The Martin Fitzwater drama continues to engulf the sport. On March 9, Shahriar Kamali, better known as King Kamali, suspected that Fitzwater has been dealing with roid rage, and stressed that he’s only self-sabotaging following the 2026 Arnold Classic.
Martin Fitzwater placed fourth at the latest Arnold Classic. For most bodybuilders, that would mean time for celebration, but not for “The Martian.” Fans had questions after watching him angrily celebrate Nick Walker losing to Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea. Moreover, during the awards ceremony, Fitzwater refused to shake Walker’s hand.
There have been alleged reports that he shoved and cursed at Walker backstage. After the event, fans congratulated Fitzwater, only to be met with ‘Gfys’ comments. As a result, Fitzwater has been dropped by multiple sponsors. Some, like Lee Priest, believe he’s in a dark place, and urged the bodybuilding community to cut him a break. However, Kamali has a much different perspective on the controversy.
King Kamali Talks ‘Evil’ Martin Fitzwater After Arnold Classic Drama, Says He Has Roid Rage
In the video, Kamali chalked up Fitzwater’s actions to roid rage.
“To us who don’t know him, he looks like a hot head having roid rage, that’s what it looks like,” said King Kamali.
“You have to act a certain way. He’s just shooting himself in the foot. Right now, he’s become evil. He’s got that reputation now, and it’s not good for him or his finances.”
He shared that Lauralie Chapados took second place at the Arnold Classic, but displayed true sportsmanship in defeat. He highlighted that this is how professional athletes handle setbacks.
“When Lauralie got second, which I believe, and if she’s listening, I think you should have won, by the way. And when she got second place, she was a professional. She handled it like a professional. She smiled. She took it and then when she got back to the room, I don’t know what she did, punch walls, that’s what I’d do but that’s what a professional athlete does,” he said.
Kamali added that Fitzwater might have let ego cloud his judgment:
“When people have success, and I’m sure Martin is saying to himself, I’m top five in the world, who the fuck are you to tell me what to do? We all know that’s the wrong attitude to have.”
Fitzwater’s close friend and training partner, Brett Wilkin, addressed the ongoing drama. He doesn’t support Fitzwater’s actions but believes hate messages have crossed the line. Wilkin also shared that Nick Walker wants to see Fitzwater bounce back despite their rivalry.
As of this writing, Fitzwater is on the official competitors list for the 2026 Arnold Classic UK. The show is set for March 27-29 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Watch the full video from the Iron OG’s YouTube channel below:
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