Jeremy Buendia was a dominant bodybuilding force through a lot of the 2010s. Because of a rare combination of mass and strength, the athlete won 4 consecutive Men’s Physique Olympia titles (2014-2017). But after falling short in fourth place on the 2018 Mr. Olympia and an initial comeback attempt that never quite materialized in 2020, it’s been slightly while since Buendia posed competitively. That reality could change soon. 

On Sept. 6, 2022, in a video on his YouTube channel, Buendia revealed he’s aiming to make one other comeback to bodybuilding stages within the near future. What’s more, he’s bulking up in an try to compete at 220 kilos — roughly 37 kilos above his body weight from his championships heyday. 

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To handle his current situation, Buendia clarifies that he’ll soon begin his formal off-season of coaching. The bodybuilder says his body weight on the time of the video is 192.4 kilos. He notes that this weight is a place to begin for his goals as he embarks on one other comeback attempt. 

“Next week [September 12-18, 2022), I officially start my off-season, my bulk in preparation for my next competition,” Buendia says. “You guys, it’s been a long time since I’ve been on stage, since 2018. I took a lot of time off.  I’m ready mentally, physically. I’m ready to get back after it. I’m eager to get back on stage and show you guys what I’m capable of doing.” 

Note: There is no weight limit for this division, only height. Buendia stands at 5-foot-8 and may qualify under Class B in a typical Men’s Physique competition. 

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“I’m excited because I haven’t pushed my body this manner in an extended time,” Buendia says. ” … My body is healthy. I’m feeling really optimistic that I’m going to get to my biggest and best ever, preparing myself for battle in 2023.”

Other than returning to the flow of competition, a part of the motivation behind Buendia’s latest comeback attempt appears to be related to reflection. As he alludes, the bodybuilder has noticed that the Men’s Physique Division, specifically, has improved dramatically since he was last a fixture. For instance, even with Buendia’s own dynamic chest and arms makeup, recent winners like Brandon Hendrickson (2018, 2020-2021) and Raymont Edmonds (2019) might be seen as improved physical athletic specimens to some. 

“The competition has gotten so significantly better since I used to be last on stage,” Buendia notes. “I’m excited to see these guys battle since it’s going to provide me an idea of where I should be next yr to beat these guys.” 

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Understandably, as he works his way back to bodybuilding, Buendia wants to match himself and see where he stands along with his elite peers. Greater than anything, it seems he just wants one other meaningful shot to exit on his own terms. 

“After my loss in 2018, loads of things hit the fan for me,” Buendia says. “Truthfully, I felt that every one my accomplishments, all 4 titles previously, lost their weight. I didn’t feel like I walked away from the stage the way in which I desired to walk away from the stage.” 

Featured image: @jeremy_buendia on YouTube