Retired IFBB Pro League Men’s Open bodybuilder Victor Martinez is resting and recovering from an unidentified medical emergency. News of Martinez’s physical health issues circulated on social media throughout the day on July 16, 2025, including a report from Generation Iron that mentioned “The Dominican Dominator” having to undergo surgery.
Martinez shared a statement on his Instagram page referencing a health issue he is facing, but provided no additional details. The post can be seen below:
“To have physical and mental health is to be blessed, and if we ever lose one or the other, we can only try to regain it,” Martinez wrote.
Martinez is focusing on his family and recovery. Among those who supported him are seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath, 2008 Mr. Olympia winner Dexter Jackson, and active IFBB Men’s Open competitor James Hollingshead.
Victor Martinez
Martinez rose to prominence within the sport in the early 2000s. His peak came in 2007 when he won the Arnold Classic title and finished second to Jay Cutler at that year’s Mr. Olympia competition.
Many fans consider that finish one of the most controversial in the sport’s relatively recent memory, believing Martinez was deprived of the Sandow trophy. Unfortunately for Martinez, injuries and legal issues kept him from reaching that peak of success again.
Martinez ended his career in 2020 after finishing ninth at that year’s Arnold Classic. He scored seven pro wins and graced the Olympia stage 12 times between 2003 and 2017.
Martinez’s health scare comes less than one month after eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman faced his health crisis, which was confirmed to be sepsis. Coleman is also currently focusing on his recovery.
BarBend will continue to share confirmed updates on Martinez’s health and condition as they become available.
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