Bodybuilding has long been a realm of comparisons, hypothetical match-ups, and endless debate. Fans of the sport continually seek to evaluate, contrast, and imagine the ultimate face-offs between icons from different eras.
Hadi Choopan, known as “The Persian Wolf,” is no stranger to these discussions.
As a former Mr. Olympia champion and one of the most celebrated names in modern bodybuilding, Choopan recently sat down with his renowned coach, Hany Rambod, for an insightful interview, shedding light on some of the most exciting hypothetical questions in bodybuilding.
In their conversation, Hadi Choopan discussed how Classic Physique champion Chris Bumstead might fare in the Men’s Open division and offered his thoughts on a fantasy match-up between two of bodybuilding’s greatest legends—Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath.
This discussion comes on the heels of an extraordinary bodybuilding season for Hadi Choopan in 2024.
With victories at the Arnold Classic Ohio and the Arnold Classic UK under his belt, Hadi Choopan has reasserted his dominance in the sport.
Now, as the 2024 Mr. Olympia looms on the horizon, he’s laser-focused on reclaiming the title he previously held in 2022.
Despite the pressure of preparation, Hadi Choopan made time to engage with fans, answering burning questions and reflecting on his journey thus far.
Hadi Choopan’s 2024 Bodybuilding Journey: A Season of Dominance
Before diving into the specifics of his interview, it’s worth highlighting the year that Hadi Choopan has had in 2024.
This season has been nothing short of spectacular for the Iranian powerhouse, solidifying his reputation as one of the most formidable competitors in the sport.
Hadi Choopan kicked off the year with a decisive win at the Arnold Classic Ohio, one of the most prestigious bodybuilding events.
There, he defeated 2023 champion Samson Dauda, showcasing a physique that was sharper, fuller, and more defined than ever before.
This victory was followed by another standout performance at the Arnold Classic UK, where Hadi Choopan once again proved his superiority on the stage.
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These wins have set the stage for an exciting Mr. Olympia contest, scheduled to take place from October 10-13, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As the competition draws nearer, fans eagerly anticipate the showdown between Hadi Choopan and the other top-tier Men’s Open bodybuilders.
The 2024 Mr. Olympia will also mark the event’s 60th anniversary, with a special gold-dipped Sandow trophy awarded to the winner.
The Ronnie Coleman vs Phil Heath Debate: A Clash of Eras
One of the most intriguing aspects of Hadi Choopan’s interview was his response to a hypothetical match-up between Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath, two of the most successful and iconic bodybuilders in history.
Both athletes dominated the Mr. Olympia stage in their respective eras, with Ronnie Coleman winning eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles from 1998 to 2005, and Phil Heath securing seven consecutive victories from 2011 to 2017.
When asked who he believed was the better bodybuilder between Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath, Hadi Choopan was hesitant to choose one over the other.
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Instead, he offered a balanced and respectful take on the strengths of both champions:
“Who was better, Ronnie Coleman or Phil Heath? Well, that’s a tough one. Ronnie and Phil are bodybuilding legends. Both had incredible genetics and training. It’s hard to say who is better than the best. They were both champs in their eras. As fans, we appreciate both. Each was a king of their time.”
Hadi Choopan’s response reflects the difficulty in comparing bodybuilders from different eras.
While Ronnie Coleman was known for his unprecedented size and massive, dense musculature, Phil Heath was celebrated for his aesthetic flow and superior muscle detail.
Both athletes brought something unique to the stage, making it nearly impossible to declare one as definitively better than the other.
For Hadi Choopan, the legacy of both men stands tall, and their contributions to the sport are equally invaluable.
“Ronnie Coleman, being older, paved the way as a pioneer. Phil Heath, being younger, showcased physique aesthetics we relate to more. Everyone can have their favorite, but choosing between two kings is impossible. I’m a fan of both of them.”
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This sentiment resonates with many bodybuilding enthusiasts who, despite personal preferences, recognize the greatness of both Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath.
In many ways, the Ronnie Coleman-Phil Heath debate is symbolic of a broader conversation in the sport: the evolution of bodybuilding from the era of mass monsters to a more aesthetic-focused approach.
Chris Bumstead in the Men’s Open: Can the Classic Physique King Dominate?
Another topic that garnered significant attention during Hadi Choopan’s interview was how Chris Bumstead, the reigning Classic Physique Mr. Olympia, would perform in the Men’s Open division.
Chris Bumstead, often referred to as “Cbum,” has reigned supreme in Classic Physique since 2019, boasting a combination of old-school aesthetics, balance, and symmetry that harkens back to the golden era of bodybuilding.
While Chris Bumstead’s physique is admired for its aesthetic appeal, the Men’s Open division presents an entirely different challenge.
In Men’s Open, the emphasis is on sheer mass, size, and density—areas where Chris Bumstead, who competes at a lower weight, would face significant hurdles.
Hadi Choopan was candid in his assessment of Chris Bumstead’s chances in the Open division:
“Well, Chris has a great physique, top tier in Classic, but in bodybuilding, it’s different. We’ve challenged bigger guys, 30 kilos heavier or 20 centimeters taller than me. If Chris jumps into Open bodybuilding, he has to try harder and get better to be a top-tier competitor here too.”
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Choopan’s point underscores the difference in size and conditioning required to compete in the Men’s Open.
While Chris Bumstead’s proportions and lines are world-class, the Men’s Open category is dominated by athletes who carry significantly more muscle mass.
Competing against bodybuilders who are 30 kilos heavier would present a monumental challenge, even for someone as talented as Chris Bumstead.
That said, Hadi Choopan did not rule out the possibility of Chris Bumstead making a successful transition to the Men’s Open.
He acknowledged Chris Bumstead’s work ethic and dedication but emphasized that a significant transformation would be required to contend with the likes of Derek Lunsford, Nick Walker, Big Ramy, and others in the Open division.
The Legacy of Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath
To better appreciate the hypothetical Ronnie Coleman-Phil Heath match-up, it’s essential to examine the legacies of both athletes and what made them stand out during their respective reigns.
Ronnie Coleman: The King of Mass
Ronnie Coleman’s dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s is the stuff of legend.
Known for his massive, thick physique, Ronnie Coleman redefined the standards of size in professional bodybuilding.
His unparalleled ability to combine size with muscle definition and conditioning made him nearly unbeatable for eight years.
With towering arms, a back that seemed to stretch forever, and legs that were nothing short of massive, Ronnie Coleman’s physique was a testament to hard work and relentless dedication.
One of Ronnie Coleman’s most iconic features was his back development, which many consider to be the greatest in the history of bodybuilding.
His lat width, density, and muscle separation were unmatched, and his ability to maintain sharp conditioning despite carrying immense mass set him apart from his competition.
Despite suffering numerous injuries during his career, Ronnie Coleman pushed his body to its limits, delivering performances that left a lasting impact on the sport.
His legendary training videos, where he famously deadlifted over 800 pounds with ease, still inspire bodybuilders around the world today.
Phil Heath: The Gift of Aesthetics
In contrast to Ronnie Coleman’s raw size and power, Phil Heath brought a different set of attributes to the stage. Phil Heath’s nickname, “The Gift,” is a testament to his genetics and aesthetic appeal.
What made Phil Heath so special was his ability to combine size with flowing lines, symmetry, and muscle detail.
His 3D muscle effect, where each muscle group seemed to pop off his frame, was one of his defining characteristics.
Phil Heath’s conditioning and muscle separation were second to none, and his waist-to-shoulder ratio gave him a classic V-taper that made him stand out from his peers.
While Ronnie Coleman was known for his sheer size, Phil Heath’s aesthetic balance and muscle fullness were his calling cards.
His arms, chest, and back were flawlessly developed, and he maintained an elite level of conditioning throughout his Olympia reign.
Like Ronnie Coleman, Phil Heath enjoyed a long period of dominance, winning seven Mr. Olympia titles from 2011 to 2017.
His rivalry with Kai Greene during this time brought renewed excitement to the sport, as fans watched two of the most genetically gifted bodybuilders battle it out year after year.
The Evolution of Bodybuilding: Mass vs Aesthetics
The debate between Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath represents a larger conversation within the bodybuilding community—mass vs aesthetics.
Ronnie Coleman’s era was marked by the rise of the mass monster, where size was king, and bodybuilders pushed the limits of how much muscle they could carry on their frames.
The Open division became synonymous with freakish size, with competitors like Jay Cutler, Markus Rühl, and Günter Schlierkamp following in Ronnie Coleman’s massive footsteps.
On the other hand, Phil Heath’s era saw a slight shift back toward aesthetics, where symmetry, proportions, and muscle separation became
more important. While size was still a crucial factor, Phil Heath’s success was built on his ability to present a physique that was both massive and beautifully structured.
This evolution has continued in recent years, with bodybuilders like Brandon Curry and Derek Lunsford representing a blend of mass and aesthetics on the Olympia stage.
Chris Bumstead and the Classic Physique Revolution
While Men’s Open bodybuilding has long been the sport’s marquee division, the rise of Classic Physique has brought a new level of excitement and interest to the sport.
Chris Bumstead, the reigning four-time Classic Physique Mr. Olympia champion, has played a significant role in the division’s popularity.
Classic Physique, introduced in 2016, emphasizes aesthetic balance, symmetry, and proportions reminiscent of the golden era of bodybuilding.
Competitors are required to adhere to weight limits based on their height, ensuring that the focus remains on aesthetics rather than sheer mass.