Ali Bilal Responds After Arnold Schwarzenegger Dismisses Men’s Physique as ‘Bogus’: ‘This Was My Final Arnold Classic’
Ali Bilal has voiced his frustration over how the 2025 Arnold Classic played out, despite clinching a major victory.
On March 10, 2025, the Men’s Physique standout addressed Arnold Schwarzenegger’s controversial remarks, in which the seven-time Mr. Olympia dismissed the division as ‘bogus.’ In response, Bilal declared that he would never step onto the Arnold Classic stage again.
Schwarzenegger has long been critical of the Men’s Physique division, primarily due to its signature board shorts, which conceal lower-body development. The bodybuilding legend believes this lack of visible leg musculature diminishes the sport’s essence. During the event’s live stream, he reiterated this stance, outright branding the division as ‘bogus.’
His comments sparked widespread backlash within the Men’s Physique community, with top-tier athletes stepping forward to defend their division. Leading the charge was Ali Bilal, the 2024 Olympia runner-up behind Ryan Terry. Bilal took offense at Schwarzenegger’s remarks, arguing that they were not only unjust but also disrespectful to the hardworking competitors who dedicate their lives to the sport.
Ali Bilal Rejects Future Arnold Classic Appearances Following Schwarzenegger’s Criticism
Taking to Instagram, Bilal publicly expressed his disappointment regarding Schwarzenegger’s dismissive attitude toward Men’s Physique.
“This was my last Arnold Classic. I will never do a show again, where i don’t feel welcome or valued. I have worked so hard to reach my physique & it does not feel right to compete at a show where Arnold himself makes fun of the Men’s physique division, calling it “bogus”.”
He contended that if Schwarzenegger wanted a greater emphasis on leg development, he should have invited the Men’s 212 Bodybuilding category instead of selecting Men’s Physique for the competition.
“If they really wanted to see legs, they should have invited the division 212 instead of Men’s physique. I wasn’t even planning to do the show in the first place, but the team reached out to me asking me to compete. In return we get disrespected for 25000$”
“I felt like I needed to come out and highlight this, since I won the show & no one else would speak their mind.”
Furthermore, Bilal stated that Schwarzenegger’s comments diminished the sense of accomplishment that should have accompanied his victory.
“It gave me a bit of mixed feelings this show because everything I see on social media, everything I see that’s going on, Arnold saying on show day that Men’s Physique was a stupid division and he don’t know why IFBB created it. It just killed the whole happy vibes for me,”
The Belgian athlete also highlighted what he considered an egregious disparity in prize money, pointing out that while the Men’s Open champion secured a staggering $500,000 payday and Classic Physique took home $60,000, the Men’s Physique winner was awarded a mere $10,000.
“I’ve decided this was my last ever Arnold Classic. I’m not going to do a show where my division, I get treated with disrespect. I don’t think it’s fair the Open division gets $500,000, Classic gets $60K, and Men’s Physique division only gets $10,000.”
Bilal wasn’t alone in his frustration. Reigning Men’s Physique Olympia champion Erin Banks also spoke out, echoing similar sentiments. The broader Men’s Physique community believes they deserve greater respect for their contributions, especially given that the division serves as one of the primary entry points for new athletes in the IFBB Pro League.
“But it’s time to stop the disrespect just because we chose a division that prioritizes aesthetics, health, and looking damn good on the beach. Men’s Physique is bodybuilding,”
With the debate now raging across the bodybuilding world, fans and competitors alike are weighing in. What do you think of Schwarzenegger’s ‘bogus’ remarks? Do you agree or disagree with his take on the Men’s Physique division?
