Did Big Ramy retire? (2025)

Even though Cicherillo never advised Ramy to take retirement, he was accused by the internet of forcing him to retire. Clearing the air, Cicherillo posted a YouTube video and explained everything in detail.Egyptian bodybuilding giant Mamdouh Mohammed Hassan Elssbiay, also known as 'Big Ramy,' made a name for himself in modern bodybuilding by securing two consecutive wins at Mr. Olympia. Winning in 2020 and 2021, Big Ramy was one of the fan favorites and dominated the stage.

However, in 2022, the bodybuilding world was shaken as Iranian bodybuilder Hadi Choopan dethroned Ramy. Falling straight from the first position to the fifth position, Ramy decided to take a year off from competing and pulled out of the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Even though Big Ramy hasn’t announced his retirement yet, there is no official confirmation from the Egyptian about his future in bodybuilding.

During a podcast with Bob Cicherillo, who is considered the 'Voice of Bodybuilding,' Ramy opened up about his deteriorating health and stated (via the YouTube channel 'Voice of Bodybuilding:'

“I think the better choice is right now, we need to get a break. The Olympia is here, and we’re working to get better and better for the next show.” (01:15)

"I have had an inflammation in my elbow for a long, long time and the doctor has told me to get some rest and be back better, and I think that's a good choice."

Controversy between Bob Cicherillo and Big Ramy

After coming fifth at Mr. Olympia 2022, Big Ramy’s decision to compete at Arnold Classic 2023 stirred up a lot of controversies. Fans as well as veteran bodybuilders suggested Ramy retire from the sport. Amidst this, Bob Cicherillo found himself involved without even participating in the debate.

Big Ramy posted an Instagram story in 2023, talking about how fans are asking him to retire. Feeling miserable, Ramy poured his heart about how annoying and disrespectful fans had been. However, former bodybuilders Dave Palumbo and Nick Trigili blamed Bob Cicherillo, accusing him of asking Ramy to retire.

Clearing the air, Cicherillo posted a YouTube video titled ‘Hey Dave Palumbo – KEEP MY NAME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH! I NEVER said for Big Ramy to RETIRE!’ on his channel 'Voice of Bodybuilding.'

“I find this interesting because he never actually called me by my name. He could be responding to anybody that has put this erroneous stuff out there since I never told him to retire,” Bob said. (06:17)

Bob Cicherillo explained he just suggested Ramy take a year off and work on himself as taking an off-season can help the body recover and grow.

Despite how things have turned out, there is no denying that Big Ramy’s physique from his peak bodybuilding years was truly marvelous. As Ramy hasn't officially retired from the sport, it’ll be truly amazing to see the Egyptian on the Mr. Olympia stage once again.

Edited by Samya Majumdar