As recently as the beginning of this year, Rafael Brandao spoke about his desire to bring the most massive version of his physique to the bodybuilding stage. During his preparation, he managed to break the 300-pound mark—approximately 136 kilograms—for the first time, and his ambitions in the Men’s Open category remained high. But just a few months later, everything has changed.
The 33-year-old Brazilian bodybuilder announced that, after ten years, he is leaving the Men’s Open division and moving to Classic Physique. He announced the decision on October 27, 2026, via social media and subsequently explained it in more detail in a video. Brandao confirmed that his goal is to return to the competition stage in 2027. However, he has not yet chosen a specific competition. This comes as a surprise to fans. The Brazilian has been among the competitors who, in recent seasons, have managed to hold their own even against the world’s most massive professional bodybuilders.
Why did Brandao decide to leave the Men’s Open?
Unlike the Men’s Open category, which has no upper weight limit, Classic Physique places greater emphasis on overall proportions while also limiting the maximum competition weight based on the competitor’s height. And this is precisely where Brandao sees an opportunity. In a more detailed statement for his Brazilian audience, he explained that throughout his career, he had long worked against his natural build in order to gain enough muscle mass to compete with the biggest competitors.
At the same time, however, he noted that symmetry, aesthetics, harmony, and proportions have always been among his most notable strengths. It is precisely these qualities that he now intends to leverage in the new category. Brandao indicated that he has already built sufficient muscle mass and, rather than continuing to increase his bulk, he wants to focus on refining his physique to meet the requirements of Classic Physique.
His goal, therefore, is not to start from scratch. He wants to make different use of the muscle mass he has been building for a decade.
From the Men’s Open at the Olympia to a Completely Different Division
Brandao earned his pro card in 2016 and competed in his first professional contest a year later. He gradually worked his way up to become one of the most prominent Brazilian competitors in the Men’s Open category. The 2024 season was an exceptionally successful period for him. He placed third at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. He subsequently won the Arnold Classic South America and the Romania Muscle Fest Pro. His peak came at Mr. Olympia 2024, where he finished eighth. For Brandao, this was his best finish at the world’s most prestigious bodybuilding competition.
However, the 2025 season brought health complications and a break from competition. In 2026, the Brazilian made his return. He placed sixth at the Arnold Classic, third at the New York Pro, and sixth again at the Pittsburgh Pro. In May, he subsequently announced another hiatus from competition. Originally, he had spoken of returning with an even more massive physique.
Now, however, it is clear that his athletic journey will take a different direction.
The biggest obstacle? A strict weight limit
The transition to Classic Physique won’t just involve a change in competition swimwear and posing. Brandao will also have to meet a significantly lower weight limit. According to IFBB Pro League rules, competitors with a measured height of up to 180.3 centimeters may weigh a maximum of 99.3 kilograms. If a competitor falls into the next height category—that is, between 180.3 and 182.9 centimeters—the limit is 103 kilograms.
Brandao is approximately 180 centimeters tall. His exact allowed weight will therefore depend on his official measurement before the competition. For comparison: In the past, he has reported a competition weight of approximately 119 kilograms. Compared to that, he would therefore have to compete roughly 16 to 20 kilograms lighter, depending on the height category assigned to him.
That is a significant difference.
However, this does not mean he has to lose exactly that much from his current weight. He has not yet publicly confirmed his current weight. At the same time, it’s not just about the number on the scale. It will be important to maintain the muscle fullness, proportions, and competition readiness that will allow him to compete against the specialists in Classic Physique.
Will he face off against Ramon Dino and other stars?
Brandao’s move also signals interesting changes on the Brazilian bodybuilding scene. His compatriot Ramon Dino, one of the most prominent figures in the current division, competes in Classic Physique. And the very possibility that these two Brazilians might meet on the same stage in the future naturally captures the attention of fans.
However, the competition will be exceptionally strong. At Mr. Olympia 2026, Niall Darwen won the title, Mike Sommerfeld finished second, and Ramon Dino came in third. Classic Physique is therefore by no means an easier alternative to the Men’s Open. It is a separate category with its own requirements and a very evenly matched world-class field.
Furthermore, it is not yet certain when and where Brandao will compete for the first time. In one of his statements, he said that after about ninety days of working on his physique, he will assess how much more time he will need. His plan is to compete in his first contest in 2027; this is not yet a confirmed entry into a specific event.
Could Classic Physique be his second chance in life?
Rafael Brandao spent ten years building a physique that could hold its own among the best competitors in the Men’s Open division. He’s won professional titles, made his mark at the Arnold Classic, and ranked among the world’s top ten bodybuilders at the Olympia. But now he faces a decision that could fundamentally change the trajectory of his future career.
Instead of continuing the battle for the greatest possible muscle mass, he wants to build on the qualities that have long been considered his strengths. Whether he can adapt his physique to the strict weight limits while still competing against the best Classic Physique competitors remains to be seen.
One thing is certain, though. After ten years, Rafael Brandao has decided to close one major chapter and open a new one. And his debut in Classic Physique could be among the most-watched bodybuilding events of 2027.
Rafael Brandao has decided to change his approach to bodybuilding, but one thing remains the same—even when building an aesthetic physique, a well-designed training program and proper nutrition play a crucial role. If you, too, spend long and demanding hours at the gym, pay attention to what you consume during your workouts. An interesting option is GymSupps Super Intra, which combines carbohydrates in the form of Cluster Dextrin®, essential amino acids, and other ingredients designed for use during exercise. When sweating heavily, it’s also important to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes. Super Electrolytes can help replenish these. Whether your goal is greater muscle mass or better body composition, the foundation remains a workout routine tailored to your abilities and a long-term, sustainable diet.
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