The Men’s Open landscape is heating up in the IFBB Pro League with athletes running out of time to earn their respective qualifications for Mr. Olympia in November. In a series of Instagram posts, Blessing Awodibu, Regan Grimes, and ‘Good Vito’ Vitaliy Ugolniko shared ripped updates roughly a week before taking to the stage at the 2023 Flex Weekend Pro in Italy.
Nigerian-Ireland native Blessing Awodibu is on a mission to earn passage to his second-ever Mr. Olympia competition. Last season, Awodibu emerged as a wildcard after claiming gold at two consecutive contests (2022 Indy Pro, 2022 New York Pro).
Known for aesthetics and a brash attitude, Awodibu made headlines at Olympia during the pre-event presser but failed to capitalize when it was time to step on stage. In the end, he finished outside of the top 15. Determined to rebound, Awodibu entered the recent 2023 Chicago Pro, where he placed fourth. Undeterred by the outcome, ‘The Boogieman’ admits he came in off, but believes he can correct the issue moving forward.
Meanwhile, Regan Grimes took a much different path to Italy this year. After managing a pair of seventh-place finishes at the 2022 Arnold Classic and Boston Pro, Grimes suspended his season to focus on improvements only. He decided to take 2022 Olympia off as well despite having qualified for the contest. Now, Grimes is ready to make a statement next weekend.
Vitaliy ‘Good Vito’ Ugolniko will be another exciting addition to the roster in Italy. Even though he hasn’t made his IFBB Pro debut, Good Vito has dominated discussions online with freaky physique updates. He switched to the NPC last year and will aim to become a household name in the future assuming he can grace the Olympia stage.
Blessing Awodibu, Regan Grimes, ‘Good Vito’ Look Ripped Days from Battling at 2023 Flex Weekend Pro
Blessing Awodibu
Judging from the conditioning he brought in Chicago, Awodibu looks like he’s improved leaps and bounds ahead of his second contest of the season. His hamstrings also look drier than they were in past updates.
Flat as shit, but we locked in. 12 days out,” Awodibu posted.
Regan Grimes
Fans are thrilled to see Grimes making his way back to the stage. En route to his return, Grimes has offered an inside look at many of his workouts led by his coach Milos Sarcev, who also trains Men’s Open Mr. Olympia contender Samson Dauda.
Vitaliy ‘Good Vito’ Ugolniko
Given Good Vito’s monstrous size and muscle volume, many believe the hype surrounding him is warranted. While former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout labeled him a promising young talent, he worries that Good Vito’s umbilical hernia displayed during a guest posing appearance might cost him in the future.
Aside from those already mentioned, Men’s Open star Nathan De Asha will be back in action at the nearing 2023 Flex Weekend Pro in Italy. De Asha has overcome adversity to get to this point as he struggled with back-to-back bicep tears last season.
With a tighter midsection, added size, and muscle dryness, De Asha is confident in his chances ahead of the show. Moreover, the UK standout predicted that if he beats Good Vito next weekend, the win will propel him to a top-five finish on the 2023 Mr. Olympia stage.
RELATED: Chris Cormier & Olympia Judge Discuss Potential of Iain Valliere, Michal Krizo, And ‘Good Vito’
Considering the depth of talent expected to compete in Italy next weekend, the 2023 Flex Weekend Pro is turning into a major event. Whoever walks away with gold will have the opportunity to face the reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan in November.
Published: 29 August, 2023 | 9:53 PM EDT
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