Chris Bumstead has dominated the Mr. Olympia Classic Physique stage for four years. After placing second twice in a row, Bumstead won the title in 2019 and defended it for the third time at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. The four-time champion has also improved his physique every consecutive year. Many fans believe the Classic Physique champion should move up to the Men’s Open class because no one in his division can dethrone him. The bodybuilding champion has finally hinted at an appearance, but there’s a catch.

During the months leading up to Mr. Olympia 2022, Bumstead looked gigantic in the physique updates he posted on Instagram. Fans began saying that the Canadian bodybuilder could give Men’s Open bodybuilders a run for their money. Now one month after winning his fourth title, Bumstead has revealed some more details about moving up a weight class.

When and how will Chris Bumstead make the switch?

A few months ago, the four-time Mr. Olympia Classic Physique champion said he would be open to moving up a weight class. “I will never push my body to chase Mr. Olympia in the Open. I might step on stage for fun at the Open. It won’t be at the Olympia, it will be after the Olympia,” said Bumstead while appearing on the Mr. Olympia TV YouTube channel.

During his conversation with Chris Cormier, Robert Cicherillo, and Terrick El Guindy, Bumstead said he molded his physique to the classic look. “I’ve always been so clean, little, subtle, just to make sure I’m tight,” said Bumstead. The champion bodybuilder also added if he competes in the Men’s Open class, it would be at the Arnold Classic.

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The reigning champion is cautious because putting on so much muscle and gaining over 50 lbs of weight could lead to health issues. In September 2022, the bodybuilding star had said competing in Men’s Open division “takes too much risk.”

Bumstead is focused on Classic Physique

Another rumor that surfaced shortly before the 2022 Mr. Olympia was that Chris Bumstead would retire after last year’s competition. The Canadian bodybuilding star had also hinted at an early retirement to preserve his health. However, the four-time champion laid those rumors to rest on the Olympia stage in 2022.

The bodybuilding icon doesn’t plan to retire or move to a higher weight class. For the foreseeable future, Bumstead aims to improve his physique further and defend his Classic Physique title.

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Would you like to see the reigning champion compete in the Men’s Open division at the Arnold Classic? Let us know in the comments.