"You need to put those legs to work." That is the line that pushed Rafael Brandão into bodybuilding.

On Cutlercast with Jay Cutler, Rafael Brandão recalled how his first coach said that line that pushed him into his passion. And one of his biggest inspirations was none other than Ronnie Coleman and Cutler himself.

"I didn't know anything about bodybuilding. And then I start watching all the videos from you, Eduardo, Ron, and then I say, 'Okay, this is amazing because men's physique is good, too, but it's not that hard to get there, you know',” said Rafael. But oh boy, was he wrong. Soon after, he realized why so few make it to the top.

When he learned about the world of bodybuilding by watching Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler, he realized how wrong he was, “But when I saw bodybuilders like you and Ronnie Colum say, 'Oh, this could be like really, really hard.'”

After following their journey from top to bottom, Rafael discovered his passion. “And then I found my passion.”

Bodybuilding was demanding, but Rafael established himself in the sport. In 2024, he maintained a busy competitive schedule and exceeded expectations at the Arnold Classic, securing bronze behind Samson Dauda and winner Hadi Choopan.

He took a year off to focus on his physique, but what’s next? Well, he already has a plan in motion.

Rafael Brandao Discusses His 2026 Plan

"I had a good off-season. It's the first time I hit 300 pounds. It was hard for me because I'm the guy who loses weight really fast,” said the Brazilian in his conversation with Jay Cutler.

Unlike his competitors, like Hadi Choopan, Samson Dauda, and others, he has nothing to lose. "I think we're going to bring something different," he shared. Hadi, Angel, all these guys. It'll be amazing. I'm going there, and I have nothing to lose."

With a plan in motion, he is looking to oust them at the upcoming Arnold Classic, set to take place in March. But will he be able to? Time will tell.

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu