6-Time Mr. Olympia Clapped Back at Arnold Schwarzenegger for Slamming Modern Bodybuilding Once: “Doesn’t Know Anything About the Sport”

Arnold Schwarzenegger dominated the field of bodybuilding throughout his prime. He won the Mr. Olympia title seven times, bringing the sport into the mainstream. Although many bodybuilders find inspiration in Schwarzenegger, some have different opinions.

One of the bodybuilders who holds a different opinion about Arnold Schwarzenegger is Dorian Yates. Dorian Yates won the Mr. Olympia competition six times and is one of the pioneers of modern bodybuilding. In an interview in 2013, Yates opened up about how he felt criticized by Arnold.

When Arnold Schwarzenegger attacked modern-era bodybuilders

Dorian Yates claimed that Arnold attacked him and the modern bodybuilders through his magazine interviews in the 1990s. Yates said that he had never met Schwarzenegger, and it surprised him when Arnold criticized him.

Dorian Yates said, “I don’t know how he can criticize me or the sport because he doesn’t know me. I never met him“. Yates also claimed that “He [Arnold] doesn’t know anything about the sport“.

READ MORE: Like Arnold Schwarzenegger, 6x Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates Also Once Admitted to Having Played Mind Tricks on His Opponents

The 60-year-old ex-bodybuilder believed that Arnold never attended any Mr. Olympia events during his time. According to Dorian, Arnold’s absence at the events made it inappropriate for him to comment on the sport or other modern bodybuilders.

The rivalry between Arnold and Yates’ mentor

Yates revealed what started the rivalry between his mentor, Mike Mentzer, and Arnold. In 1980, Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia contest against Mike Mentzer. According to Yates, the contest was unfair as Arnold signed up at the last minute, against the rules.

Yates also stated, “Arnold’s friend was a promoter, and one of Arnold’s friends were on the judging panel, and Arnold won the contest.” This was when the rivalry between the two started. Dorian Yates was associated with Mike, and Mike informed him about what Schwarzenegger might do next.

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Yates recalled Mike saying, “Arnold Schwarzenegger is very aware of you, and he’s going to be really bothered because you’re better than him.” Yates was initially unable to digest that Arnold would even be affected by his presence but was later proven wrong.

What do you think about the rivalry between the classic and the modern bodybuilders? Tell us in the comments!