If his philosophy was about competing against one's self, why did he throw a hissy fit, when he lost to Rich Gaspari?
Why did he go to Nigeria to face FAR inferior competition to turn pro, instead of taking on the NPC's finest?
Talking smack about an 8-time Mr. Olympia, when he won't even step on a pro stage makes Richards look like a chump.
I think his ego would be too bruised by losing to smaller bodybuilders (i.e. Lee Labrada).