The anticipation is building as bodybuilding athletes from around the globe gear up to showcase their peak physical condition at the 2023 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212 Bodybuilding event.
Scheduled to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from November 2nd to 5th, the event promises to be an electrifying spectacle of muscle and determination.
In this article, we will delve into the top seven contenders in the Men’s 212 Bodybuilding division and make predictions based on their performances leading up to the event, their social media updates, recent news, and their past showings at the Olympia.
The Evolution of Men’s 212 Bodybuilding
The Men’s 212 Bodybuilding division, introduced by the IFBB Pro League in 2011, was initially designed for competitors weighing 202 pounds.
However, the weight limit was later adjusted to 212 pounds, with no height restrictions.
This division has gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the legendary Flex Lewis, who secured an impressive seven 212 Olympia titles from 2012 to 2018.
Since Flex Lewis’s retirement, the division’s crown has changed hands multiple times.
Kamal Elgargni, a name synonymous with excellence, claimed the title in 2019. Nevertheless, Shaun Clarida, often referred to as the ‘Mini Ronnie Coleman,’ asserted his dominance by winning his first Olympia gold in 2020.
In 2021, Derek Lunsford seized the title, only for Shaun Clarida to reclaim it after Derek Lunsford moved to the Men’s Open category.
Now, Shaun Clarida, a two-time 212 Olympia champion, seeks to etch his name in the history books with a third consecutive victory.
However, he faces formidable contenders like Keone Pearson, Angel Calderon Frias, Kerrith Bajjo, and Ahmad Ashkanani, along with potential dark horses eager to make their mark.
Predicting the 2023 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212 Bodybuilding
Our team at Fitness Volt has carefully considered various factors in formulating predictions for the 59th edition of Joe Weider’s 2023 Mr. Olympia Weekend.
We’ve taken into account each athlete’s performance in recent competitions, their social media updates, relevant news, and their performances in the previous year’s Mr. Olympia.
Seventh Place – Hidetada “Hide” Yamagishi
Hidetada Yamagishi, despite being 50 years old, is making a triumphant return to the Olympia stage, infused with newfound momentum.
His victory in the 212 Masters Olympia at its return after an 11-year hiatus speaks volumes about his dedication.
In the 2020 Olympia, Hidetada Yamagishi secured 14th place, but with enhancements in his back and leg volume, he could potentially compete in the first call-out.
Sixth Place – Oleh Kryvyi
Oleh Kryvyi is a force to be reckoned with, fresh off a victory in the 212 category at the 2023 Europa Pro Championships, a fiercely competitive event.
Oleh Kryvyi’s well-rounded physique, coupled with his vascularity, capped shoulders, and massive traps, make him a formidable contender.
He placed fifth in the 2022 Mr. Olympia and aims to ascend further in the ranks with increased density and shape.
Fifth Place – Ahmad Ashkanani
Ahmad Ashkanani is a name that resonates with fans and competitors alike, thanks to his consistent presence at the top of the Men’s 212 division.
As the fourth-place finisher in the 2022 Mr. Olympia and the victor of the 2023 Saudi Classic Pro, Ahmad Ashkanani is determined to seize the gold this year.
His remarkable muscle mass and conditioning make him a contender for a podium finish.
Fourth Place – Kerrith Bajjo
Kerrith Bajjo, with his impressive conditioning, has always been a standout performer.
Although he claimed the seventh spot at the 2022 Olympia, his remarkable showing at the 2023 New York Pro demonstrated his potential for success.
If Kerrith Bajjo maintains his lower body definition and adds more muscle to his frame, he could climb three spots in the rankings.
Third Place – Angel Calderon Frias
Angel Calderon Frias, who achieved second place at the 2022 Mr. Olympia, is a top favorite for the 2023 event.
With his consistently impressive physique, massive arms, and well-developed chest, Angel Calderon Frias is a formidable force on the stage.
His dedication to refining his physique throughout the 2023 season could prove pivotal in his quest for the championship.
Second Place – Keone Pearson
Keone Pearson, coming off a strong showing at the 2023 Texas Pro, is a leading contender capable of challenging Shaun Clarida.
Keone Pearson’s exceptional muscle separation and lines set him apart in the Men’s 212 Bodybuilding class.
While he secured sixth place at the last Olympia, Keone Pearson’s genetic gifts and conditioning could potentially lead to an intense showdown with Shaun Clarida.
First Place – Shaun Clarida
Shaun Clarida, standing at just five-foot-two, defies his stature with a physique characterized by dense, dry, and freaky conditioning.
Each year, he manages to enhance his physique, whether by adding volume without compromising lines or packing on clean muscle.
As the two-time 212 Olympia champion, Shaun Clarida enters the 2023 event as the favorite to secure his third title. His victory would bring him one step closer to breaking Flex Lewis’s record of seven titles.
The Official Lineup for the 2023 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212 Bodybuilding
The Men’s 212 Bodybuilding division boasts an impressive lineup of competitors for the 2023 Mr. Olympia:
- Felipe Fierro (Chile)
- Shaun Clarida (USA)
- Angel Calderon Frias (Spain)
- Kamal Elgargni (Libya) (Withdrawn Due to a Family Emergency)
- Ahmad Ashkanani (Kuwait)
- Felipe Moraes (Brazil)
- Kerrith Bajjo (USA)
- Piotr Borecki (Poland)
- Andrei Melnikov (Russia)
- Roman Iushchenko (Ukraine)
- John Jewett (USA)
- Chris Jones (USA)
- Fabrizio de Souza Moreira (Brazil)
- Naser Mohamed (Kuwait)
- Keone Pearson (USA)
- Hidetada Yamagishi (Japan)
- Oleh Kryvyi (Ukraine)
- Hossein Kalateh (Canada)
- Radoslav Angelov (Bulgaria)