Jay Cutler left the sport with his health intact, but believes that’s tougher to achieve in today’s era of bodybuilding. In a recent Old School Labs Podcast, aired on July 26, 2025, Cutler revealed his top four picks for the 2025 Mr. Olympia. He also discussed bodybuilding legends and whether it’s possible to win the Sandow and leave the sport healthy.
Samson Dauda upset Derek Lunsford in 2024 to secure his maiden Olympia title. His triumph also earned him a record $600,000 purse. With the prestigious contest set for its return from October 9-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cutler opened up about the show’s frontrunners.
Jay Cutler Shares Top 4 Picks for 2025 Mr. Olympia, Talks Bodybuilding Legends and Preserving Health
During the video, Cutler revealed his top four picks for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
“I got to go with Hadi, Samson, Nick Walker, or Derek. That’s my four. Those are my guys.”
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When asked if a Mr. Olympia champion can walk away from the sport healthy, Cutler explained why that’s not possible:
“No, not in the Open, not in today’s era,” explains Cutler. “Is anyone walking out on a field or when you compete in sports, if you’re a swimmer, if you’re playing basketball every other day, is anyone healthy at that point? Everyone is pushing the envelope to be the best at what they do.”
In a sport where longevity and lasting health are hard to achieve, Cutler stressed that Dexter Jackson did so and compared him to Albert Beckles.
“He just waited on the sidelines to be like, let these guys play that game, and listen, he went a lot longer. He still looks tremendous now, but we talk about the greats, and I want to circle back to when I started. Dexter Jackson belongs on the Mt. Olympus of great bodybuilders because if you look at his career and how many winnings he had, and the length. It’s just like Beckles.”
“Dexter won a lot. We leave him out of the conversation very disrespectfully, I feel like, because if you look at the epitome of bodybuilding, Dexter Jackson, the story is just incredible.”
Cutler also paid respect to his successor, Phil Heath. He believes that in a decade or two, Heath’s accomplishments and physique will be regarded as even greater than today.
“Phil Heath is a seven-time champ, but realistically, Phil Heath at 85% still beats almost everybody. So, that kid had the genes.
When he went in the gym and put the work in and put the diet together, granted he had crazy genetics, that kid put together a physique that is going to be recognized in 10 or 20 years a lot greater than it is today,” said Cutler.
Cutler has paid close attention to the top threats headed to the Mr. Olympia. As it stands, the four-time champ doesn’t see anyone getting past Dauda. He described “The Nigerian Lion” as the most complete and aesthetic bodybuilder in the Men’s Open.
While gaining fame might be easier today, Cutler believes it’s more difficult than ever to win the Olympia without compromising health. He credits bodybuilding legends like Jackson and Heath for achieving the improbable.
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Watch the full video from the Old School Labs YouTube channel below:
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Jay. I always respected you and your thoughts. But You wrong with Hadi. He is a disgrace to the Mr O He walked off stage like a child and Lost all respect. He also don’t deserve to be on the stage.