There’s never a dull moment when Joe Rogan and Derek of More Plates More Dates meet for a podcast. During their collaboration on December 5, 2024, they discussed Bikini judging standards and gave their opinions of physiques on display in the Women’s Bodybuilding category.
The IFBB Pro League, known for its inclusivity, houses 11 bodybuilding divisions, all of which adhere to specific criteria, allowing competitors of all different body types a chance to excel in the sport. Male or female, competitors have the opportunity to present their best physiques possible in pursuit of cash prizes, legacy, and entertainment.
This has led podcast host Joe Rogan and performance-enhancing drug guru Derek MPMD to discuss judging, including the mega-popular Bikini category, along with Women’s Bodybuilding, which was brought back into the limelight in 2020 after its removal from the league back in 2014.
Joe Rogan Talks Bikini Standards W/ Derek MPMD, Amazed by Women’s Bodybuilding Physiques: “They Are Trans Men, Basically”
Derek MPMD explained the challenges of judging a Bikini contest and the differences in criteria compared to Women’s Bodybuilding.
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“It’s even harder judging a Bikini show,” says Derek MPMD. “There’s different classes at the Olympia including Women’s Bikini.”
“Ms. Olympia is like bodybuilding,” says Derek. “It’s a form of bodybuilding but it’s not the actual category.”
“Oh, so this is women who still look feminine,” says Rogan.
Derek specified that in divisions like Women’s Bodybuilding, they use ‘male-level steroids’ to be competitive.
“In Women, similar differences exist in categories where they have Women’s Bikini, Wellness, something else, and Bodybuilding is the one where you pretty much need to be on male-level steroids to be competitive,” said Derek.
“This is a reality of female bodybuilding. Look, I know female jiu-jitsu competitors that take steroids which is it’s crazy. There’s not even any money in that and you’re juicing yourself up. But if you want to get that lean and maintain that much muscle as a woman, what do they take?” asks Rogan.
As for Bikini cycles, Derek believes some athletes can get away without PEDs, and if they do partake, they choose compounds that aren’t as masculinizing.
“Well, for Bikini, you might be able to do it naturally, although most of them are probably taking a little bit of something but it’s not like masculinizing.
There’s a lot of things they can take that’s natural or over the counter or super micro-dosed amounts of anabolics that don’t cause masculinization. But above that, the thresholds for categories above that, if you go to Women’s Bodybuilding, it looks like you remember it, where it’s dudes with wigs on basically, almost,” Derek shares.
Given the muscular physiques in Women’s Bodybuilding, Rogan compared them to trans men. Derek concurred, adding, “Based on their hormone profile, they are more male than you and I probably.”
“I mean, they are trans men, basically,” said Rogan.
“Basically. Based on their hormone profile, they are more male than you and I probably,” said Derek. “God look at that lady [Sarah Villegas] that’s crazy. Is she number one?”
“Jesus those ladies are huge. Oh my goodness, that’s got to be it. Those are dudes! That’s a dude’s body, like size-wise, not saying you’re a dude ladies, don’t hurt me,” shares Rogan.
As one of the most influential communicators in the world, Joe Rogan consistently adds a unique flair to his podcast, delivering thought-provoking content. From analyzing the judging standards in Bikini to sharing his bold views on Women’s Bodybuilding, Rogan continues to engage and entertain his audience.
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