I think he finally accepted the pro card after his Overall win at the IFBB World Championships in November.
ok , could very well be....
however he could have applied way way earlier in his career....
every bb that wins his (or her) national title.... with an ifbb sanctioned show ofcourse, can apply for ifbb pro status....
many have done it that way.....
it usually is not a very smart thing to do... you go from winning shows and being treated like a champ, to getting lost on stage among overgrown ogres and placing deadlast! lol!