I think he converted to islam.... that's probably not a huge selling point as far as the ifbb is concerned.
I believe another pro (the one that Chris Aceto had helped and then he switched over to the Camel Crew) had said that today’s Pros are lazy, and that over there, it is more regimented, disciplined. So, you get guys with the better genetics who go over there, and blow up due to the combination of disciplined training, drugs, rest, food, and lack of distractions. Something akin to the 80s and 90s bodybuilding training.