Good Vito shared the news and thanked all supporters.
Men’s Open bodybuilder Vitalii Ugolnikov, known as Good Vito, made his Olympia debut last year. He has dealt with different setbacks over the course of his career. Now, he will take a break from competition to focus on his health.
On Tuesday, Good Vito shared a message on Instagram announcing that he will not compete in 2026.
“For 10 years I have competed in championships and in those 10 years I never missed a single season of preparation. I always moved forward and pushed through difficulties, which reflects a strong character and a champion’s mindset.”
Good Vito earned his Pro Card at the 2022 Musclecontest International Brazil Nationals. He was a standout in the IFBB Elite Pro League, spending the better part of his career there. Vito eventually made the switch to the NPC in hopes of earning his Pro Card, much like the path taken by Michal Krizo.
Vito earned a spot in the 2025 Olympia by winning the Arnold Classic South America. He took the stage again the best in the world and finished in the Top 10 in his first show. Ugolnikov has dealt with injuries and other issues, including visas, during his career.
Good Vito To Take Year Off From Competition
Good Vito has made his decision to focus on his health and take some time off. He believes that this is a show of strength despite what some might think.
“The moment I said I would take one year to focus on my health, some people saw me as weak and claimed that I had given up. One step back, one mistake, and you lose your value in the eyes of most people who once shook your hand, looked you in the eye, and showed respect.”
Bodybuilding Career & IFBB Pro Card
Vitaliy began gaining traction in the bodybuilding community through social media, where clips of his unbelievable muscle mass and insane arms quickly went viral. His reputation exploded while competing under the IFBB Elite Pro federation. However, in a strategic career move, Vito transitioned to the NPC/IFBB Pro League — the official path to Mr. Olympia.
In 2022, he earned his IFBB Pro Card, and since then, fans and insiders have been eagerly awaiting his pro debut. His combination of dense mass, small waist, and sharp conditioning sets him apart from other up-and-comers.
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