Bodybuilding has always involved more than just lifting large weights; it is a disciplined sport that emphasizes mass, aesthetics, and stage presence. What it means to be the best has been redefined by champions from different eras throughout its history. Big Ramy (Mamdouh Elssbiay) and Ronnie Coleman are two of the most well-known figures in the sport.
Ronnie Coleman, an eight-time Mr. Olympia (1998–2005), is widely regarded as the greatest bodybuilder of all time. His size, strength, and conditioning in his prime are still regarded by many fans as unparalleled. On the other side is modern-day powerhouse Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, who was Mr. Olympia twice (2020 and 2021). Big Ramy, who is well-known for his amazing muscle mass and structure, has spearheaded the new era of bodybuilding.
This blog compares the bodies, achievements, training, and legacies of Ronnie Coleman and Big Ramy in order to assess how these titans stack up.
First Actions
Ronnie Coleman
Born in 1964 in Monroe, Louisiana, Ronnie Coleman’s journey to bodybuilding fame was anything but typical. Almost by accident, Ronnie, a graduate of accounting school who later became a police officer in Arlington, Texas, started bodybuilding. His gym’s owner, Brian Dobson, offered him a free membership in exchange for training for a bodybuilding competition. The rest is history. Ronnie agreed.
Because of his genes and unmatched work ethic, he advanced quickly through the amateur ranks. He had won his first professional match by 1995. He shocked everyone by defeating Flex Wheeler and winning his first Mr. Olympia title in 1998, starting an eight-year reign of dominance.
Big Ramy
Mamdouh Elssbiay, better known as Big Ramy, was born in Egypt in 1984. Unlike Coleman, Ramy did not grow up in the American bodybuilding hotspot. He worked as a fisherman before moving to Kuwait, where he trained at the famous Oxygen Gym.
Thanks to his great genes and the guidance of professional trainers, he quickly put on muscle. When Big Ramy made his professional debut in 2013, he won the New York Pro, shocking the bodybuilding community. After that, he became a regular voice in discussions about possible Mr. Olympia champions.
Comparing Physical Characteristics
Ronnie Coleman’s Physical Character
Ronnie Coleman’s body from 1998 to 2003 is regarded by many as the most complete in bodybuilding history. In terms of size, symmetry, muscle density, and conditioning, he was unparalleled.
- 5’11”
- Contest weight range: 295–300 lbs (stage peak: 297 lbs)
- Strength Factor: renowned for accomplishing weightlifting records, such as 800-pound deadlifts and squat repetitions.
- The ultra-wide back, granite-hard conditioning, unmatched vascularity, and crazy leg development are highlights.
Coleman’s package prioritized muscle quality over bulk. His striations, graininess, and razor-sharp conditioning made him look “otherworldly” in comparison to his competitors.
Big Ramy’s physique
Big Ramy is as big as his name implies. His weight of more than 300 pounds on stage has completely changed the definition of “big” in bodybuilding.
- 5’10”
- Contest weight: 305–310 lbs.
- Strength Factor: Vigorous training that puts more emphasis on hypertrophy than lifting weights.
- Highlights: Massive quadriceps, broad shoulders, and unrivaled total mass.
Ramy’s biggest challenge early in his career was conditioning. He often lacked the striations, detail, and grainy look that artists like Coleman brought to the stage, despite his incomparable size. However, he won his first Olympia in 2020, shocking everyone with his massive and torn appearance.
Ronnie Coleman’s The Legacy of Mr. Olympia
Olympia Reign
With eight consecutive wins (1998–2005), Ronnie Coleman tied Lee Haney for the most Mr. Olympia titles. Coleman’s reign was distinguished not only by his victories but also by his dominance.
Greats like Dexter Jackson, Jay Cutler, Kevin Levrone, Shawn Ray, and Flex Wheeler were all beneath him in his prime. His best-ever performance is often cited as his 2003 Mr. Olympia victory, where he weighed close to 297 pounds on stage with shredded conditioning.
Big Ramy’s Odyssey to Olympia
Big Ramy’s time in Olympia was an adventure. Although he had the size to win for years, fans believed he lacked the conditioning. After a series of near-misses, including placing second in 2017, he finally clicked in 2020.
He came into the 2020 Mr. Olympia with incredible size and the best conditioning of his career, which surprised many. He repeated the victory in 2021, securing his status as one of the greatest of the modern era. However, he fell to fifth place in 2022, raising questions about how long he would last compared to Coleman’s dominance.
Training and Strength
Ronnie Coleman’s Training Techniques
Ronnie Coleman is known for his intense training. His motto was “Yeah Buddy!” “Light weight, baby!” is a common saying in gyms worldwide. He trained with extreme intensity, using weights that were close to world records for repetitions:
- 800 pounds for two squat repetitions
- 800 pounds for two deadlift repetitions
- 500 pounds per repetition for the bench press
Ronnie promoted powerlifting and bodybuilder-style training. This thickness, density, and built size are unmatched by any rival.
Big Ramy’s Training Techniques
Big Ramy trains in a more modern manner, focusing on hypertrophy, volume, and accuracy. His coaches at Oxygen Gym created demanding, structured workouts with heavier weights but a relatively safer volume than Coleman.
Even though Ramy doesn’t lift as much as Coleman, his sessions incorporate giant sets, high reps, and constant tension—techniques that optimize muscle growth while reducing the risk of injury.
Charm and Presence on Stage
Ronnie Coleman was known for his electric energy, wide smile, and confidence on stage. His positive attitude was well-liked by fans, and his presence was commensurate with his physique.
Big Ramy is more subdued and quiet. Coleman commands attention due to his enormous size, but his charisma is subtle compared to his exuberant personality.
Strengths and Weaknesses
| Factor | Ronnie Coleman (Prime) | Big Ramy (Prime) |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Mass | ~297 lbs, dense and detailed | ~310 lbs, bigger overall |
| Conditioning | Unmatched—grainy, striated, ultra-shredded | Improved in 2020/2021, inconsistent |
| Symmetry | Wide shoulders, tiny waist, balanced physique | Massive quads sometimes overpower |
| Longevity | 8 consecutive Olympia wins | 2 Olympia wins, career ups & downs |
| Training Style | Heavy lifting, extreme power-bodybuilding | High-volume, hypertrophy-focused |
| Charisma | Outgoing, energetic, fan favorite | Humble, quiet, respected |
Effects and Heritage
Ronnie Coleman’s Legacy
Ronnie Coleman is often called the “Greatest of All Time” in bodybuilding. His mass and conditioning set a standard that no one has ever met. Judges and fans continue to compare Coleman’s 2003 physique to that of modern bodybuilders.
But as he grew older, his frequent heavy lifting led to numerous surgeries and issues with his mobility. This has no bearing on his legacy as an eight-time champion and role model.
Big Ramy’s Legacy
Big Ramy is credited with bringing bodybuilding into the modern era. As the first Mr. Olympia from Egypt and the Middle East, he has inspired millions of people in the region to take up bodybuilding. His transformation from fisherman to Mr. Olympia is a story of perseverance and determination.
Ramy’s size and dominance in peak form make him one of the greatest of his generation, even though his reign is shorter than Coleman’s.
Who Wins, Ronnie Coleman or Big Ramy?
When comparing Big Ramy and Ronnie Coleman, the majority of bodybuilding experts and enthusiasts agree that Ronnie Coleman is better.
- In addition to his size, Coleman had unmatched detail, density, and conditioning.
- His vascularity, granite-hard appearance, and back development are still unrivaled.
- Although Big Ramy has more stage weight than Ronnie, he frequently lacks consistency and muscle detail.
Ronnie Coleman’s 2003 Olympia physique is still regarded as the best package ever brought to a bodybuilding stage, so in a hypothetical matchup, Coleman would probably defeat Big Ramy.
In conclusion
In actuality, Ronnie Coleman vs. Big Ramy is a comparison of two distinct bodybuilding eras. Ramy represents the contemporary emphasis on mass and structure, while Coleman ruled during a period when size and conditioning peaked.
Because of his incredible size and unparalleled conditioning, Ronnie Coleman will always be regarded as the most dominant Mr. Olympia in history.
Big Ramy made history by introducing Middle Eastern bodybuilding to the world and demonstrating on stage what 300 pounds of muscle could look like.
Although bodybuilding enthusiasts will always argue over who is superior, one thing is for sure: both men have left their mark on the sport’s history, encouraging upcoming generations to aim higher, work harder, and strive for greatness.
