Gambling with your health? Jay Cutler warns Clarida against starting in two divisions

In a recent video, the legendary Jay Cutler weighed in on the ambitious "Killer of Giants" plan. Is it realistic to tackle two divisions in one weekend? Shaun Clarida is currently in a unique but difficult situation. The two-time champion of the 212-pound division (2020 and 2022) recently won the Japan Pro 2025 Open, securing direct qualification for Mr. Olympia 2026 among the "heavyweights." Because he has a lifetime right to compete at 212 as a former champion, Clarida has announced that he would like to compete in both categories.

What does four-time Mr. Olympia titleholder Jay Cutler have to say about that?

Jay Cutler's view: is it too big a risk?

In his podcast, Cutler reminded us that history remembers fighters who tried. For example, he mentioned David Henry, who competed in both the Under 202-pound class and the Open back in the days when there was an under 202-pound class. However, Jay expressed serious concerns about the feasibility of such a stunt in this day and age, primarily for health reasons.

"I don't know if it would be okay for legislative and health reasons," Cutler said. "Man, you're tuning your form for two competitions on two different days. You're exhausted, you're dehydrated ... I don't know how that would work."

Cutler pointed to the extreme stress the body undergoes in the last 48 hours before a competition. Maintaining peak form ("peak") for two different performances in such a short time is physiologically almost impossible, he said, without suffering the results in one category or the other.

Will he have to choose?

Although Clarida has expressed a desire to try both, Cutler believes that the competition's management (IFBB Pro League and Olympia organizers) will likely present him with a choice.

"I think they're only going to let him choose one," predicts Cutler. "He could just opt for the Open and skip 212."

New coach, new challenges

Clarida has a long preparation ahead of him and a new coach, John Jewett, by his side. Whether he can convince Olympia management to grant a double-start exemption, or whether he listens to the voices of seasoned veterans like Cutler and puts it all on one card, we'll find out in September 2026, when Mr. Olympia returns to Las Vegas.

Shaun "The Giant Killer" Clarida proves once again that he's not afraid of a challenge, whether it's beating opponents 50 pounds heavier or rewriting the rules of what's possible in bodybuilding.