Muzi Places 2nd behind Nihat at Mr Big Evolution Pro
Bhekumuzi Maluleke produced a package with both mass and conditioning, earning him silver at the Mr. Big Evolution Pro in Portugal. In a fiercely contested 212 showdown, the South African sensation went toe-to-toe with Olympian Nihat Kaya, and while the gold ultimately eluded him, the performance sent an unmistakable message: Muz Monster is closing in on Olympia qualification.
The Portugal stage was the setting for a fascinating clash. On one side stood Nihat, widely regarded as one of the most aesthetic 212 competitors in the pro league—a sculptor of classical lines and flowing symmetry. On the other stood Muzi, a force of nature defined by his freak factor, density, and conditioning so sharp it looks chiselled from granite. Where Nihat won on elegance and proportion, Muzi countered with sheer horsepower and striated detail. The fact that Muzi pushed a top-four Olympian to the absolute limit is, in itself, a victory of immense proportion.
For Muzi, however, the result was about more than just a trophy. It was about feedback and validation.
"You know whenever they say God got you, I saw that today. So, I was a little bit disappointed, thinking that they were going to overlook us because of like, we were compared and then they took out the guys top two to the back of the line and then I became a little bit discouraged."
The fear of being overlooked is not unfounded—most notably at the Dubai Pro 2025, where his package was controversially placed 12th. But when his name was announced in second place, there was relief from him and his coach Federico Focherini.
"But you know, God has a way of working things out and I'm so grateful for the love and support, you know. Second place baby. All I wanted was a toe-to-toe with me hard so that I can be able to see how far off I need to go because of last year he was a top four Olympian and this is good feedback for us."
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| Doorman Nutrition Owner, Muzi Maluleke, Federico Focherini |
That feedback is invaluable. Competing against Nihat provided Muzi with a proper benchmark, and the gap between both athletes is all but erased. To appreciate the significance of this performance, one must understand the journey that has brought him here.
Recent Competitive History
| Year | Competition | Placement | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Europa Pro | 1st | First professional win; secured Olympia qualification. |
| 2024 | Mr. Olympia | 7th | Impressive debut on bodybuilding's biggest stage. |
| 2025 | Europa Pro | 3rd | Narrowly missed Olympia qualification. |
| 2025 | Monsterzym Pro (Korea) | 3rd | Consistent placing, but not enough for qualification. |
| 2025 | Dubai Pro | 12th | Was unfairly overlooked. |
| 2025 | China Pro | 2nd | Heartbreakingly close finish. |
| 2026 | Empro Pro | 3rd | Solid start behind Madelman and Calderon. |
| 2026 | Mr. Big Evolution Pro (Portugal) | 2nd | Silver medal; statement performance against Nihat. |
The 2025 season was filled with frustration, defined by agonisingly close calls and controversial decisions. Yet from that adversity, a stronger athlete has emerged. The 2026 season now boasts two podiums in two outings—a 3rd at the Empro Pro and this powerful 2nd in Portugal—demonstrating a clear trajectory of improvement.
MR big evolution 212 TOP3
"We are on the right track," he asserted. "I'm quite grateful guys for all the love and support. Second place baby. We're getting there. We're really, really getting there. Like I said before, you know, each and every one of us, you know, is in line. Our time is definitely coming and I'm grateful. I'm grateful."
