When you think of Ronnie Coleman, the first things that come to mind are eight Mr. Olympia titles, legendary workouts, and iconic catchphrases like “Yeah Buddy!” and “If it don’t challenge you, it don’t change you.”
But beyond the muscle and the motivation, there’s another side to The King—one that’s raw, unfiltered, and at times, deeply controversial.
Throughout his career and post-retirement life, Ronnie Coleman has given several interviews that sparked debate, backlash, and intense discussion within the bodybuilding community and beyond.
From honest takes on steroids to shocking revelations about injuries, and unapologetic views on training, Coleman has never sugarcoated the truth—even when it made people uncomfortable.
🔥 The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE #2187) – “I Hit 0.33% Body Fat”
One of the most talked-about and controversial interviews of Ronnie’s post-bodybuilding career was his 2024 appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience (Episode #2187).
The 90-minute conversation covered everything from training to diet to his health struggles—and it was here that Coleman dropped a bombshell:
“I achieved a body fat of 0.33 percent during contest prep.”
Rogan, stunned, responded:
“What? How does a human get that low?”
Coleman calmly replied:
“That’s less than half a percent.”
Why It Was Controversial:
- Scientifically, it’s nearly impossible. Essential body fat for men is 3–5%.
- Experts argue that sub-2% body fat is dangerous, and 0.33% is biologically unattainable without severe health risks.
- Many fans accused him of exaggeration, while others believed he was referring to water and glycogen manipulation to appear drier.
Coleman didn’t back down, explaining that his genetics, diet, and water manipulation allowed him to reach a level of leanness no one had seen before.
“Some of the things I achieved are due to genetics. A lot of people won’t be able to get there even if they try.”
This interview reignited the debate about how extreme bodybuilding prep really is—and whether the sport glorifies unhealthy extremes.
🏋️ “I Don’t Train to Look Good—I Train to Win”
In a 2020 interview with Generation Iron, Ronnie Coleman made a statement that upset many natural bodybuilders and fitness influencers:
“I don’t train to look good. I train to win. And if you’re not using performance-enhancing drugs, you’re not going to win.”
Why It Was Controversial:
- He openly dismissed natural bodybuilding as a serious competitive path.
- Said, “Natural guys look like fitness models, not bodybuilders.”
- Called out social media influencers for “posing in parks with 25-pound dumbbells” and calling it training.
While many praised his honesty, others criticized him for discouraging natural lifters and promoting a culture of steroid dependency.
Coleman’s stance:
“I’m not here to lie. I used gear. I lifted heavy. That’s how I got there.”
He didn’t apologize for it—and that’s what made the interview so polarizing.
🚨 “I’d Do It All Again—Even the Surgeries”
In a 2023 interview with BarBend, Coleman opened up about his 13+ surgeries, chronic pain, and near-death sepsis scare in 2025.
When asked if he regretted the damage to his body, his answer shocked many:
“Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat. I became the greatest bodybuilder of all time. No regrets.”
Why It Was Controversial:
- At the time, Coleman was struggling to walk, relying on canes and pain medication.
- Fans and doctors questioned whether any title is worth lifelong pain.
- Critics said he was glorifying self-destruction and setting a dangerous example for young athletes.
But Coleman stood firm:
“I knew the risks. I accepted them. I built a legacy. I lived my dream.”
This interview sparked a larger conversation about athlete welfare, long-term health, and the cost of greatness.
💊 “Steroids? Of Course I Used Them. Everyone Does.”
In a 2019 interview with Muscle & Fitness, Coleman was asked point-blank about his use of anabolic steroids.
His response was blunt:
“Of course I used them. You think you can squat 800 pounds and eat six pounds of chicken a day and stay natural? Come on.”
He went on to say:
“In the Men’s Open, if you’re natural, you’re wasting your time.”
Why It Was Controversial:
- While many suspected steroid use, Ronnie Coleman was one of the few Olympia champions to openly admit it.
- Some praised his transparency, while others felt he was undermining the sport’s integrity.
- The comment fueled debates about drug testing in bodybuilding and whether the IFBB should create a true natural division.
Coleman didn’t care about the controversy.
“I’m not hiding anything. I did what I had to do to win.”
🍕 “I Ate Pizza to Recover”
In a 2021 interview with Men’s Health, Coleman revealed a surprising post-workout meal:
“After a hard leg day, I’d go home, eat a whole pizza, and go to sleep. That’s how I recovered.”
He explained that high-calorie, high-fat meals helped him gain mass and recover faster.
Why It Was Controversial:
- This clashed with the clean-eating dogma promoted by most fitness influencers.
- Dieticians criticized the idea of using junk food for recovery.
- Fans were shocked that a man with zero body fat ate pizza regularly.
But Coleman’s logic was simple:
“I burned 3,000 calories just walking. I needed energy. Pizza gave me that.”
He emphasized that his metabolism was superhuman—a result of years of extreme training.
“What worked for me won’t work for you. But it worked for me.”
🧠 “I Wasn’t the Smartest—But I Was the Hardest Worker”
In a 2022 interview with ESPN, Coleman reflected on his early life:
“People think I was dumb because I was a police officer and didn’t go to college. But I graduated cum laude in accounting.”
He revealed that he struggled to find a job after college, which led him to Domino’s Pizza and eventually the police force.
“I delivered pizzas, worked the streets, and trained at night. That’s how I built my life.”
Why It Was Controversial:
- Some accused him of downplaying systemic barriers by saying “anyone can do it.”
- Others felt he oversimplified the path to success, ignoring privilege and access.
But Coleman’s message was clear:
“I didn’t have a sponsor. I didn’t have fame. I had work ethic.”
And that, he said, was enough.
🔍 What These Interviews Reveal About Ronnie Coleman
Ronnie Coleman has never been a politician.
He’s never tried to please everyone.
His interviews are raw, honest, and often uncomfortable—but they’re also authentic.
Common Themes in His Controversial Statements:
- No Regrets – He accepts the physical cost of his career.
- No Apologies – He won’t downplay steroid use or extreme dieting.
- No Sugarcoating – He tells the truth, even when it’s unpopular.
- No Ego – He credits his success to hard work, not just genetics.
“I’m not here to inspire you to be me. I’m here to show you what’s possible when you commit 100%.”
🧊 Final Thoughts: Love Him or Hate Him—You Can’t Ignore Him
Ronnie Coleman’s most controversial interviews aren’t controversial because he said something wrong.
They’re controversial because he said something true.
In a world of filtered images, sponsored content, and fitness fantasy, Ronnie spoke reality.
- Yes, he used steroids.
- Yes, he destroyed his body.
- Yes, he ate pizza after leg day.
- Yes, he’d do it all again.
And that’s what makes him a legend.
Not because he was perfect.
But because he was real.
So the next time you hear “If it don’t challenge you, it don’t change you,” remember:
Ronnie Coleman didn’t just say it.
He lived it—controversies and all.