2008 Mr. Olympia winner and five-time Arnold Classic champion Dexter Jackson left the bodybuilding stage for the final time in 2020 after placing ninth in that year’s Olympia. He no longer prepares for contests, but “The Blade” is still as dedicated to training as ever.
For evidence, look no further than an Instagram video Jackson shared of a recent arm workout. He did not share his current weight and may not carry as much muscle as he did when he was going pose for pose against bodybuilding’s best, but he still holds more than most 55-year-olds.
The post highlights include the 29-time pro winner doing machine preacher curls, barbell curls, spider curls, two variations of triceps pushdowns, and diamond pushups. Among those supporters cheering him on in the comments were hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes and seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath.
While fans and fellow bodybuilders praised Jackson’s shape, he shut down any potential speculation about a comeback before it started in another post.
Still hard at work even while retired.
—Dexter Jackson
Dexter Jackson’s Career
Many consider Jackson to be one of the greatest modern bodybuilders in history. His pro career lasted from 1999 until 2020. He faced many other bodybuilding icons during that time, such as Ronnie Coleman, Heath, and Jay Cutler. Jackson pulled off one of the early “upsets of the century” in 2008 when he defeated Cutler to win the Sandow Trophy at the 2008 Mr. Olympia.
Jackson lost his title to Cutler the following year but won the Masters Olympia in 2012. As of April 2025, he is the only athlete to win the Mr. Olympia, Masters Olympia, and Arnold Classic titles in his career.
Jackson may not return to the stage but remains active in the bodybuilding industry. The 2025 Dexter Jackson Classic, an NPC amateur bodybuilding show, is slated for July 29, 2025, in Jacksonville, FL. It will feature men’s and women’s divisions, including the new Fit Model category. He has also worked hard with his Dexter Jackson Signature Series supplement line.
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Featured Image: @mrolympia08 on Instagram
