Jay Cutler’s legacy in the bodybuilding realm, fortified by his four Mr. Olympia titles, gives his insights and predictions particular resonance within the community. As the anticipation for this year’s Mr. Olympia contest crescendos, Cutler’s recent commentary on YouTube offers some intriguing perspectives, particularly about the rising star, Derek Lunsford.
A Shifting Landscape in the Men’s Open Division
The Men’s Open division, in recent times, has seen several tectonic shifts. A monumental moment from last year stands out: Hadi Choopan’s toppling of the reigning champion, Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. However, even that significant upset was eclipsed by Derek Lunsford’s appearance on the stage.
Originating from the 212 Olympia division, Lunsford’s entry to the main stage was met with a palpable silence from the audience at the Planet Hollywood venue. His figure, although from a weight-restricted division, appeared every bit as formidable as those of competitors from the unrestricted category. Dominating over those with 300-pound builds, Lunsford’s second-place finish at his inaugural Open Olympia set the stage for the 2023 contest.
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Cutler’s Take on Lunsford’s Rising Star
Cutler’s analytical breakdown provided bodybuilding aficionados with much to mull over. Diving deep into the upcoming contest’s dynamics, he emphasized Derek Lunsford’s potential in challenging Choopan. For Cutler, Lunsford isn’t just another participant; he represents the evolving future of the sport, a force that might redefine the standards of the Olympia battleground.
Jay Cutler Speaks: Lunsford’s Potential and Big Ramy’s Absence in the 2023 Mr. Olympia Lineup
Jay Cutler, a renowned figure in the bodybuilding realm, highlighted Derek Lunsford’s potential dominance in the approaching 2023 Mr. Olympia contest. He also shed light on Big Ramy’s unexpected departure, suggesting that “too much negativity” might have played a part in Ramy’s decision to bypass this year’s championship.
“I’m excited to see who is going to be the next or is it going to be a continuation or are we going to see a new champ? I think you know… we’re still going to see the top guys pretty much the same. I’m curious to see how Brandon Curry does. You know he’s been a little hidden. I thought Ramy would definitely compete. I was disappointed to hear he’s out. I think he’s just – too much negativity forced him to not do it.”
“But I’m curious to see who the top dogs are going to be and who will they hype. Who’s going to be the pusher for like that could have or should of or almost won right?” shared Jay Cutler.
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When posed with a question about the likely leading contender, Cutler immediately pointed to Lunsford, lauding him for his impeccable aesthetics.
“Derek I think [is the frontrunner]. I think Derek because he was second last year, he came up from 212 it was kind of a surprise right? He came in and got the special invitation to get there. He didn’t qualify you know other than an invitation, he didn’t win any Open shows. So for him, you know it was like what did people expect? It’s like the year Ramy – Ramy won too and he had a special invitation that year remember?
There wasn’t much negativity on that, you’d think people would be like, ‘Well he didn’t qualify.’ But they were respectful, he deservingly has the aesthetics right… but you know Hadi also. I mean, who would have thought he would actually come through after being third and fourth? You know, the biggest disappointment I think with the Olympia is like if I look back in the last few years, Brandon was right there, then he won.”
Reflecting on the illustrious history of Mr. Olympia winners, Cutler maintains that Phil Heath has the prowess to still be a formidable contender in today’s competitions.
“Obviously, Shawn [Rhoden] didn’t get to defend the title. Bonac was second one year. Phil [Heath] stopped which I think Phil could have still been very competitive up there. Hard to see Dexter go because we thought he was timeless. I think Dexter still could have found another edge to himself.”
Veteran Predictions Favor Lunsford
While “The Comeback Kid” abstains from making predictions, several seasoned figures in the bodybuilding arena haven’t shied away. Jay Cutler’s predecessor, the legendary eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, is firmly in Derek Lunsford’s corner, believing he has the prowess to dethrone Choopan in the upcoming competition. Moreover, Samir Bannout, who clinched the Mr. Olympia title in 1983, also expressed his confidence in Lunsford triumphing this year.
History Beckons for Lunsford
Securing the 2023 Mr. Olympia title would not just be another accolade for Lunsford; it would etch his name in the annals of bodybuilding history. He stands on the cusp of becoming the inaugural two-division Mr. Olympia champion — an unprecedented feat. However, the road to this monumental achievement is paved with challenges, the most imminent being his teammate, Choopan, who’s equally determined to leave a mark.
For a Deeper Dive: JayCutlerTV
For a comprehensive insight into Jay Cutler’s thoughts, the full video is available on his YouTube channel, JayCutlerTV:
Overview
Four-time Mr. Olympia winner, Jay Cutler, recently provided insights on the upcoming Mr. Olympia contest, emphasizing Derek Lunsford’s potential dominance. Lunsford’s transition from the 212 Olympia division to the Open has garnered significant attention. With predictions favoring Lunsford to unseat the reigning champion, Hadi Choopan, and the unexpected withdrawal of Big Ramy from this year’s contest, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown. For a detailed analysis, fans can tune into Jay Cutler’s YouTube channel.
Featured Image @derek_lunsford (Instagram ), @JayCutlerTV (YouTube)
