Bodybuilding continues to evolve, and so do the physiques onstage. In a recent video shared on Dec. 15, 2025, coach Chris Aceto discussed Dorian Yates critiquing Derek Lunsford’s physique. He also opened up about how physiques differ compared to the 1990s.
Unlike past eras, which heavily favored aesthetics and shape, 2000s bodybuilding has become all about mass. In 2025, Derek Lunsford reclaimed the Mr. Olympia title after losing it the year prior in third place. Since the show wrapped up, debates about who truly boasted the best physique have heated up.
Thus far, veterans of the sport like Lee Priest and Shawn Ray have argued that Hadi Choopan or Andrew Jacked deserved gold. Adding to the controversial results, Yates pointed out that recent Olympia champions like Lunsford lack the stature and quality muscle that could attract a wider audience to the sport.
Chris Aceto Talks Dorian Yates’ Critique of Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford’s Physique
In the video, Aceto acknowledged that Lunsford would not have been able to defeat Ronnie Coleman or Dorian Yates had they had a chance to compete against each other.
“Let’s just call a spade, a spade. Would Coleman at his best win this year? For God’s sake, yes. Would Dorian at his all-time best win? Yes. I think so. Of course. I don’t know about Levrone.”
“Derek was 243 the morning of prejudging. He’s 5’5″, how much muscle do you want?”
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In Aceto’s opinion, it’s ‘problematic’ to compare bodybuilders from different eras. He emphasized that it’s important to respect whoever emerges victorious.
“It’s problematic to compare. Where do you go next? Lee Haney… I mean Arnold thought his era was the best. He still does.
Arnold probably thinks that if I was using what Dorian used, then imagine what I would look like, which there could be some truth to that. It’s important to respect whoever wins these shows, even amongst the competitors.”
He added that competitors display similar looks today, whereas in the 90s, physiques were more distinctive.
“I think with this era, the more we continue to body-build in the Open division, the less distinctive looks there are within the top 10.
Everyone had a much different, their own unique look like at the ’98 Olympia. If you picture in your head the top 10, how they looked, each guy had a more distinct look than the other whereas right now, the last couple of years, for example, Derek and Hadi, they have a look that’s similar, which is short and big,” he said.
Yates isn’t the only bodybuilding great to point out that Open champs today have blockier physiques. Lee Haney, a former eight-time Olympia winner, said bodybuilders have taken on a squatty appearance. Haney actually found the 2025 Olympia outcome confusing; he called for two classes in the Open for taller and shorter competitors.
Yates believes the Mr. Olympia should resemble the ‘ultimate male physique.’ However, Aceto highlights that eras have changed along with the judging criteria that bodybuilders are scored on.
Watch the full video from the Rx Muscle – Truth in Bodybuilding YouTube channel below:
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