Dennis James Gives Big Ramy Training Update On ‘TMP’

Dennis “The Menace” James hosted another roundtable edition of The Menace podcast with Milos Sarcev, Chris Cormier and special guest Troy Alves. However, one of the biggest talking points was James himself, who was recording from Dubai. That’s because he was coaching reigning two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay as he prepares to compete in the treble in December in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I’m pushing him hard, and he’s ready to get pushed,” James said of the 16th Mr. Olympia. James has also been following Big Ramy through posing sessions since arriving in Dubai, and even he has been impressed with what the champion has presented – even with more than three months to go before the contest.

“The videos and photos don’t do it justice. While it looks impressive in pictures and video, in real life it’s a level up. Sarcev also praised Elssbiay’s appearance.

“He looks like he’s been out for six weeks,” said the retired trainer and competitor. “

One of the reasons James feels the champion is ahead of his schedule is that he went to work right after winning the Olympia in Orlando, Florida last year.

“He started training basically the day after the Olympia,” explained James. “He kept training. He had days here and there where he had problems, but overall he trained all the time.

Elssbiay will seek to become the ninth man to win at least three Mr. Olympia titles. To do so, he must retain 2019 champion Brandon Curry as well as top contenders such as Hadi Choopan, Hunter Labrada and Nick Walker.

Other discussion topics include Alves’ updates on his life, a look back at his bodybuilding career, karate and more. Watch all episodes of TMP on the Muscle & Fitness YouTube channel. New episodes drop every Sunday at 3 p.m. EST. You can also follow @themenacepodcast and @bigdjames.