Ali Bilal, fresh off his victory at the 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique competition, has made headlines not only for his win but also for his strong response to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recent comments.
On March 10, 2025, Bilal announced that he would never compete at an Arnold Classic event again after feeling disrespected by Schwarzenegger’s remarks, in which the bodybuilding legend labeled the Men’s Physique division as “bogus.”
Schwarzenegger’s Controversial Comments
For years, Arnold Schwarzenegger has criticized the Men’s Physique division, mainly due to the board shorts worn by competitors.
He believes these shorts obscure the lower body and prevent fans from fully appreciating the athletes’ leg development, an essential aspect of bodybuilding.
During the 2025 Arnold Classic live stream, Schwarzenegger doubled down on his criticism, stating that he did not understand why the division was created in the first place and calling it “stupid.”
These comments did not sit well with the Men’s Physique community, and Ali Bilal, the division’s latest Arnold Classic champion, was one of the first to speak out against them.
Ali Bilal’s Reaction: “I Don’t Feel Welcome or Valued”
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Ali Bilal expressed his frustration and disappointment over Schwarzenegger’s remarks.
“This was my last Arnold Classic. I will never do a show again where I don’t feel welcome or valued. I have worked so hard to build my physique, and it does not feel right to compete at an event where Arnold himself makes fun of the Men’s Physique division, calling it ‘bogus,’” Bilal wrote.
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Ali Bilal pointed out that if Schwarzenegger wanted to see leg definition showcased at the Arnold Classic, he should have invited the 212 Bodybuilding division instead of the Men’s Physique category.
He also emphasized that Schwarzenegger’s remarks overshadowed what should have been a proud and triumphant moment for him.
“It gave me mixed feelings about this show. Everything I’ve seen on social media, everything I’ve heard—Arnold saying on show day that Men’s Physique is a stupid division and that he doesn’t know why the IFBB created it. It just killed the whole happy vibes for me,” Bilal added.
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Prize Money Disparity: Another Point of Contention
Aside from feeling disrespected by Schwarzenegger’s comments, Bilal also raised concerns about the prize money disparity between divisions at the Arnold Classic.
While the Men’s Open winner took home $500,000 and the Classic Physique champion received $60,000, the Men’s Physique winner was awarded only $10,000.
“I’ve decided this was my last ever Arnold Classic. I’m not going to do a show where my division gets treated with disrespect. I don’t think it’s fair that the Open division gets $500,000, Classic gets $60K, and Men’s Physique only gets $10,000,” Bilal stated.
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Men’s Physique Community Reacts
Ali Bilal was not alone in his frustration. Other prominent Men’s Physique competitors also spoke out against Schwarzenegger’s remarks.
Former Mr. Olympia Men’s Physique champion Erin Banks took to social media to voice his support for Ali Bilal and call for more respect for their division.
“It’s time to stop the disrespect just because we chose a division that prioritizes aesthetics, health, and looking damn good on the beach. Men’s Physique is bodybuilding,” Banks wrote.
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The Bigger Picture: Does Men’s Physique Deserve More Respect?
The Men’s Physique division has long been one of the most popular categories for newcomers in the IFBB Pro League.
It serves as an entry point for many aspiring bodybuilders who may not have the genetics or desire to pursue the extreme mass of the Open category.
Men’s Physique emphasizes symmetry, aesthetics, and proportion, attracting fans who appreciate a more attainable and athletic look.
However, despite its popularity, the division continues to face scrutiny from some corners of the bodybuilding world.
Schwarzenegger’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about whether Men’s Physique competitors should be given the same level of respect and recognition as those in Open and Classic Physique.
What’s Next for Ali Bilal?
Despite his departure from the Arnold Classic, Ali Bilal remains one of the top competitors in the Men’s Physique division. He will likely shift his focus to future Olympia contests, where he narrowly missed out on the title to Ryan Terry in 2024.
With his latest Arnold Classic victory under his belt, Bilal has solidified his status as one of the world’s best Men’s Physique competitors.
However, his decision to step away from the Arnold Classic raises important questions about the future of the division within the sport and whether its athletes will continue to receive the recognition they deserve.