Nathan De Asha is closing in on his big return after being sidelined last year due to injuries. In a recent The Menace Podcast with Dennis James, De Asha discussed contest prep for his next two shows, his 2023 Olympia ambitions, and his plans to retire in two years.
Men’s Open division fan-favorite De Asha quickly proved himself amongst the best in the IFBB Pro League. His ripped upper body and massive legs always made for an imposing silhouette on stage. In 2021, he dominated the landscape, having claimed three consecutive victories at the Europa Pro Championships, the Arnold Classic UK, and the Yamamoto Cup Pro.
He had hoped to compete at 2022 Olympia but plans changed due to a bicep tear. Making his comeback even more challenging, De Asha tore his other bicep in Nov. Healing from his injuries, De Asha made it clear he planned to compete at the upcoming 2023 Flex Weekend Pro and Europa Pro. In a recent appearance on the Bodybuilding University Podcast, De Asha teased his progress, disclosing that he’s never been this big or dry in his entire career.
The 2023 Mr. Olympia competition takes place from Nov. 2-5 in Orlando, Florida. De Asha will aim to qualify in just a few weeks. Should he find success in Italy or Spain, the bodybuilder will grace the Olympia stage for the first time since 2018 (8th place).
Nathan De Asha Talks Gear, Retirement, Good Vito, and 2023 Mr. Olympia: ‘When I Smoke His Ass I’m Top 5 Right?’
De Asha says the hype surrounding Vitaliy ‘Good Vito’ Ugolnikov was the reason why he signed up for contests in Italy and Spain. He believes with a victory over Good Vito, he’ll steal that momentum and have a solid shot at finishing in the top five at 2023 Mr. Olympia.
“He’s [Good Vito] the main reason I’m doing both shows. I’m doing Italy and Spain. Italy is first and Spain is the week after. Everyone keeps saying Big Vito is top five right, top five, top five… so when I smoke his ass, I’m obviously top five, right?” says Nathan De Asha.
“Nah, Blessing is cool, but he ain’t getting next to me and Regan, come on man. Blessing is doing it. Another Yamamoto guy is doing it.”
“I believe I’m top five bro, personally,” added De Asha. “Samson is a mass monster but he’s still go shape bro. He’s got nice lines, he’s still in proportion, he’s got that nice flow same as Andrew Jacked. That’s why I think I’ll suit well. For me, if I’m thinking I can get that, I’m not going to tell no one [I’m going to Olympia].”
Aside from changes to his cardio routine, De Asha said he’s taking fat burners, T3, and Clenbuterol for this contest prep.
“I did a bit of cardio this time, which is different. I’ve took fat burners for the first time this year, I’ve never taken them in the past six years. I took a little bit of Clenbuterol and T3 this time. I’ve never took them while I was in Kuwait or nothing. This time, my waist, my waist went a little bit big two years ago, I admit that, but I’m back down to my old waist.”
Looking ahead, Nathan De Asha believes he’ll stay in the sport for two more years before calling it a career.
“We’ll see an even better Nathan probably next year. I give myself another two years doing this and then that’s it for me. But I’m just going to push it bro, this next year and the year after, I’m going to be committed 100% and I’m just going to focus on it.”
De Asha’s Arms ‘100-Times Stronger’ Since Injuries, Talks Diet, Samson Dauda
According to Nathan, his arms have only strengthened since the pair of bicep tears.
“Yeah [tore both biceps in close proximity]. Yeah both of them off the bone, yeah. Bro, good money bro, a good surgeon [is why you can’t see it],” said Nathan De Asha. “You can see it, if you’re scrutinizing it slightly, you can notice it I think. From a picture or on stage, you’re not going to notice it.
Not really [it didn’t affect my training], it made me go a little harder Chris because the surgeon said it’s 100 times stronger than what it was originally. I train biceps a little bit different. I don’t do the full range on the shoulder press no more. I do most of the movements, but I’d rather just do [partial range of motion]. Just in case anything happens, you know. I’m still wary of it but I just try to keep it a little bit in the back of my head.”
To facilitate his return to the sport, De Asha is utilizing a six-meal diet, amounting to 4,400-4,500 calories.
“Meals, I’m on like six solid meals and then obviously, a post-workout meal which I don’t really count and then obviously an intra-workout shake and a pre-workout shake. I’d say six solid meals Milos and obviously three in a small space you know.”
“Contest prep I start with dieting roughly around 6,500-7,000 calories I start dieting on. Then, right now, the base is like 4,400-4,500 calories,” added De Asha. “I’m working with Stefan – Stefan from Vienna, Urs’ coach. Yeah, man.”
De Asha admits there has been tension with Samson Dauda which stemmed from back when they shared the same supplement company sponsor.
“There’s an instance that happened [with Samson Dauda]. Obviously, when we were with the same supplement company, certain words were said which I didn’t appreciate by the owner,” said De Asha. “There were some little issues there [with Fouad Abiad’s Hosstile].”
Known for his bold personality, De Asha doesn’t shy away from challenges or controversial subjects. Despite its reputation for toxicity, De Asha swears by his use of Trenbolone. Last year, the Open star revealed that he uses the powerful compound year-round, but never experiences problems with aggression. He also stated that it has helped him maintain strength inside the gym.
With De Asha’s return imminent, fans are thrilled, especially from the UK, to see him back in action. Given how stacked the Olympia contest is, De Asha will have his hands full with countless contenders, assuming he earns a qualification to the biggest event of the year.
RELATED: Nathan De Asha Looks Massive & Ripped Weeks from 2023 Flex Weekend Pro & Europa Pro
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