In the world of Men’s Physique, where aesthetics, symmetry, and stage presence reign supreme, Mehdi Kabbadj has emerged as a consistent, polished, and dominant force—a Moroccan-born athlete whose relentless grind, elite conditioning, and unwavering focus have earned him a spot among the sport’s elite.
After years of near-misses and runner-up finishes, Kabbadj finally broke through in 2025, winning the Santa Cruz Championships and securing his qualification for the 2025 Mr. Olympia—the ultimate goal of every professional bodybuilder.
🧑🦱 Mehdi Kabbadj Quick Facts (2025)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mehdi Kabbadj |
| Date of Birth | 1990 (age 35) |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Competition Weight | ~165–175 lbs (75–79 kg) |
| Division | Men’s Physique |
| Nationality | Moroccan-American |
| Hometown | California, USA |
| Pro Status | IFBB Pro (since 2019) |
| Social Media |
🏆 Who Is Mehdi Kabbadj?
Mehdi Kabbadj is not a bodybuilder who relies on hype or viral gym clips.
He’s a student of the sport—a man who builds his physique through discipline, consistency, and intelligent prep.
Known for his rock-hard abs, wide V-taper, tiny waist, and stage-ready conditioning, Kabbadj has become a fan favorite in the Men’s Physique division for his clean posing, symmetry, and professionalism.
Unlike many pros who chase social media fame, Kabbadj lets his physique and results speak for themselves—and the results are undeniable.
“I don’t train for attention. I train to be the best version of myself.”
📚 Early Life & Introduction to Bodybuilding
Born in Morocco and raised in California, Mehdi Kabbadj discovered fitness as a way to transform his physique, build confidence, and challenge himself.
He began training seriously in his late 20s, inspired by legends like Dexter Jackson, Hidetada Yamagishi, and Jeremy Buendia.
His journey into competition started in the NPC amateur circuit, where he quickly gained attention for his aesthetic proportions and stage presence.
He earned his IFBB Pro Card in 2019 after a dominant performance in the Men’s Physique division—marking the beginning of his professional career.
🏅 Career Highlights: A Decade of Consistent Growth
Mehdi’s pro career has been defined by steady improvement, smart show selection, and peak performances.
🔹 Key Career Milestones
| Year | Contest | Place |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | San Jose Championships | 10th |
| 2019 | Northern California Pro | 13th |
| 2019 | California Night of Champions | 7th |
| 2019 | Europa Orlando | 7th |
| 2020 | Battle in the Desert | 9th |
| 2020 | Border States Pro | 8th |
| 2021 | Chicago Pro | 5th |
| 2021 | Lenda Murray Norfolk Pro | 6th |
| 2021 | Puerto Rico Pro | 5th |
| 2021 | Miami Muscle Beach Pro | 5th |
| 2021 | Milwaukee Pro | 8th |
| 2022 | Palmetto Classic Pro | 2nd |
| 2022 | Optimum Classic Pro | 4th |
| 2022 | Toronto Pro Supershow | 1st✅ |
| 2022 | Mr. Olympia | 16th |
| 2023 | Republic of Texas Pro | 6th |
| 2023 | Body Be 1 Classic Pro | 7th |
| 2023 | Toronto Pro Supershow | 1st✅ |
| 2023 | Hurricane Pro | 2nd |
| 2023 | MuscleContest Brazil Pro | 1st✅ |
| 2023 | Mr. Olympia | 16th |
| 2024 | Vancouver Pro | 3rd |
| 2024 | Tampa Pro | 1st✅ |
| 2024 | Legion Pro | 3rd |
| 2024 | Hurricane Pro | 1st✅ |
| 2024 | Mr. Olympia | 16th |
| 2025 | Santa Cruz Championships | 1st✅ (Olympia Qualified) |
🏆 2022–2024: The Runner-Up Era
For years, Kabbadj was known as the “perennial second-place finisher”—a man who brought a sharp, conditioned, and balanced package but just missed the win.
He placed:
- 2nd at the 2022 Palmetto Classic Pro
- 2nd at the 2023 Hurricane Pro
But he never gave up.
🏆 2025: The Breakthrough
After three consecutive 16th-place finishes at the Mr. Olympia (2022–2024), Kabbadj finally broke through in 2025 by winning the Santa Cruz Championships—his fifth pro victory and the one that secured his qualification for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
This win wasn’t just a victory.
It was validation—proof that his decade-long grind had paid off.
“This one’s for every early morning, every hard rep, every sacrifice.”
His 2024 season was also strong:
- 1st – Tampa Pro
- 1st – Hurricane Pro
- 3rd – Vancouver Pro
Now, with momentum on his side, Kabbadj is setting his sights on Las Vegas.
💪 Training Philosophy: High Volume, High Intensity, No Ego
Kabbadj trains 5–6 days per week, following a body-part split that emphasizes hypertrophy, symmetry, and posing integration.
He focuses on:
- Compound lifts for mass
- Isolation work for detail
- Mind-muscle connection
- Posing between sets
🔹 Weekly Training Split (2025 Prep)
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| Monday | Chest & Triceps |
| Tuesday | Back & Biceps |
| Wednesday | Legs |
| Thursday | Shoulders & Abs |
| Friday | Arms (Pump Focus) |
| Saturday | Quads & Hamstrings |
| Sunday | Rest / Posing Practice |
He avoids ego lifting, prioritizing form, contraction, and growth.
“I train to grow, not to impress. If I don’t feel it in the muscle, I’m just moving weight.”
🥗 Diet & Nutrition: Clean, Consistent, Sustainable
To maintain his lean, aesthetic look, Kabbadj follows a high-protein, moderate-carb, low-fat diet.
🔹 Daily Caloric Intake
- Off-Season: 3,000–3,500 kcal
- Pre-Contest: 2,500–2,800 kcal
🔹 Macronutrient Breakdown
- Protein: 200–220g (chicken, fish, eggs, lean beef)
- Carbs: 250–300g (rice, oats, sweet potatoes)
- Fats: 50–70g (healthy sources only)
🔹 Sample Daily Diet (Pre-Contest)
- Meal 1: 6 egg whites, ½ cup oats, 1 banana
- Meal 2: 150g grilled chicken, ½ cup rice, broccoli
- Meal 3 (Pre-Workout): 150g lean beef, ½ sweet potato, spinach
- Meal 4 (Post-Workout): 2 scoops whey, 1 cup white rice, honey
- Meal 5: 150g salmon, ½ cup quinoa, asparagus
- Meal 6: Cottage cheese, almonds, berries
He avoids processed foods and prioritizes home-cooked meals.
💊 Supplements
- Whey Protein
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Multivitamin
- Vitamin D3 + K2
- Electrolytes
“I don’t believe in magic pills. I believe in consistency, sleep, and real food.”
🌍 Life Beyond the Stage
Outside the gym, Mehdi is:
- A private, grounded individual who credits his family for his success
- Active on Instagram, where he shares training clips, diet tips, and motivational messages
- A role model for Moroccan and Middle Eastern bodybuilders
He often posts about:
- The mental toll of contest prep
- The importance of patience and discipline
- The value of staying humble
“I’m not here for fame. I’m here to push the limits of what’s possible.”
He also runs a coaching program, helping aspiring bodybuilders with training, diet, and mindset.
🔮 What’s Next for Mehdi Kabbadj?
With a pro win under his belt and Olympia qualification secured, Kabbadj is now in a position to break into the top 10 at the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
His goals are clear:
- Improve back thickness and lower body detail
- Add more muscle maturity
- Peak perfectly on show day
If he continues on this trajectory, a top 8 finish is within reach.
And if he brings his best?
A top 5 finish isn’t out of the question.
🔥 Final Thoughts: The Quiet Contender
Mehdi Kabbadj isn’t the loudest name in bodybuilding.
But he might be one of the most dangerous.
He doesn’t need viral fame.
He doesn’t need drama.
He just needs to step on stage—because when he does, his physique, conditioning, and professionalism do the talking.
At 35 years old, with Olympia experience, pro wins, and relentless drive, the future is bright, bold, and beautiful.
Because when Mehdi Kabbadj competes…
He doesn’t just show up.
He contends.
And that’s what makes him a true champion in the making.