The stacked 2025 Pittsburgh Pro lineup has lost one notable competitor. On May 8, 2025, just two days before the contest kicks off, Ugolnikov ‘Good Vito’ Vitalii confirmed he was forced to withdraw after sustaining a major back injury.
“It’s with great sadness I announce I will not be participating in the Pittsburgh PRO Championship due to a major back muscle injury I suffered about a week ago and did not report before.”
The 2025 Pittsburgh Pro will feature the Men’s Open class for the first time. Derek Lunsford, the former 2023 Olympia champion and 2025 Arnold Classic winner, has hailed this gathering as a ‘legacy’ contest. His goal is to complete a winning trifecta this season, aiming to secure Pittsburgh Pro gold along with the Mr. Olympia title.
The lineup will also see Nick Walker make his highly anticipated return. He didn’t enter the Mr. Olympia in 2024 after his body stopped responding to prep. Fans are eager to see what improvements he’s made since stepping onstage at last year’s New York Pro, which he won against Martin Fitzwater.
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“The Martian” is another heavy-hitting Men’s Open talent making his way to Pittsburgh. He’s got huge momentum given his victory over Chris Bumstead at the Prague Pro last November. For now, Good Vito will heal on the sidelines, but he made it clear he will still be at the Mr. Olympia in pursuit of the sport’s most prestigious title.
Ugolnikov ‘Good Vito’ Vitalii Pulls Out of 2025 Pittsburgh Pro Due to Back Injury
In a recent Instagram post, Good Vito explained that he’s dealing with intense pain and that his swollen muscles compromised his posing.
“Trying to alleviate the symptoms by preparing my body for the championship following a strict routine. In addition to the intense pain I am willing to endure, the swollen muscle does not allow me to pose properly and negatively affects my proportions.”
He and his coach agreed that time away from the stage was best for his future on the Mr. Olympia stage.
“I came to this championship to be a worthy competitor and my goal was to look better than I did a month ago, but since that’s becoming impossible, so along with my coach, a decision was made to focus on recovering my body and getting ready for Mr. Olympia.”
He said he will return to training in one month.
“This is not a complete rupture of the muscles in the back, but a minor rupture of muscle fibers. one month from now ill return to my training routine . Thank you to everyone who supported me,” Good Vito shared.
Good Vito was in a prime position to make a statement in Pittsburgh. He recently competed and won gold at the 2025 Arnold Classic South America contest, shocking fans in attendance and online with his freakishly proportioned legs and overall conditioning.
While the Pittsburgh Pro lineup certainly took a hit with Good Vito missing in action, the show must go on. Don’t miss full coverage of the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, set for May 10-11 this weekend.
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