The bodybuilding world is excited as the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest looms. Jay Cutler, a sports legend, has once again graced the fitness world with his insights, providing a glimpse into the contenders poised to battle for the prestigious title in November.
In a recent episode of the Jay Cutler Cast Podcast, Jay Cutler engaged in a detailed discussion about the physiques of two prominent athletes, Samson Dauda and Derek Lunsford.
Additionally, he delved into the controversial victory of Regan Grimes over Nathan De Asha at the 2023 Europa Pro Championships.
The New Era of Men’s Open Bodybuilding
The 2022 Mr. Olympia contest marked a significant turning point in Men’s Open bodybuilding.
Hadi Choopan emerged victorious, ushering in a new era characterized by his outstanding overall performance.
While some critics raised concerns about Hadi Choopan‘s back development, Jay Cutler praised his remarkable physique unequivocally.
“Hadi winning the Olympia last year… people still had comments about his back not being what it used to be,” Jay Cutler remarked. “But who cares? It was the best overall package.
He looked better like that than he did in the previous three years.
Jay Cutler‘s admiration for Choopan‘s physique is evident. However, as a seasoned observer of the sport, he recognizes the evolving landscape of bodybuilding and the emergence of new contenders.
Derek Lunsford‘s Ascendance
One athlete who has captured Jay Cutler‘s attention is Derek Lunsford. Jay Cutler notes that Lunsford has made substantial improvements, particularly in his back development—a critical aspect of a bodybuilder’s physique.
In particular, Lunsford‘s exceptional back poses have garnered praise from Cutler.
“Derek Lunsford, Derek is so wow from behind. He’s so improved,” Cutler declared. “He’s on the run right now… he’s going to be very hard to beat this year.”
Derek Lunsford‘s prowess in specific poses, including his back double biceps pose, sets him apart as a formidable contender.
Cutler believes that Lunsford gains a distinct advantage in pose-by-pose comparisons thanks to his exceptional back development.
“If it’s the front double biceps, the rear double biceps, the rear lat spread… I will give Derek Lunsford two poses that don’t exist because the back double biceps will make two more poses forward. That’s the way I see it.”
Jay Cutler’s assessment is not merely about Derek Lunsford‘s physique but also serves as a recognition of the dedication and hard work that bodybuilders like Derek Lunsford bring to the stage.
Samson Dauda‘s Remarkable Journey
Another exciting contender on the horizon is Samson Dauda. Samson Dauda made his Olympia debut in 2022, securing the sixth-place position—a remarkable feat for a newcomer.
Known for his rapid progress from one competition to another, Samson Dauda clinched victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic in March, solidifying his status as a top-tier contender.
Jay Cutler acknowledges Samson Dauda‘s strengths, particularly in front poses and aesthetics.
However, when comparing Samson Dauda and Lunsford, Cutler believes that Lunsford’s superior back poses give him a significant edge.
“He can beat Samson Dauda because no one is going to beat him in the front double biceps, that waist, just that whole look,” Jay Cutler stated. “The back shots… come on. How are you going to compete against that? That’s three poses right there. That back double biceps—it’s just so far from everyone else’s, in my opinion.”
As the 2023 Mr. Olympia approaches, fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the battle between Lunsford and Samson Dauda.
Nevertheless, Jay Cutler quickly reminds everyone of the reigning champion, Hadi Choopan, and emphasizes the need to recognize Hadi Choopan‘s achievements.
Evolving Work Ethics in Bodybuilding
Beyond the realm of physique comparisons, Jay Cutler sheds light on the evolving work ethic in bodybuilding.
He points out that social media and smartphones have transformed how athletes approach their training.
The “old-school” approach, characterized by unwavering dedication and minimal distractions, has given way to a generation of athletes who are more connected but potentially more distracted.
“The old-school was a lot more focused,” Jay Cutler remarked. “Today, it’s a different era with social media.
Remember, taking your phone into the gym and taking a video between your sets throws your mind off. That’s something we didn’t have.”
Jay Cutler‘s observations highlight the challenges modern bodybuilders face in maintaining a singular focus on their training amidst the digital distractions of the modern era.
The Controversy of De Asha vs. Grimes
The 2023 Europa Pro Championships witnessed a controversial outcome, with Regan Grimes emerging victorious over Nathan De Asha.
Jay Cutler weighed in on the matter, expressing his belief that Nathan De Asha‘s attributes, including maturity, density, experience, and aggressiveness, made him a more formidable candidate for Olympia.
“I think Nathan De Asha has a better shot [at Olympia than Grimes] because I feel his maturity, density, experience, aggressiveness—yes,” Cutler explained. “I mean, the list goes on and on.”
However, Cutler recognizes that judging in bodybuilding often involves subjective opinions, and the outcome can sometimes be contentious.
He acknowledges the nature of bodybuilding competitions, where fans and analysts frequently have differing views on who should emerge victorious.
The Road to the 2023 Mr. Olympia
With less than two months until the most significant event in the sport takes over Orlando, Florida, Cutler expects outstanding performances from Derek Lunsford, Samson Dauda, and the other elite athletes set to compete.
While he has his favorites, he remains open to the possibility of surprises and recognizes the value of each competitor’s unique strengths.
In the bodybuilding world, where dedication and hard work are paramount, only time will reveal who will rise to the occasion and claim the title of Mr. Olympia in 2023.
Until then, fans and athletes will eagerly await the grand showdown in Orlando, Florida, as the stage is set for a battle of epic proportions.
