity among fans regarding the possibility of dethroning such a formidable champion. Despite determined efforts, no competitor has yet discovered the winning formula to surpass Bumstead’s reign. Notable challengers, including Ramon Queiroz, the 2023 Arnold Classic champion, and Urs Kalecinski, who finished third in the 2022 Olympia and now weighs a solid 275 pounds, have aimed to unseat the reigning champion.
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The Rising Contender: Stephane Matala
In the quest to identify the next potential champion, the bodybuilding community has turned its attention to Stephane Matala. Gaining prominence as ‘Mr. Unchained’ on Instagram, Matala has captivated fans with his awe-inspiring physique. He embarked on his bodybuilding journey by participating in local contests before venturing into the Musclemania Paris Junior Champion competition, where he impressed spectators in the Men’s Physique category.
Community Support and High Expectations
Building anticipation ahead of the 2023 Mr. Big Evolution Pro Portugal, Matala has shared progress photos and videos, generating tremendous excitement within the bodybuilding community. Fans are highly confident in Matala’s chances due to his exceptional lines, remarkable conditioning, impressive shape, and visible muscular striations. As Matala prepares to make his mark in the Classic Physique division, expectations are high, and supporters eagerly await his performance at the upcoming event.
James and Sarcev’s Assessment
Dennis James, during The Menace Podcast, expressed his belief that Stephane Matala will not go unnoticed and has a strong chance of qualifying for the 2023 Olympia. The conversation between James and Milos Sarcev highlighted Matala’s potential as a serious threat to the reigning champion, Chris Bumstead. Their assessment adds to the anticipation surrounding Matala’s upcoming appearance on the stage, where he aims to prove his worth and establish himself as a prominent figure in the Classic Physique division.
Dennis James and Milos Sarcev Debate Stephane Matala’s Extraordinary Physique-“The Dude Looks Fuc**ng Ridiculous,”
During a lively conversation on the subject of bodybuilder Stephane Matala, Dennis James and Milos Sarcev found themselves engaged in a passionate debate, with Sarcev expressing his awe at Matala’s unprecedented level of chest striation.
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“Let me ask you something else guys, did you guys see that Classic guy that’s out there training in Dubai, that brother, that black guy. What’s his name, Stephane Matala,” said Dennis James.
“Oh, oh, holy shit. Yeah, I don’t know his name,” said Milos Sarcev.
“That dude hasn’t even been on stage yet and he has a huge following on Instagram. I don’t know if it’s just the videos or the pictures, the dude looks fuc**ng ridiculous,” added James
I’ve seen him pose next to Andrew Jacked,” added Sarcev. “That puts it in perspective man. Probably [doing Portugal], the guy is – I’ve never seen a striated chest like this in my life.”
Dennis James Applauds Stephane Matala’s Classic Aesthetic, While Sarcev Offers Pose Improvement Advice
Dennis James commended Stephane Matala for embodying an “old school bodybuilding look” and expressed admiration for his apparent absence of scar tissue resulting from steroid injections. In a constructive manner, Milos Sarcev offered a suggestion for improvement, urging Matala to focus on perfecting his front double biceps pose.
“He’s clean, he’s clean, all his muscles are clean. The striations are still there, you can see it’s not all shot up with scar tissue everywhere. He’s clean. Chris you know what I’m talking about, you see the striations in the shoulders, you see stuff that you don’t see on the guys anymore. And full and round,” said Dennis James. “Stephane, crazy. I see old school bodybuilding when I see this guy. You’re absolutely right Don. With the striations in his shoulders, all the way, it’s just good to see there’s still people out there.”
“I think the front double biceps he doesn’t show correctly. There’s more to it. It doesn’t pop,” Milos Sarcev explained. “This is as good as it gets. Oh my God.”
Sarcev Acknowledges Bumstead’s Structural Advantage, but Believes Matala Matches Him in Muscularity
According to Milos Sarcev, Chris Bumstead currently possesses superior structural attributes compared to Stephane Matala. However, Sarcev also concurs with Dennis James and Chris Cormier in recognizing Matala as a potential future threat to the reigning champion. Sarcev believes that Matala can hold his own against Bumstead in terms of muscle development.
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“When we talk about Classic Physique, major thing is structure. Like Chris Bumstead when you compare him muscle for muscle with this guy, would lose right? But structure is so dominant, then, once it’s only front double biceps, back double biceps, serves that crazy v-taper, that Chris is so goddamn good [at] then his side chest is excellent, this guy’s [Stephane] side chest is excellent. I think Chris has more detail through the hamstring glutes tie ins, so there is still level that I think Chris could beat him now. If this guy gets expanded and gets a little bit more wider and creates that v-taper illusion…” said Sarcev.
“I just see a picture of him standing next to Mike Sommerfeld. I guess they were training together. But they were posing next to each other, now look at the size difference, and Mike is not the biggest guy.”
Dennis James Expresses Confidence in Stephane’s Qualification for the 2023 Mr. Olympia
Dennis James holds a strong belief in Stephane Matala’s potential, expressing his confidence that Matala will secure a qualification for the highly prestigious 2023 Mr. Olympia show. With unwavering faith in Matala’s abilities, James envisions a successful journey for the rising bodybuilder.
“Like I said, the condition that this guy brings, and if he brings that to the stage, I think he’s going to do very well. I think he will qualify for the Olympia this year. And I think because of his fanbase, he has a huge fanbase, I think because of his fanbase he won’t get overlooked,” Dennis James shared.
Nurturing Health and Longevity: The Demands of Bodybuilding
Maintaining optimal health and longevity in the world of professional bodybuilding is no simple task. It requires unwavering dedication to essential factors such as diet, supplementation, and training regimens. For Chris Bumstead, an accomplished bodybuilder, his early journey in the sport was shaped by the invaluable guidance of his brother-in-law, Iain Valliere, who competes in the Men’s Open category. During a recent episode of the Straight Outta the Lair Podcast, Bumstead expressed profound appreciation for Valliere’s mentorship, which helped him steer clear of unnecessary steroid use and safeguard his physique from enduring long-lasting damage.
Unveiling the Enigma: Stephane Matala’s Awaited Debut
The anticipation surrounding emerging bodybuilder Stephane Matala continues to intensify, as fans eagerly await his upcoming competition next month. The 2023 Mr. Big Evolution Pro Portugal event is poised to unveil Matala’s true potential, as a victory in this highly anticipated contest could secure him a chance to face off against the reigning champion, Chris Bumstead, in November. With each passing day, the excitement builds as spectators anticipate witnessing Matala’s performance, which may well determine his trajectory in the realm of professional bodybuilding.
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Overview
Bodybuilding experts Dennis James and Milos Sarcev discussed the competitive Classic Physique division on The Menace Podcast. They focused on emerging talent Stephane Matala, who aims to impress on the stage in July. Evaluating Matala alongside top competitors, they highlighted the intense competition in the division, led by four-time winner Chris Bumstead. Matala’s physique has garnered attention, generating anticipation for his upcoming performance at the 2023 Mr. Big Evolution Pro Portugal. James and Sarcev view Matala as a formidable challenger to Bumstead. The conversation also touched on the importance of health and longevity in the sport.
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