By Garry Bartlett and Leigh Hargrove

Check out these exclusive photos!

It may not have been a surprise for Orleans Arena spectators when Jay Cutler earned back his title as Mr. Olympia however, what came as a huge surprise was reigning Olympia champion Dexter Jackson’s final placing - a disappointing third place.

Going into the finals the odds-on favorite from the pre-judging rounds in most people’s minds was a highly anticipated showdown between Jay Cutler and Dexter Jackson. Many experts in the industry however were warning fans and media not to discount the astounding improvement and condition of a striated Branch Warren.

In the end, second place was snatched up by Warren who handled the show with the tenacity of a pitball–never letting go of his focus on the win.

Jackson seemed defeated from Friday’s prejudging and just didn’t seem to have the aggression that the judges felt would be required to fend off Warren’s fierce assault on the stage. When the 3rd place position was awarded, no one was more surprised that Dexter himself, as evidenced by the disappointment on his face.

In contrast to Jackson’s lackluster energy in the posedown, Cutler dominated on, and when he led the posedown off the main stage and closer to the crowd, off, the stage, and finally garnered the respect he asked for during his routine earlier in the evening.

In fact, Cutler seemed to improve his spot-on condition since Friday night’s judging, and in anticipating the close race for the win, he stomped across the stage, gesturing to the audience with the mannerisms and confidence of a Mr. Olympia champion.

In winning his 3rd Olympia title, Cutler made history by being the only Mr. Olympia to be defeated and come back to regain the title.

Shockwaves went through the crowd when Phil Heath, who was quite possibly the favorite to upset both Cutler and Dexter for the title, was awarded the 5th spot on the stage. Up until the final posedown both Kai Green and Heath were tied for fourth. Kai Green’s aggressive pose down made sure the tie was broken after his fierce efforts edged out the young Phil Heath to secure himself a fourth place finish leaving a very disappointed and dejected Phil Heath in 5th.

6th place finisher Victor Martinez, who was a question mark for this year’s Olympia, finished with a disappointing sixth place. He wasn’t in his best condition but managed to barely edge out 7th place finisher Ronny “The Rock” Rockel.

This year’s Olympia proved to one of the most competitive of recent years. With Jackson pushed to 3rd place, he has once again re-established himself as the underdog and has a lot to prove at next year’s Olympia, not to mention Phil Heath. The question in everyone’s minds is whether or not they will be facing champion Jay Cutler based on his much-anticipated intent to retire after achieving a third Olympia win.

Photos to follow soon on emusclemag.com!