PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), a permanent injectable filler, is having a major impact on the sport. On Dec. 25, 2025, via YouTube, Dennis James and Jose Raymond dismissed PMMA injection claims against Derek Lunsford. They also condemned former champ Sarah Villegas for accusing Natalia Coelho of using the substance.
After the 2025 Mr. Olympia wrapped up, some fans had more questions than answers. Derek Lunsford won back his Sandow trophy in a tense showdown between Hadi Choopan and Chinedu Andrew “Jacked” Obiekea. In the show’s aftermath, Lunsford has been accused of using PMMA to enhance his physique. He and his coach, Chris Aceto, have denied these allegations.
In Vegas, Natalia Coelho also won back her Olympia title with improved quad and hamstring width. She’s been in the limelight, with many accusing her of using PMMA fillers. The controversy has been discussed at length, with Chris Cormier pointing out that Coelho’s legs were ‘questionable‘ onstage. This led James and Raymond to give their takes on the latest bodybuilding shake-up.
Dennis James, Jose Raymond Talk Lunsford PMMA Accusations, Slam Sarah Villegas Over Controversy
In the video, Raymond and James noted that Lunsford’s trainer might have used something like PMMA to fill out his chest after a devastating pec tear.
“Supposedly, his trainer did it [PMMA] to his chest, his own,” said Jose Raymond.
“His trainer, Fabricio, you all know who I’m talking about. Derek and Ramon’s trainer, he trains a lot of people in Brazil. He had a pec tear. I remember because he showed it to me,” said James. “You could see. It was a big hole. He had something put in there to fill it out. That’s what I heard. I didn’t confirm it with him, but that’s what I was told.”
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James shared that Coelho is friends with the doctor who allegedly performed the PMMA procedure on Lunsford’s trainer:
“Supposedly, that was the same doctor. Dr. Fernando, I met Dr. Fernando. I talked to Dr. Fernando, and I know exactly who he is but I do not know him as a PMMA fuckin expert.
What I know him as is a doctor in Brazil. He actually tried to hire me to coach. I know Natalia is a friend of his. He does blood work for athletes and stuff like this.”
He warned that the PMMA injection accusations could be made up.
“I don’t know him for any PMMA injections. I think that’s a bunch of bullshit made up. Just because, some people just hate to lose, and if they lose, they think there’s got to be some foul play, otherwise they can’t lose.
I think this blew up the way it did. No one said nothing in Pittsburgh when Natalia won in Pittsburgh.”
Additionally, James believes that if there were legitimate proof, it would have already been public.
“All of a sudden, someone says oh she has 100 percent proof that there is PMMA injections. Fuckin, where is the proof? Prove it. If you have 100 percent proof, whistleblower, blow this whistle, you know what I’m saying? If you have 100 percent proof, put that shit out. Wouldn’t it be out by now?” asks Dennis James.
Raymond argued that it makes Villegas look like she’s having a temper tantrum.
“It can’t help. She looks like a spoiled brat throwing a temper tantrum. It’s really bad and disrespectful. Just come back and be better. Come back and beat her. That’s all you gotta do. It just looks really bad. Natalia is not judging,” said Raymond.
They are unsure why Cormier took Villegas’ side and emphasized that he did not outright accuse Coelho of using PMMA.
“I think he did that podcast with Terrick, and he didn’t accuse her of anything at first, he just said you can see a little difference in her legs, and you got to explain it,” adds Raymond.
“On the next podcast, I asked him, I said, Chris, are you accusing Natalia? He said I’m not. He was basically explaining that there could be something.”
James and Raymond aren’t the only bodybuilders to get behind Coelho. Bob Cicherillo and Shawn Ray recently called out Villegas for her ‘smear campaign’ against the Brazilian champ. Cicherillo went as far as to say Villegas’ career was ‘done.’ In response, Villegas labeled Cicherillo’s comments ‘sloppy.’
Time will tell if fans learn the absolute truth regarding the recent PMMA injection controversy. James and Raymond believe Villegas should focus on winning back gold rather than hurling accusations that lack hard evidence.
RELATED: Sarah Villegas Says She Never Called for Natalia Coelho to Be Suspended Despite PMMA Accusations
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