In the sports world, there are countless fantasy matchups we wish we could see. Legends of the past in their prime versus the stars of today. Jordan vs. LeBron, Brady vs. Montana, Ali vs. Anthony Joshua, and many more that are debated but never settled due to the simple fact that time travel has not yet been invented (we’re waiting for you, people of the future).
Bodybuilding fans have and can do the same. If you could time travel, pick up the legends of your choice from yesteryear when they were at their best and place them next to the pantheons of today, who would you want to see go head-to-head in a posedown?
Here are five ideal Olympia matchups that could be monumental.
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Phil Heath vs. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Both of these superstars have won 7 Olympia titles and both were instrumental in the docudrama of their era. “The Oak” was in Pumping Iron and “The Gift” was in Generation Iron. Imagine Arnold doing that impressive side chest while Phil is dropping the boom with his most muscular. Both knew how to get reactions out of the fans as well, so the place would be rocking.
Aside from the pecs, Schwarzenegger’s arms and shoulders were also very impressive, while Heath would dominate from the back and have the better leg development. Who would you have winning it all though?
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Dorian Yates vs. Jay Cutler
The matchup here should be obvious if you follow training. The master of high-intensity training vs. the man most associated with high-volume work. Both champions are also known for dense muscle and onstage presence. Imagine Yates in the beginning of his reign vs. Cutler’s 2009 form when he reclaimed the title.
Yates’ hard granite-like look was second to none, and the mass he revealed during his reign at the time was never seen before. Meanwhile, Cutler was known for his mass as well as symmetry and confidence. When both men walked on stage, they had their mind on winning. So seeing them head-to-head would be a dream matchup.
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Flex Lewis vs. Franco Columbu
The seven-time 212 champ is considered by many to be the best non-open bodybuilder ever. Old-school fans will tell you that the late, great Franco Columbu is the best light bodybuilder ever. Lewis’ shape and size vs. Columbu’s density and presentation would have the fans on their feet from start to finish.
Lewis’ arms and lower body (especially the calves) would serve him well while Columbu’s pecs and midsection would be major assets in his own right. Both are known for their posing ability as well.
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Ronnie Coleman vs. Lee Haney
When you saw Coleman’s name, you likely thought of his form in 2003 or 2004 when he was pushing 300 pounds onstage. Don’t think about that Ronnie. Think of the Ronnie in 1998 or 1999 going up against Haney’s 1991 physique, which he considers his favorite. That matchup would potentially be the hardest for both eight-time champions.
Haney was on top of his game while Coleman had the excitement and potential that goes with the beginning of his reign. Both men were revered for their back development so those poses would be toss-ups.
If you consider the above matchup, Coleman would only have a few pounds on Haney and both men are around the same height. Coleman’s conditioning then and Haney’s structure would be the biggest factors for each man.
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Frank Zane vs. Chris Bumstead
Zane is considered by many fans as the inspiration behind the Classic Physique division. Bumstead is currently the Classic Physique Olympia champion. Bumstead would be significantly bigger, but Zane is one of the greatest posers of all-time and had the conditioning to match.
Once Zane would hit his patented vacuum ab and thigh pose, it was normally over for whoever he was onstage with. However, Bumstead’s front and side poses are classical in their own right. It may come down to which era’s judges would be making the decision.
