The bodybuilding world is abuzz with a topic that has the community split in two. In one corner stands the seven-time Mr. Olympia champion, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who ruled the bodybuilding scene in the 70s and 80s with his chiseled physique and charismatic persona. In the other corner stands the four-time classic physique champion, Chris Bumstead, who has proven to be a formidable force in recent times. Bumstead’s body measurements on stage are almost similar to that of Schwarzenegger at his peak.

The debate over who is the better bodybuilder has taken center stage, and one-time Mr. Olympia winner, Samir Bannout recently weighed in on the topic, stirring the pot even further. In episode 39 of The Muscle Maturity Podcast on YouTube, Nick Trigili delves into Bannout’s thoughts on this divisive issue.

The bodybuilding veteran’s take

When CBum said he could defeat Arnie in an Olympia contest, Samir Bannout, 67, strongly objected, as Trigili relates in the discussion. Bannout did bring up the Generation Iron post that covered this heated comparison and included his own thoughts on the matter. The veteran in the sport of bodybuilding claims that Arnold Schwarzenegger was so far ahead of the competition during his prime that he would be much more formidable now than CBum.

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In the podcast, Samir Bannout explains his opinion further, saying, “It’s a whole package. Look Arnold had a great arm. Okay. Chris Bumstead has a great back, but it doesn’t matter. It’s about the whole body, and Arnold have a more of a 3D look. I mean, when Arnold hit this pose, you look volume, and round and fullness; you could see a double bicep; you could see everything is like freaky but I don’t know he had that look. Arnold looked amazing, and so there’s no way in hell Chris Bumstead would come close to that.”

After sharing his thoughts on the matter, the seasoned pro added that CBum has earned his success thus far via amazing hard work, but that Arnie at his peak would have annihilated Bumstead. He emphasized how Schwarzenegger’s well-rounded physique is a major differentiator between him and other bodybuilders.

Chris Bumstead honored at the comparison

CBum, the winner of four classic physique contests, addressed this similarity on the Full Send Podcast. When questioned by host Kyle Forgeard about how he felt about being compared to the GOAT of bodybuilding, CBum initially expressed his gratitude for the community’s high regard. CBum also admitted that he will never be as great a bodybuilder as Arnie was.

In the podcast, CBum appreciates the way Arnie has contributed to the sport, saying, “He made bodybuilding like mainstream for a while. Purely because of who he was you know he made bodybuilding in the 90s, which is absolutely insane, you know. That’s like, what a that’s greatness, you know.” At the end of the discussion, the bodybuilding veteran said firmly that, in spite of his extensive expertise, he does not foresee CBum beating Arnie in his prime.

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