Bodybuilding veteran Victor Martinez, one of the most prolific Open talents of the 2000s, recently endured a health scare. On July 16, 2025, Martinez provided fans with an update on his health following an emergency surgery.
Throughout his career, Martinez used freaky muscle density and sheer mass to dominate the stage. In 2007, he picked up the biggest win of his career, defeating Dexter Jackson and Toney Freeman to secure the prestigious Arnold Classic title.
At the Mr. Olympia that same year, Martinez was considered a favorite to win. However, he was tasked with facing Jay Cutler, who was fresh off dethroning eight-time champion Ronnie Coleman a year before. Ultimately, Martinez finished with silver, though he proved he could stand against and push top names in the IFBB Pro League.
While his training and nutrition have undergone drastic changes since his competitive days, Martinez still attends the gym consistently. A comeback at the Masters Olympia down the line doesn’t seem impossible, but as of right now, his efforts are solely focused on recovery.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
Bodybuilder Victor Martinez Makes First Statement Since Going into Emergency Surgery
In the Instagram post, Victor Martinez thanked fans and fellow bodybuilders who have wished him well during this difficult time. The exact surgery wasn’t disclosed, but he emphasized that “it hurts” and that his focus has shifted towards recovery.
“First I want to start by saying thank you to everyone that has tried to reach out to me and wishing me well. To have physical and mental health is to be blessed, and if we ever lose one or the other, we can only try to regain it.
I am currently working on that, so with whatever energy I have to spare is respectfully being saved for my beautiful kids and family. Thank you I appreciate your understanding. It hurts, so let’s try to take a nap and recover,” shared Victor Martinez.
The bodybuilding community has been enduring hit after hit lately. In mid-April, eight-time champ Ronnie Coleman was also hospitalized due to an emergency surgery. After fighting for his life, Coleman was diagnosed with an infection in his bloodstream. Since the ordeal, he’s vowed to raise awareness about sepsis, the condition that nearly cost him everything.
Victor Martinez is one of the most respected and beloved bodybuilders to make waves in the 2000s. The specifics of his health challenge remain unclear. Our team at Fitness Volt wishes him a full and speedy recovery.
RELATED: Victor Martinez Talks 200-Mg TRT Dose, Shares Contest Protocols: ‘We Always Did 3 Months On/Off’
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
