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Regarding bodybuilding competitions, not much comes close to the Arnold Classic. Apart from Mr. Olympia, it’s widely regarded as the most prestigious competition of the year. Winning the Arnold is the pinnacle of most bodybuilders’ careers, often forming a platform for future stardom.
On March 2, 2025, Ali Bilal sensationally claimed the Men’s Physique title, accomplishing what many never can. Bilal has been on a steady upward rise for some time, finishing as runner-up at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
He entered the Arnold Classic as one of the firm favorites. Winning represented a huge step-up in his competitive career, beating fellow champion Diogo Montonegro and two-time champion Erin Banks.
Bilal clearly has the potential to be a future men’s physique star. He’s proven he has what it takes to compete against elite competition on a world-class stage. However, it’s his comments following his Arnold win that are making the headlines.
Key Takeaway
On March 2, 2025, Ali Bilal claimed the Arnold Classic Men’s Physique title. In doing so, he beat 2024 Arnold Classic champion Diogo Montonegro and two-time champion Erin Banks.
He took to social media following his win to discuss notable comments made by Arnold Schwarzenegger during the Arnold. In response to the comments, Bilal stated that he would no longer compete at the Arnold Classic.
While it remains to be seen, his absence from future Arnold Classics would be a huge loss for the division. Many see him as the new face of Men’s physique and a future Mr. Olympia star.
Bilal’s Comments Make Headlines Following His Sensational Arnold Classic Men’s Physique Domination
Before the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Ali Bilal was a little-known men’s physique competitor from Afgahanistan. Following his runner-up placing, many started taking notice of his incredible physique. After taking the 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s physique title, Alil Bilal is now the man to beat.
His physique is undeniably world-class. He has some of the best genetically perfect abs I’ve ever seen on stage. However, his recent comments after his Arnold win are what have got most people talking.
Following his win, he took to social media to discuss recent comments made by bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger. During the weekend, Arnold discussed the shorts that have to be worn alongside his general thoughts about the division.
“Let’s see the whole body. That’s what we’re judging. Why would you hide the legs all of a sudden? The interesting thing is they also have really well-developed thighs, a lot of those guys. So, I don’t know why they make them wear those long shorts. For me, that’s bogus.”
In response to the comments, Bilial said that he would not compete at the Arnold Classic in future events. The current Men’s Physique Arnold champion is planning to boycott the competition that has earned him worldwide recognition.
“I wanted to come here on social media and say a few things about the Arnold Classic. It’s been five days since I won this show and if you ask me how I feel, if I’m happy with the win, of course I am. But it gave me mixed feelings this show because everything that’s going on, Arnold saying on show day that Men’s Physique was stupid division and he didn’t know why IFBB created it, it just killed the whole happy vibes for me.”
The caption under his recent Instagram video was far more damming. In it, he stated that he plans to never compete at the Arnold again. Alongside this, he commented on the discrepancy in prize money between the different divisions.
“I’ve decided that this was my last ever Arnold Classic. I’m not going to go to a show where my division, I get treated with disrespect. I don’t think it’s fair how Open division gets $500,000, Classic gets $60k, and Men’s Physique only gets $10k.”
Ali Bilal will continue to be a top Men’s Physique competitor for the next several years. He’ll be one of the firm favorites going into the 2025 Mr. Olympia Men’s Physique showdown. However, his decision to boycott the Arnold Classic will vastly affect his wider aspirations.
What Does Arnold Schwarzenegger Actually Think Of Men’s Physique?
Arnold Schwarzenegger has long been the face of bodybuilding. Despite being a global movie star and former governor of California, he’s widely known for his seven Mr Olympia titles. To many, Arnold is someone who has fought long and hard to push the sport of bodybuilding further into the public spotlight.
Despite all this, his comments throughout the years have largely tended to divide opinion. He’s well known for giving bold statements that make the headlines. His recent Arnold comments are more to add to the long list.
However, do his statements reflect his distaste towards Men’s Physique or a general view of the rules surrounding different divisions? This is the key distinction that needs to be made.
Before I give my thoughts, here’s what else Arnold said in his headline-making interview.
“This is all IFBB stuff, you know, as much as you like, you know, seeing the guys that come out with these Bermuda shorts all the way down to the knees, and I have no idea why the federation makes them hide only one part of their body.”
“What is that about? Why can’t we have them have just regular posing trunks? You know, I was just concerned that one day they come out and say, okay. You guys have to wear pajamas when you go out there or something like that.”
Theres no denying that Arnold has always been a big promoter of bodybuilding. While he may have his favorite divisions, he’s always been for bringing the sport up rather than demonizing a division.
When I look at his comments, it seems like he’s expressing frustration with the federation rather than the division itself. He seems to be giving his subjective opinion on posing trunks and offering advice on how the division can be improved.
To me, his comments don’t warrant the response that Ali Bilal gave. However, as I stated above, Arnold’s comments always seem to divide opinion.
While it’s true that the prize money between divisions could be closer, it has to reflect the revenue brought in. There’s no denying that the Men’s Open and Classic Physique Divisions bring in way more money.
The Olympia offers $50,000 for the Men’s Physique winner, which is vastly more than the Arnold. However, as we’ve seen in the Open Class, Arnold has the power to bring these closer together. In this case, Arnold could do more to match the Olympia.
Going forward, hopefully, Bilal will work with Arnold to bring the Men’s Physique Division further into the spotlight. As two global ambassadors, they may both have some influence over both the dress code and prize money.
Both men have proven that they belong on the world-class stage. Bilal’s comments can hopefully be taken as a genuine passion to grow the division rather than an attack on Arnold. Time will tell whether the discussion between both men goes any further or progress can be made.
What’s Next For Both Men?
Arnold Schwarzenegger remains a fan of the Men’s Physique Division despite his polarizing comments. Hopefully, Ali Bilal can see them as a desire to grow the sport rather than a public attack on the division.
Increasing the men’s physique prize money will go a long way toward showing that the Arnold truly cares about the division. If both men can work together, they can hopefully make meaningful changes as two bodybuilding icons rather than enemies.
As the 2025 IFBB season continues, we’ll keep a close eye on any further developments. Hopefully, we’ll have better news the next time you hear from us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ali Bilal is a professional men’s physique athlete from Afghanistan. He recently won the 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique competition after taking the runner-up spot at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Alil Bilal arguably has some of the best genetics in the Men’s Physique competition. Alongside this, he comes from nothing, being a refugee in Afgahanistan. Many people see him as the future Men’s Physique star.
He seems serious about boycotting the 2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique competition. However, there’s a lot of time left for him and Arnold to discuss his comments and convince him to compete. Time will tell how serious he is.
Arnold’s comments regarding Men’s Physique are quite damming. However, he seems to have an issue with the federation rather than the division itself. As a previous competitor and global ambassador, he is unlikely to hate a specific division.
About the Author
Chris Marshall, MSc, PT Personal Trainer
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