The 2009 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic marks the return of IFBB pro bodybuilder Victor Martinez to the competitive bodybuilding stage. Victor Martinez, the uncrowned Mr. Olympia from 2007, was expected to reign victorious over top challengers last year in Columbus. The 2008 Arnold Classic was intended to be a small step in his victory march in quest for the Sandow at the 2008 Mr. Olympia contest. Instead, Victor Martinez was sidelined as a result of a torn patellar tendon in the weeks prior to the contest. Victor was forced to withdraw from both the 2008 Arnold Classic and the 2008 Mr. Olympia. He watched Dexter Jackson capture an impressive victory over Phil Heath and Kai Greene at the 2008 Arnold. Dexter Jackson, the new Arnold Classic champion, then went on to win the Mr. Olympia title dethroning Jay Cutler in the process.

Dexter Jackson and Phil Heath, the 2008 Arnold Classic champion and runner-up, have chosen to skip this year's Arnold to focus on the Mr. Olympia. But Victor Martinez' anticipated comeback celebration will be challenged by several top pro bodybuilders including Kai Greene, Toney Freeman, Gustavo Badell, and Branch Warren. The quality of competition at the 2009 Arnold Classic should not disappoint. Most of the top pros did not compete in the Iron Man Pro in Los Angeles, the first contest on the 2009 IFBB schedule. So, this year's Arnold Classic will be a highly anticipated showcase of the progress made by many of the best physiques in competitive bodybuilding during an extended off-season.