Bodybuilder Brandon Hendrickson is paying close attention to the frontrunners heading to the 2025 Arnold Classic in Men’s Physique. On February 12, 2025, he discussed his top three favorites for the major event and whether or not he’ll compete at the 2025 Dubai Pro.
Brandon Hendrickson has remained an elite Men’s Physique competitor since the division’s inception. During his career, he managed to earn three Men’s Physique Olympia titles, courtesy of flawless posing routines, a paper-thin waist, and impressive proportions.
In his last Olympia appearance back in 2023, Hendrickson secured runner-up behind champion Ryan Terry. Considering his long-lasting track record of competing with the best, Hendrickson thought it would be advantageous to skip the prestigious contest in 2024.
Now, fully rested, it appears he’s inching closer to a return to action. But first, he decided to take a closer look at those competing at the upcoming Arnold Classic, scheduled for February 27 to March 1 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Brandon Hendrickson Gives His 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique Favorites, Says He’s Considering Dubai Pro
In a recent YouTube video, Hendrickson revealed his top three favorites at the 2025 Arnold Classic in no particular order.
- Ali Bilal
- Diogo Montenegro
- Erin Banks
“Top is going to be Ali, it’s going to be Diogo, it’s going to be Banks,” said Hendrickson. “He looks good [Diogo Montenegro] he’s got the legs, he’s got the small waist. He’s got some momentum now.”
As for his biggest threat, Hendrickson believes Ryan Terry ‘is the guy to beat.’
“To be honest, when he won his first one, yes, really good. The next year, it wasn’t the same Ryan Terry.”
“His [Bilal’s] waist is really big. I know how to expose him. Ryan Terry is the guy to beat.”
Looking ahead, Hendrickson said he’s considering the Dubai Pro but it will come down to whether or not he can profit from the experience.
“They [Dubai] paid 40 last year,” says Hendrickson. “I don’t know [if I’m doing Dubai]. I’m thinking about the cost. It’s July I think.”
“Is it worth the cost? The flight, the hotel, these things — I’m not going to go for one day I got to be there for three or four days. If it’s worth the cost, then yeah, you’ll probably see me there, especially for 60K. That’s my only concern. I’m trying to make as most profit as I can if I’m going all the way to Dubai.”
When Jay Cutler asked him about moving up, Hendrickson stated that a one-off in Classic Physique isn’t outside the realm of possibility.
“Would you ever consider doing a Classic show, bro?” asks Cutler.
“I get asked this every day bro, every day. For fun, yeah. I think I will do it. I will do it for fun,” said Hendrickson. “I would do something like him [Chris Bumstead]. I would do my Men’s Physique thing and do one more extra in Classic Physique.”
“We said all the time man…I always thought man this guy could move up,” says Cutler.
As one of the most consistent Men’s Physique Pros to ever compete, the Arnold Classic Men’s Physique lineup certainly could have benefitted from Hendrickson’s presence. Nevertheless, he appears focused on making improvements to take on reigning two-time Men’s Physique Olympia Ryan Terry on the horizon.
RELATED: Brandon Hendrickson to Erin Banks After Recent Loss: “You Got Slapped With Humble Pie”
Watch the full video from the Cutler Cast YouTube channel below:
Catch comprehensive coverage of the 2025 Arnold Classic, including pre-judging, event recaps, analyses, and complete Arnold Classic results at our Arnold Classic coverage hub: FitnessVolt.com/arnold-classic