Leading up to the 2008 Mr. Olympia on September 26-27 at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, we’ll break down some of the most intriguing potential matchups and subplots to the contest.
The fifth in our Olympia Dream Matchup Series is one of the most anticipated comparisons in recent memory, and should set the tone for a budding rivalry between two men who could define an era of bodybuilding: Phil Heath versus Dennis Wolf.
TALE OF THE TAPE NAME: Phil Heath NICKNAME: The Gift HEIGHT: 5’9″ WEIGHT: 240 pounds OLYMPIA HISTORY: Rookie
NAME:Dennis Wolf NICKNAME: None HEIGHT: 5’11” WEIGHT: 265 pounds OLYMPIA HISTORY: 2006, DNP; 2007, 5th
WHY WE WANT TO SEE IT: The future of the sport. At 28 and 29 years old, respectively, Heath and Wolf will be trading blows for the next 5-10 years. Both men have some of the best lines in bodybuilding, coupled with plenty of mass and the ability to consistently come in condition. One of the reasons why we’d buy a ticket to this year’s show in a heartbeat. Perhaps the most anticipated matchup since Cutler vs Coleman in 2003.
WHAT WE WILL SEE: With a two-inch height advantage and an estimated 25-pound weight advantage, Wolf will draw the eye first, and more oohs and aahs from the crowd. However, no one is put together like Heath and no one in the sport today has his arms, his detail, or his separation. Mass with class times two with these guys.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: As good as Wolf looks in the side shots, Heath may be even better, with his triceps and hams being the difference. Although Dennis will win the most muscular, Phil’s Levrone version of the shot (we prefer this to his crab) is damn close. From the rear Heath has detail and thickness over Wolf.
OUR TAKE: This one will go down to the wire, and it’s still almost impossible to call. We’re hearing from trusted insiders that Heath has made astounding improvements since the Arnold. Combined with his ability to get shredded like no other aside from Dexter Jackson, we see the first chapter going to Heath in what promises to be a rivalry for the ages.
