Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay will seek redemption at the upcoming 2023 Arnold Classic after losing his title last year at the Mr. Olympia competition. Ahead of his next show, Big Ramy showed off his improved back in a recent physique update.
At the 2022 Mr. Olympia contest, Ramy was unable to produce a third title. During pre-judging, he was sidelined on stage, which many interpreted as a sign that he wasn’t in the running to win. In one of the biggest shocks of the night, Ramy finished fifth place. The finals saw Hadi Choopan emerge as the new champion after defeating former 212 Olympia Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker.
Shortly after the title changed hands, IFBB head judge Steve Weinberger reflected on Ramy’s performance. He stressed that he was off at Olympia and that it ‘wasn’t the Ramy we all know.’ Weinberger mentioned that Ramy looked worse than he did in 2021. He also suspected that the former two-time Mr. Olympia was suffering from injuries on stage.
Fans thought Ramy would sit out most of the season as he did in 2022, but the Egyptian native quickly got back to work, announcing he would compete at the Arnold Classic. He made the surprise entry after the organizers increased the prize money by $100,000 to $300,000 in total.
To facilitate the quick turnaround, Ramy received intravenous stem cell therapy, with hopes of improving his back, which many believe held him back at last December’s Olympia.
Big Ramy Shares Sneek Peak of Physique 3 Weeks Before 2023 Arnold Classic
Taking to Instagram on February 13, 2023, Elssbiay showed off the back of his physique in a recent update.
After losing his status as champion, the 38-year-old vowed to make the necessary improvements to redeem himself at his next contest. Dr. Khan has been open about Ramy’s stem cell therapy. He appeared on a recent episode of The Menace Podcast with Dennis James and said Ramy ‘looks better’ since undergoing treatment. Moreover, Dr. Khan believes he can get bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman ‘fixed’ soon.
Plenty of bodybuilding veterans have assessed the field of competitors heading to Ohio for the Arnold Classic. Earlier this week, James, Chris Cormier, and Milos Sarcev revealed who they believe will finish in the top five. Unlike their 2022 Olympia predictions, they each chose a different winner, including Nick Walker, Samson Dauda, and Elssbiay.
Chris Aceto, a guru who trained Big Ramy in the past, refused to count out his former pupil heading into March. Specifically, Aceto suggested that he ‘could win’ but getting through Walker wouldn’t be a cakewalk.
Bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev also discussed Ramy’s chances against Nick Walker. Despite coming up short at Olympia, Sarcev believes Ramy’s ‘x-frame and v-taper’ will 100% beat Nick Walker’s when they meet face-to-face again.
RELATED: Zack Khan Alleges 2022 Mr. Olympia Judges Mistreated Big Ramy Due to Social Media
Time will tell if Ramy’s stem cell treatment improves his physique in less than three weeks. Should Elssbiay claim his first Arnold Classic title, it would provide him with much-needed momentum before starting his campaign for 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Catch full coverage of the 2023 Arnold Classic, including pre-judging, event recaps, analysis, and final and full results at our Arnold Classic coverage hub: FitnessVolt.com/arnold-classic
Published: 14 February, 2023 | 11:16 AM EDT
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