First and foremost, let’s not fall victim to the idea that the bodybuilding media is one big conglomerate of like-minded outlets because that couldn’t be farther from the truth. If the internet and social media have given us anything, it’s true diversity in the field of journalism. For as much as I miss the magazines, they basically controlled the direction of the sport. If you weren’t in FLEX, Muscle Mag, MD, or Iron Man, you were basically not on the radar. You had ESPN and FOX cover select contests and you may even have had some mainstream print coverage, but for the most part the magazines ruled the day. Nowadays, the net covers a wide spectrum of news and commentary sites. You can read from outlets all over the world. I wouldn’t brush the press with the same brush, but when it comes to Martin, all bets are off.
While everyone agrees that The Martian has all the makings of a future Mr. Olympia, there’s no shortage of talking heads looking to take a shot at him. Whether they make videos, pen op ed articles, or make the rounds appearing on show after show that will have them. They have undeniable hostility towards this competitor. And it seems the better he does, the angrier they get.
I know many readers want me to name names, but you know the people I’m talking about. I think some of you just want to see drama. And I’ll be the first to concede that drama does qualify as entertainment. In fact, for some, it’s the most entertaining sideshow in the sport. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been there and done that, but I refuse to give press to the very people who I’m criticizing. To name them and point out their shortcomings gives them more clout. So, let’s just agree that there’s an undeniable animus against Martin and those voices tend to control the conversation.
Just recently Fitzwater guest posed at the Branch Warren Classic, drawing criticism from the aforementioned cast of characters. They accused him of being “behind schedule” despite the contest being nearly 100 days out from the Olympia. They also used the lowest grade video they could find. And from that video that pulled a still frame of Martin speaking to the audience. You can accuse me of fanboying Martin all you want, but the reality of the matter is that they looked for the least flattering photo they could find and then took that to press. They could have taken a still from the posing routine, albeit on a low-res video, to at least showing The Martian flexed or in a pose. But that would have been too fair. There’s nothing fair, much less objective about those gunning for Maritn. And they don’t care. They want to see him fail. That’s their modus operandi and they wear it proudly.
A lot of people are still upset with Martin over the run-in over in Prague some years ago. More people are still hung up on this year’s Arnold Classic. Should Martin have celebrated Nick losing to Andrew? Maybe not, but these guys were in a heated rivalry. Why was everyone so upset? Maybe they didn’t want a throwback to the 2014 O? I could see that, but these guys weren’t getting physical. Plus, Nick had been an asshat to Martin over the years. Even after Nick barely “beat” Fitzwater at the highly controversial 2024 New York Pro, Walker never recognized Martin as a competitor on his level. That could be seen as poor sportsmanship but Nick can do no wrong in the eyes of countless media outlets. They like him because they can get hits off him. They get hits off Fitzwater too, but they like rallying behind Nick because of the freak factor. Martin has a far more aesthetically pleasing physique. He has no weak points and he’s an excellent poser, but the outlets rather deny him press over guys like Nick. To each, their own, right? But what they seem to hate most is seeing Martin rise like the phoenix.
After Columbus this year, most of the media came together and created a shitstorm that resulted in Martin losing all his sponsors and even potentially facing some kind of suspension from the Federation. He didn’t break any rules, but they tried their hardest to sideline him and run him out of the sport.
Sadly, many of Fitzwater’s sponsors were weak as water. Many of them folded like a cheap suit before the media pressure. One key point that needs to be said about these spineless companies is that they didn’t even hold for a week or even a few days. They all dropped Martin in a matter of hours. I’d say within 24hrs Martin lost or knew he was going to lose that vast majority of his backers. While his enemies celebrated, most people thought this was it for Martin, at least for 2026. They had all but written him off for the upcoming Arnold Classic UK. They figured he’d find a way to back out of it. These guys were banking on the fact that without sponsors and with the news of Martin’s self-imposed break from social media, that he was done for. Not only were they wrong, but Martin hit the stage at the Arnold UK, got Top 4, and won the support of a truckload of more fans. He’s not perfect – no one is. He’s only human. That said, his word is his bond.
Martin Fitzwater is old school. When he commits to a contest, he competes. And it goes without saying, but he doesn’t just compete, he brings his best.
As soon as word got out that Martin was doing guest posing appearances, I’m sure that many outlets marked their calendars, hoping for any footage and/or photos they could use to jam him up. I must give huge kudos to Nick’s Strength & Power. Nick Miller was able to procure a high-res video and showed us where Martin really is physique-wise. Miller also pointed out that the frame making the rounds was of Martin speaking to the crowd – as if the mic in hand weren’t enough. He wasn’t posing or holding in his midsection, he was addressing an audience, answering questions, and dare I say – maybe even laughing out loud. This what bodybuilding has become – no different than the mainstream media with their hit pieces.
Martin is on track. He’s guest posed since and he’s guest posing this weekend, too!! There’s no need for him to compete anymore before the O. He’s already qualified and has done two Arnold Classics. He’s saving his best for the Olympia. That’s what you call doing the business of bodybuilding. Plain and simple – no nonsense.
The haters aren’t going to go away. No matter what Martin says or does, they’ll be gunning for him. Martin knows this, but the best payback is getting better and better, and that’s exactly what he’s all about.
Do you think a time will come when the tide turns? When Martin’s haters turn into fans? All I can say is, don’t believe everything you see or hear – especially in the fitness industry. Demand more, THEN decide.
As always, I hope you enjoyed reading my article here at IronMag. I look forward to reading your feedback in the comments. Please be sure to copy and paste a link to this article for all your social media feeds. It’s bound to generate lively conversation.
Author Bio:
Christian I. Duque is the owner of StrengthAddicts.com, a physique and strength website founded in 2008. He has worked for a number of bodybuilding websites, including RX Muscle and Muscular Development. Christian has written nearly 1,000 published articles for IronMag Blog, as well as articles for StrengthAddicts, RX Muscle, and others. By day, he is also a licensed attorney practicing in the areas of family law, immigration, and criminal defense.
