Terrence Ruffin‘s season is heating up as he closes in on his first contest of 2023. In recent posts published on Instagram, “Ruff Diesel” showcased improvements to his conditioning, courtesy of a few updates before he competes at the 2023 Dubai Pro in under 10 days.
Ruffin, a former two-time Arnold Classic champion (2021, 2022), was unable to earn a top-five position on the 2022 Classic Physique Olympia stage in sixth. With that in mind, he knew the only path to the sport’s greatest event of the year in 2023 was by earning a Pro show victory before October 9.
Originally, Ruffin’s plan was to go after his Olympia qualification at the 2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro in early October. Though thrilled with his progress and improvements, Ruffin has now decided to also throw his hat into the upcoming Dubai Pro on September 24.
In a division where four-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead reigns supreme, muscle volume matters, especially given the champion’s structure and imposing X-frame. On August 2, IFBB Vice President Tyler Manion unveiled new height/weight restrictions for the Classic Physique category, which were instituted in an effort to “balance the playing field” for shorter competitors.
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With Ruffin a primary beneficiary of the new Classic Physique rules, fans believe he could very well become a factor on the Olympia stage this year, but first… He has to qualify.
Terrence Ruffin Diced 10 Days Before Next Contest, “Pro Cams or Cell Phones It Doesn’t Really Matter”
It’s evident Ruffin has made some changes given the definition and separation in his hamstrings/quads and the striations in his glutes. Fans were also impressed by the volume and detail of his shoulders and arms.
“Pro cams or cell phones it doesn’t really matter @hyacine_nassir @dubai_pro_event” Terrence Ruffin posted.
Even the 2023 Mr. Olympia contender and former 212 Olympia Derek Lunsford chimed in to pay respect to Ruffin’s progress. In addition, Wesley Vissers, who also intends to compete at the Dubai Pro, commented on Ruffin’s update.
“Looking great bro!”
“Incredible”
Aside from Vissers, top Classic Physique standout Branch Chen will also be in attendance looking to prevent Ruffin from gracing the Olympia stage. Known for his posing acumen, Ruffin has a unique understanding of displaying his body at competitions.
Should Terrence Ruffin claim the victory in Dubai, Bumstead won’t be the only threat he encounters in Orlando, Florida. Brazil’s Ramon Rocha Queiroz and Germany’s Urs Kalecinski have set their sights high this year — and are coming in a few extra pounds heavier thanks to the recently revised weight restrictions.
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Meanwhile, Ruffin would also have to get through former two-time Classic Physique Olympia Breon Ansley and fifth-place 2022 Olympia finisher Mike Sommerfeld. If Ruffin proves successful in Dubai, he’d have overwhelming momentum on his side heading into the Legion Sports Fest Pro and the upcoming Olympia contest, taking place November 2-5, in Orlando, Florida.
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