Would The *1980 Arnold Schwarzenegger* Defeat The *1979 Frank Zane*?

As many of us realize, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the 1980 Mr.Olympia event, defeating the reigning champion Frank Zane in the process. What fewer people actually know is that Frank Zane injured himself before the 1980 event, so he was not even close to 100%. This weakened version of Frank was easy pickings for The Oak, but my question is, could Arnold have beaten Zane had he not bean injured? Lets pit the 1980 Arnold against a prime 1979 Frank Zane.

[@pkudey]

Becky Lynch ain't got nothing on you Marx. You sir are indeed The Man. Thanks again

[@umarsyed7538]

Zane wins this. No question.

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Speaking of thighs, Frank often beat Arnold at Squats. Zane actually stopped squatting in the late 60s because he thought his thighs were getting too big for the rest of his body. He kept each body part in perfect proportion with everything else.

[@theamericanboah5435]

Arnold has a long legs that’s why he wasn’t good at squats

[@sonyx4500]

Zane's quads were small and weak

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

@@sonyx4500 He was doing full squats with 400x10. He stopped because his thighs were getting too big.

[@shaundouglas2057]

@@sonyx4500 Your eyes must be small and weak!

[@sonyx4500]

@@shaundouglas2057 Yeah you are right. Toothpick legs would be the better term.

[@mikthe2004]

Remember, in 1980 Arnold came in the condition to beat the reigning 3 time champ Zane. So he purposely came in his smallest and most aesthetic shape ever, figuring that's what the judges would reward. In short, he came in "Zane like!" But don't be fooled by the superior lighting from 1979. In the one actual photo from the 1980 Olympia at 2:50, you can see Arnold is dwarfing Zane with height and thickness. In most these photos Zane looks better, but the reality when you actually see them together in the same light is totally different!!

[@shred9475]

Not at all he was retired and got back to heavy training 8 weeks before the olympia to prep for the movie so he came in way skinnier than usual

[@bobbydemarko]

OMG, great vid! Surprise for me, Frank all the way! quads alone!

[@88KUNGFUMAN]

I don't think Arnold in 1980 could have beat a 75 Ferrigno much less a 79 Zane.

[@34ehemingway]

Excellent match! I agree with your choice, given Arnold's lackluster condition in '80, Frank wins.

[@34ehemingway]

@Jason Stewart Actually I'm way more of an Arnold fan than Zane, so don't let the thumbnail fool you. I just appreciate Frank Zane's vacuum pose. Best ever. But I can see how you could reach that opinion. IMO Arnold was a watered down version of his former glory in 1980, and Zane was diamond sharp in '79. Just take a gander at 10:22. Take care, Jason.

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Jason Stewart You really had to see Zane in person. He looked ten times better than in photos.

[@theraspful]

Frank Zane nearly died from a freak accident and lost fifteen pounds of muscle

[@kentborges5114]

ZANE WAS ALWAYS MORE AESTHETIC THAN ARNIE.

[@shred9475]

But built like a chicken compared to arnold

[@musclehal]

Zane the total winner. The only thing Arnold may have beaten is Zane in his the biceps. His may have been a little bigger

[@AngelOliva302]

I agree with the results of the Video - Frank Zane wins, He was perfection! - Arnold had too many flaws. Thin legs/ large waist/Hanging shoulders and not the best triceps, Never hit a real triceps pose and very rare a back lat spread.

[@chrisg9615]

The Problem is no matter how good condition Zane was in, when he stands next to even 1980 Arnold he looks small. Even in your photo's which are badly ratio'd. Making Zane look like he has equal 20/21 inch arms as Arnold when he had 18's. Also you compared Arnold showing his back lat spread to the crowd against Frank's front lat spread. There is a big difference when they face away from the crowd, they don't pose the same.

[@TheSpritz0]

Paul Graham, the promoter of the 1980 Mr. Olympia and Arnold's great friend would have still made sure Arnold would have won!!

[@0ptimal]

The sport is so subjective, hopefully one day there will be an ai/algorithm developed that can objectively judge these shows without the influence of popularity, prestige, history etc. Zane looked incredible, Arnie as much as I love him wasn't on the same level that day.

[@sonyx4500]

Bodybuilding is about Mass too. And Arnold obviously dwarfs Zane.

[@rlpring78]

Arnold dwarfs him. People only saw and cared about that. Oak won because of that.

[@thebigpicture2032]

Frank Zane was scrawny and small. Chiseled for sure but no mass. Robbie Robinson should have won the overall Olympia in 78. Arnold said he came back in 80 to shut Zane up. I think 79 Zane vs Arnold is close but 75 Arnold vs 79 Zane is an easy win for Arnold.

[@Coneman3]

Nah, 78 should have been Kal Szkalak's, he was crucified!

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Did you ever see him in person? He looked way better in person photos didn’t do him justice. He wasn’t scrawny or small in person.

[@Coneman3]

@@kurtvonfricken6829 He had a smaller bone structure but was well developed for the day. Great aesthetically, when aesthetics were still valued.

[@wildandroid4564]

Zane is all round more complete bodybuilder than Arnold, anyone with a good eye on bb would easily know this, Arnold was unique but never ever a complete bodybuilder, he lacked so many things.

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Wild Android I agree and I’m a big fan but I am a realist. Arnold was all pecs, biceps, and calves. Zane had everything. Although he didn’t have mind blowing size he had mind blowing polish.

[@Coneman3]

Arnold won due to politics, he was IFBB puppet. Most people booed in 1980 at Arnold win. Arnold's chest and arms were probably best but who won a contest fairly with only 1 or 2 great body parts?

[@jaganraina9797]

Coneman3 back, legs and shoulder remain after chest and arms...in total body...his back was very good even in 1980 if u compare it to others in that compitition...sholders were not very good bt also not very bad either...his legs was his major weakness in 1980....

[@tuananh1773]

Arnold had more mass, bodybuilding is about mass. That's it !

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Tuấn Anh No, it is appearance. If it was about mass the judges should tape and weigh all the competitors.

[@xaviervega468]

@@tuananh1773 Mentzer had just as much mass and had it at a shorter height.

[@kats8192]

2007 dennis wolf vs jay cutler

[@marxmaxmuscle1]

which Jay would you like Muscle boy?

[@kats8192]

@@marxmaxmuscle1 already said

[@marxmaxmuscle1]

@@kats8192 oh so it's 2007 for both big blond men? Me thinks Jay will be in trouble.

[@colonalklink14]

No way a 1980 version of Arnold Schwarzennegar could even dream about beating Frank Zane in top shape. Actually Arnold should have gotten fifth place in 1980.

[@shaundouglas2057]

And by all reports the audience that attended the event agree's with your assessment, that many people do not boo for no reason.

[@sonyx4500]

@@shaundouglas2057 Zane wasn't in Top Condition. And the Audience aren't judges.

[@shaundouglas2057]

@@sonyx4500 No zane wasn't as good as previous years and mentzer by all accounts looked great, Bill Pearl was their as one of the judges but decided to quit as he could see what was happening. And he stated some time after the show he would certainly not have placed arnold first as by all accounts arnold was waaaay off, like i said that many people don't boo without a reason. From people i knew years ago who attended the event they said their was no way arnold should have placed first, and they were before the event arnold fans. A film crew was their filming for television but after the obvious fixed results and the crowds reaction they cancelled the production.

[@sonyx4500]

@@shaundouglas2057 Arnold won. End of story. Nothing will ever change that. And if Arnold wasn't there. Mentzer still wouldn't have won. Dickerson would be a two time Olympia Champ.

[@shaundouglas2057]

@@sonyx4500 Yes arnold "ahem" won, and that is that.

[@jeffreylocke8808]

Arnold won, because by comparison to all the others he towered above them. Arnold flexed and his muscles popped and bundled up and leaped into life. Long muscle bellies POP!!!

[@lateralus2199]

Typical response from a Arnold follower and worshipper. Wedlock Arnold sucked in 80 The worst legs in that whole contest. The same for his butt buddy, Franco in 81. What a travesty

[@theraspful]

Actuall frank was thinking about not competing and confided with Arnold who said he should without letting frank know

[@gustavofigueiredo1798]

That "sound effect" you made (3:10) cracked me up! Hahaha!

[@318greenman]

Zane is my favorite overall but what are those two round balls in the middle of his back? I've noticed that many times with him but haven't seen it with others...

[@colonalklink14]

I love Arnold, but Frank Zane would beat Arnold hands down.

[@rebbulldesertduke]

Pffft... Mike Mentzer scored a perfect score of 300 in 1978 Mr Universe. He then scored another perfect 300 and the 1979 Mr Olympia and won the heavy weight division. Somehow was beaten by Frank Zane for the overall crown. Mike then turned up in 1980 at his biggest freakiest condition and came 4th after having an argument with Arnold back stage before judging. No one has ever scored a perfect 300. Mike Mentzer did it twice!! But that's politics in bodybuilding. Rigged bullshit! One of the most corrupt sports on the planet. Ask Lee Priest.

[@webtechsYoutube]

Nice one..well i would like to see frank at his prime vs arnold in his prime comparision.

[@TheSpritz0]

Just subscribed by the way!!!

[@joebananas1088]

by the way: please make 1975 arnold vs. 1991 lee haney ;-)

[@xaviervega468]

91 Lee Haney all day. it would take the 73 or 74 Arnold to stand agains that.

[@shaundouglas2057]

Exactly right about comments from those who were not there, so many people just go by the photographs or video footage and say such and such or so and so should have won or shoudn't have won. I knew people who went to the 1980 mr olympia and they said arnold shouldn't have won he was way off compared to some of the other competing bodybuilders and basically the majority of the audience their booed as he was announced the winner. Yet so many people just going by photographs reckon he should have won. I remember in one of the muscle magazines (musclemag i think) someone mentioned after Dorian Yates won his 3rd olympia that they could not see why everyone was raving about him as he didn't look that much bigger then the other competitors in the photos, and the writer said you have to see Dorian for real to appreciate his size and thickness as the photographs don't show how dominent he really was.

[@samdeninno1951]

I want too see 1980 Arnold versus "drug free Olympia Haney and 1980 Arnold vs Levrone last Olympia

[@thebigpicture2032]

Can you do 90’s calves vs today’s calves?

[@glennparis8707]

They look neck & neck in the leg department. Arnold has the advantage with his herculean chest, thicker back & bicep peaks. Although I think the Aussie & Mentzer pipped Arnold with their chests. Arnold went on to star in "Conan" the barbarian & he carried a bit of fat to round out his leaner frame here.

[@xaviervega468]

Zane was so much better conditioned in 79.

[@shaunigothictv1003]

Excellent analysis Marx.

[@MrDarrelln64]

Yes, Arnold was good enough that year to still beat Frank Zane.

[@wildandroid4564]

Omg that arnold mimic at 2:33! Looooooooooool

[@dual7779]

Short answer: No Long answer: Noooooooo

[@demonax1037]

8:09 Nonsense!

[@ovathere93]

Agreed

[@krishuber6360]

Zane, great conditioning but way too small!

[@shred9475]

Yap built lile an insect

[@bastianmaoro8278]

Arnold lost some times for me: Zane (maybe even on other shows), Mentzer (not only Mentzer on 1980 Olympia) and also for Nubret, even Arnold sometimes wasn't looking better than Columbu in some shows.

[@multanimunday7461]

Arnie

[@anjinsanx44]

79 zane compared to 2021 22 cbum!!!!;

[@giovannyc3886]

1980 Arnold what a shame, what a shame I say!

[@viacheslavb6297]

Impersonations are hilarious))

[@myflesh10]

As amazing as Frank Zane is the only Advantage he has over Arnold is better legs and conditioning in this contest. Actually really like Arnold's Physique in 1980 in numerous ways despite his lower size and I feel he deserved win.

[@Magnus_Loov]

Much better abs, better Triceps, better serratus and obliques (The whole front section below the pecs from side to side basically. Better balance in the arms than Arnold where Arnolds Biceps and Brachialis overshadowed his Triceps. Overall better Synmetry and flow/lines in Zanes physique too. He clearly had a much better frame when it came to having a small waist and wide clavicles compared to Arnold. It's not only about amount of muscle and definition but a lot of other factors that made Zane better in this comparison. Against a bigger and much more defined 1974 Arnold it would have been another matter though...

[@myflesh10]

@@Magnus_Loov great response. Tho I do prefer Arnolds aesthetics slightly and longer limbs, his base structure. I Love franks physique, one of my favs, even got to meet him and talked with him on the phone another time. Arnold was also Ronnie's fav, has said it on numerous occasions, ya know eye of the beholder and all that. Arnold of course would have been that much better if his lats, triceps, thighs and delts matched the size of his biceps and chest. For me his waist sie was just right. Like I've seen enhanced pix of Jay cutler with a small waist and it looked wrong. Yet for Brian buchanon, Frank zane, Sergio etc it looked great just depends on the physique

[@Magnus_Loov]

@@myflesh10 Then there is the thing with Arnolds height. Vary many (most) winning Olympial bodybuilders have been below average height or at best at average height. Arnold was quite tall and imposing on stage and with that often also comes the longer limbs which as you said may be appealing to many. But for me in Arnolds case I think his proportionally shorter torso was making his "not so narrow waist" look even wider (making the "stocky-ish" look). Not that it was super wide, but Arnold knew about that weakness and did choose the right poses and angles based on that.

[@lionsinofprideescanor8709]

Arnold is numero uno.. the one and only..

[@brianwhite1709]

Arnold didn't beat him in 1980, Arnold was at best 4th place

[@jeffreylocke8808]

Frank Zane beat Arnold in the IFFB Mr. Universe and learned to get in shape as a result.

[@alhassanait1749]

Arnold has the talent to ceate legends . if you think of it you will see that Arnold don't need to be beaten to get in shape . If so , then who is the guy that beated him to get in shape in 1975 ??

[@theraspful]

Zane almost died from that injury

[@t.progressiveovercome]

It's not even up for discution. Zane all day.

[@rikkr1307]

Heavens no. Mentzer had a better chance.

[@LionsClub-c2v]

Frank Zane Best

[@joebananas1088]

c´mon bro.., the 1980 arnold was good enough to win every olympia from 1970 until 1983. 1984 lee haney would beat arnold from 1980, but nobody else could beat the terminator...

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Sergio was better, as well as Haney. Hell even Robby and Padilla at their peak we're better.

[@xaviervega468]

LOL that's a joke. 1980 Arnold would have gotten smoked by Sergio Oliva, Serge Nubret, Robby Robinson and Lou Ferrigno. Probably 76 Franco as well.

[@geovaniefloresnaturalbodyb701]

Gtfoh Sergio would have ran over scrawny 1980 Arnold

[@shaundouglas2057]

Many people just go by the photographs or video footage and say such and such or so and so should have won or shoudn't have won. I knew people who went to the 1980 mr olympia and they said arnold shouldn't have won he was way off compared to some of the other competing bodybuilders and basically the majority of the audience their booed as he was announced the winner. Yet so many people just going by photographs reckon he should have won. I remember in one of the muscle magazines (musclemag i think) someone mentioned after Dorian Yates won his 3rd olympia that they could not see why everyone was raving about him as he didn't look that much bigger then the other competitors in the photos, and the writer said you have to see Dorian for real to appreciate his size and thickness as the photographs don't show how dominent he really was.

[@MrNETO40]

Arnold has won!

[@berkantsekmen3849]

FRANK ZANE BEST

[@allHeDoes]

Lmao that was a controversial win look at his legs compared to the others 1980 ARNOLD CANT win

[@barrylane7018]

Zane

[@MV-ot8kr]

That back shot of Zane is great . I bet it's 1982 when he was a huge 200 lbs .

[@azirbesim8844]

Arnold has 22 inches biceps frank 17 frank was more fitness body

[@jeredeasley3524]

Arnold’s biceps at 9:22 aren’t 22 inches.

[@shred9475]

Arnold had 19 inch at best and zane in 80 had 15.5 at best

[@shaundouglas2057]

I remember reading an article in musclemag during the early 90,s about how many bodybuilders exaggerate their measurements. This writer stated that when arnold was competing he got to measure some of the top bodybuilders arms. Franco Columbo had 17.5 inch arms cold, and after much asking arnold finally let him measure his arms and with a slight pump they came in at just over 19 inches. This writer of the article said the only arm that he could find that measured over 20 inches was that of sergio oliva and his came in at 21.4 inches. Bertil Fox was a very big bodybuilder and known to be honest about his measurements he said his arms measured around 18.5 inches cold in off season condition. And the same reporter years later went to England to watch Dorian Yates train and he measured Dorians arms cold and they were nearly 21.5 inches. He said if Dorian doesn't have 22 inch arms in the off season condition then no bodybuilder has them.

[@sonyx4500]

@@shaundouglas2057 Arnold had 22 inch arms. Slightly pumped isn't fully pumped. Arnold had way bigger biceps than Dorian.

[@shaundouglas2057]

@@sonyx4500 Their is no way arnold had 22 inch arms, and according to many who had met Dorian back in his competing days his size and thickness was way ahead of anyone else at that time and before then. From only viewing pictures and video footage Dorian was a far bigger bodybuilder his arms are enormously thick, and even watching pumping iron arnolds arms do not look like their anywhere near his claimed 22 inches. But think what you like but I'll take my facts from people who were their.

[@jrob5361]

not even close. Zane is tiny and gets blown off the stage, yes, even in Arnold'a 1980 condition. He literally beats him in every body part and pose. This isn't even a fair competition. Zane is the worst Mr. O ever. Yes, even Dickerson smokes him

[@sonyx4500]

@@LionsClub-c2v Zane had very weak legs. Much smaller than even 1980 Arnold. Tiny back, weak chest, weak arms. No way he beats Arnold. He should have never been Mr. Olympia in the first Place. Guys like Mentzer, Robinson, Skzalak were much better.

[@LionsClub-c2v]

@@sonyx4500 childish comment

[@shred9475]

Zane was built like a girl

[@phattphish2198]

@@sonyx4500 Depends on how much you care about size. I prefer proportions and flow, and even elegant posing over size. To me, Zane wins in those categories, but obviously loses on size. Given my priorities, I'd still pick Zane. The problem with comparing the two is that their bodies were just so different, so picking a winner between the two is very subjective. People who prefer proportions, elegant posing, and conditioning (one of the more objective traits), and don't care as much about size, will usually lean towards Zane. If you prefer size, Arnie is a clear winner (not in 1980 though, since he was lagging so much in other areas).

[@sonyx4500]

@@phattphish2198 He is great as a fitness model. And the Perfect Body we can strive for. But as a Bodybuilder he was way too small.

[@theraspful]

Frank beat Arnold in 1968 when Arnold first came to America ,the mr USA and mr universe,one of the 3 people who beat him. Probably a little revenge for that loss in Arnold’s mind?

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

That's what Arnie said. He was actually mad at Frank. After one of Frank’s Olympia wins Arnold was a commentator for CBS and asked Frank how it felt to win; Zane said ”almost as good as when I beat you in 1968 ” Arnold never forgave him for that.

[@sonyx4500]

@@kurtvonfricken6829 Zane just beat an inexperienced Arnold who was just starting with Bodybuilding. He shouldn't have been that happy about it. Arnold got his Revenge in 1980. Were he humiliated Zane.

[@shaundouglas2057]

@@sonyx4500 Actually Arnold was humiliated when the majority of the audience booed as he was announced the winner, by all reports he had a major hissy fit back stage and verbally abused Maria.

[@MrSuperPsymon]

A downsized Arnold came back to show how pathetic bodybuilding was after 5 years.

[@shaundouglas2057]

Many people just go by the photographs or video footage and say such and such or so and so should have won or shoudn't have won. I knew people who went to the 1980 mr olympia and they said arnold shouldn't have won he was way off compared to some of the other competing bodybuilders and basically the majority of the audience their booed as he was announced the winner. Yet so many people just going by photographs reckon he should have won. I remember in one of the muscle magazines (musclemag i think) someone mentioned after Dorian Yates won his 3rd olympia that they could not see why everyone was raving about him as he didn't look that much bigger then the other competitors in the photos, and the writer said you have to see Dorian for real to appreciate his size and thickness as the photographs don't show how dominent he really was.

[@pediatrapaola]

imho anyway zane remains one of the most overrated bodybuilders ever

[@wildandroid4564]

You are probably 21 years old and sees heath as the goat.

[@pediatrapaola]

@@wildandroid4564 unfortunatly l am 65 started to train when l was 21 and still train dayly so l think l have the right to an opinion

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Under rated. Frequently beat competitors that outweighed him by 30-40 lbs.

[@pediatrapaola]

@@kurtvonfricken6829 infact is ridicolously overrated and always helped in contests

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

pediatrapaola If you say so...

[@lateralus2199]

Not a fan of both of them since they're overrated, especially Arnold. But if I had to choose between the two of them and this comparison, I have to go with Frank, because he's more complete and chiseled, Well else Arnold it is tall, lanky and deformed. Zane wins hands down here!

[@amaanshaikh6868]

😹😹😹😹 you don't know shit about bodybuilding and i literally can bet on that .

[@lateralus2199]

@@amaanshaikh6868 Again more vomit from an Arnold worshiper. You say the same regurgitation about Stupidnegger in almost every post you do. Get a life. Did you pray to Pricknegger today?