Ali Bilal will not be able to surpass Ryan Terry before Terry sets a new Men's Physique Olympia win record. At least this is what former IFBB Pro Fouad Abiad thinks.

"I just don't think Ali can overcome Ryan until Ryan starts to fade. And I don't think Ryan will fade before he gets five (titles)," Abiad said in a video clip posted by @beyondthestagetv_ on Instagram on January 4.

Abiad's comments were a direct response to statements made by Bilal on 'The Men's Physique Show' podcast.

Asking whether he would win the title this year from Ryan, Bilal said, "I don't think Ryan can improve a lot more. For me, I'm going to be 100%, and if Ryan misses, you know? That's it. So, he has to be like 100%. He can keep winning."

Comparing his and Terry's bodybuilding future, he stated, "He can do it maybe one more year, but I don't know how that going to take. It's gonna be three more years or four more years of behind. He is going to be like 40 plus, and I'm going to be 32 or 33. I'm gonna win eventually."

Abiad acknowledged Bilal's points, stating that a world number two can make these claims because he is much closer to beating the world number one.

Ali Bilal isn't Ryan Terry's only rival

Ryan Terry has been dominating the Mr. Olympia Men's Physique division since 2023, when he dethroned the reigning champion, Erin Banks. Terry has maintained an edge in their rivalry.

Banks secured third place that year, with three-time champion Brandon Hendrickson placing second.

He repeated the result in 2024, only this time the second place went to Ali Bilal. Meanwhile, Banks had to settle for third place.

Last year, Ryan Terry took home his third consecutive title, with Bilal again trailing him in second place.

This year, Bilal seems confident in his preparation and is aiming for his first victory. However, Erin Banks hasn't stopped pursuing the title either.

"The mission continues. And this time, I’m coming back sharper, hungrier, and focused on one thing… execution," said Banks.

Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi