Lee Priest Offers Take on Big Ramy Retirement Pressures, Says to Act in Films like Martyn Ford

With retirement questions surrounding Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay, Lee Priest offered his take on the matter. In a recent RxMuscle video, Priest attributed Ramy’s string of performances to problems with dieting/contest preparations. 

“That’s how it is in bodybuilding, you could win 10 shows, have one bad show, and it’s, ‘He’s done, he’s over,'” Lee Priest said. 

Former two-time Mr. Olympia Big Ramy failed to defend his title last year at the annual competition. Instead, Iran crowned its first Mr. Olympia champion, Hadi Choopan. While fans expected Big Ramy to battle for gold, he ended the show in fifth place. In the aftermath, head judge Steve Weinberger hinted Ramy may have entered the show injured. 

Wasting little time, the Egyptian native threw his name in the hat for the 2023 Arnold Classic. He brought significant improvements from his last appearance in Las Vegas, with notable changes to his legs, back, and conditioning. 

Bob Cicherillo, who served as the announcer for both of Ramy’s recent shows, took to a recent Voice of Bodybuilding podcast to discuss his future. According to the IFBB Pro League athletes’ rep, “Ramy isn’t capable of winning an Olympia again.” Some in the community thought Walker and Big Ramy deserved better scores, but Bob emphasized that judging is based off comparisons, not on who brought their personal best. 

Ramy responded to public demands calling for his retirement. Yesterday, the former two-time Mr. Olympia said he competes because he loves the sport doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. Elaborating on Ramy’s future, Lee Priest took on the topic with Dave Palumbo. 

Lee Priest Points to Big Ramy’s Diet for Recent Performances, Says He Should Act in Movies like Martyn Ford

Lee Priest highlighted that just because a formula worked once for a show, doesn’t mean it will work again in the future. He urged Ramy to change his diet moving forward. 

“We all know, when your dieting, when he came in and won, you know, you can’t use the same diet every year. You got to change the diet. If you did it with the right formula and came in shredded, you’re like, ‘This is the one, I’ll use it.’ He can use the same thing the next year and look totally different.” 

In Palumbo’s opinion, Ramy doesn’t have ‘any kind of damage,’ but his physique has changed following 10 years in the sport. 

“Ramy doesn’t have any kind of damage – his physique has just changed as he’s gotten older,” said Dave Palumbo.

“The thing is, trying to guess to — what are they going to go for? More size and fullness or do I need to come in shredded?” asks Priest. 

“I would say to him he has nothing left to prove,” Palumbo replied. “Downsize and preserve your health. At this point, he’s got nothing left to prove. He doesn’t need the money, obviously.”

Given Ramy’s size and imposing structure, Priest believes he should one day test the waters in Hollywood, similar to UK actor/fitness influencer Martyn Ford. 

“He can get a few tattoos and be like Martyn Ford, look at Martyn Ford, that guy. Of course, he’s kind of tall and freaky. He’s been in lots of movies,” Lee Priest shared. 

In addition to discussions about the 2023 Arnold Classic, Priest provides fans with workout tips. The last time he shared guidance, Priest detailed the best practices for getting the most out of preacher curls. He emphasized the importance of grip variations, different equipment, and rep ranges. 

RELATED: Lee Priest Goes Off on Trans Powerlifting Ruling: ’It’s Ridiculous’

Having won the Olympia title on two occasions, Priest isn’t ready to count out Big Ramy. If Ramy does call for an end to his bodybuilding career, Lee says there are other lucrative ventures waiting for him.

You can watch the full video below: 

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