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Jay Cutler is a bodybuilding icon who dethroned “The King” Ronnie Coleman. An underdog for most of his career, Cutler made history in 2006 after winning against the eight-time Mr. Olympia. In 2007, Jay won his second Mr. Olympia title. However, the fan-favorite bodybuilder’s victory was controversial, as many thought runner-up Victor Martinez should’ve won the title.

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In 2014, Martinez narrated his side of the story. While recounting the events of the 2007 Mr. Olympia, Martinez disclosed a shocking truth about the judges. Victor explained how it felt standing on stage, waiting for the judges to announce the results. 

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When Victor Martinez stood in silence 

In 2007, Mr. Olympia Victor Martinez emerged as a favorite to win the title. Fans cheered Martinez, and many said the “Dominican Dominator” would dethrone Jay Cutler. However, Martinez recalled the moments leading up to the final announcement. “I kind of looked over and looked at the judges. I kind of see them not even looking up,” said Martinez.

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“It was like they didn’t want to accept what their eyes were telling them, and they just kind of scribbled on,” said Victor. Martinez said when he and Jay were the last ones standing on stage, he felt excited. However, after looking at the judges, he no longer felt confident. “What if I don’t (win)?” thought Victor. 

“That’s when they (judges) stuck it to me,” said Victor. After the judges announced the results, Victor walked away. Victor said instead of congratulating him, fans only talked about how he got “screwed”. In 2007, the Dominican bodybuilder had won the Arnold Classic a few months before the Mr. Olympia contest.

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READ MORE: “I Never Looked Back”: 4x Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler Has an Inspiring Message for Bodybuilders Ahead of the Biggest Championship

Martinez said he brought a better package than Jay Cutler. Victor felt he had better conditioning, proportions, and posing than Jay. He mentioned even bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman had told him he would win the Mr. Olympia title.

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Jay Cutler lost the following year

While Jay Cutler had put on more muscle mass in 2007, fans said he lacked conditioning and proportions. The following year, Cutler arguably looked worse. In 2008, Cutler lost his title to Dexter Jackson. Jackson had secured 3rd place in 2007. However, Victor didn’t participate in the 2008 Mr. Olympia because of a tendon injury.

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Regarding the 2008 loss, Jay said he had become complacent. However, he also said it was a blessing. In 2009, Jay returned and dethroned Dexter Jackson. Martinez finished in 6th place.

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Watch this story – 8X Mr Olympia Ronnie Coleman Disclosed the Amount of Money He spent on Bodybuilding Competitions During His Career

According to the “Dominican Dominator”, the judges robbed him.

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Sagnik Bagchi

3,368 Articles

Sagnik Bagchi is a Senior Writer at EssentiallySports, covering collegiate and Olympic sports through opinion‑driven storytelling. His volleyball reporting often spotlights program shifts and leadership changes, including Harper Murray’s evolving role and John Cook’s candid retirement reflections at Nebraska. With nearly four years in sports media, Sagnik has contributed across key beats, from the Paris 2024 Newsbreak team to behind‑the‑scenes coverage of the NHL Playoffs. An English Literature postgraduate, Sagnik’s versatility spans bodybuilding, US sports, and Olympic disciplines. As a former Senior Bodybuilding Writer, his work earned recognition from IFBB Pro Greg Doucette. His adaptability and consistency have resulted in a place in EssentiallySports’ Journalistic Excellence Program, where selected writers work with industry mentors to refine their reporting and analytical skills.

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