Anticipation for the 2026 Arnold Classic UK is building fast. On March 25, frontrunner Wesley Vissers discussed his upcoming battle with Mike Sommerfeld when the event makes its return to Birmingham, United Kingdom, from March 27-29.
Wesley Vissers was out for redemption at the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio. A year prior, Sommerfeld beat him and took his title, and Vissers had to accept a drop to fifth place. In the off-season, Vissers improved his leg fullness and width and leveraged that in Ohio to secure his second Arnold Classic crown.
Meanwhile, Mike Sommerfeld was scheduled to compete but pulled out after missing the Classic Physique weight cap. Fans have been counting down the days to see these two square off onstage, and should Sommerfeld make weight, this battle could reshape the top of the Classic Physique category.
‘Best Ever’ Wesley Vissers Says Sommerfeld Under More Pressure Days from the 2026 Arnold Classic UK
In the video, Vissers was clear that Sommerfeld faces more pressure ahead of the Arnold UK event. He added that he’s at his best and doesn’t have much to lose.
“I think Mike, to be honest, because I feel even though I’m defending my Arnold UK title, I don’t have much to lose after winning these two titles and everybody, including judges and organizers, and people from the industry saying that I’m at my best ever.”
“All I have to do is show up at least like that again. I can’t really do that much more in between Detroit and now, just be a little better. If I do that, I’m happy. There’s no pressure on me. I don’t feel the pressure because it’s fun for me. It’s my third competition; I love the UK.”
Vissers pointed out that Sommerfeld has struggled with the weight cap lately.
“For Mike, he has to first of all, he struggles with the weigh-in with a new weight; that’s why he didn’t do the Arnold Classic Ohio.
Also, with the fact that there’s less time to carb up after the show, because even at the Olympia, if he managed that weight that he’s now allowed to weigh, you still have two full days to carb up, even with that, he didn’t look like when he won the Arnold Classic in 2025.”
Due to these concerns, “The Dutch Oak” doesn’t see Sommerfeld presenting a physique that’s comparable to what won him the 2025 Arnold Classic.
“People keep comparing me to his previous best physique, it’s a comparison that’s almost impossible to make because to bring that physique, he was like seven or eight pounds heavier than he was supposed to be onstage. So, it’s going to be very difficult to even match that, let alone improve upon it, which is what judges always want to see.”
“They don’t want to see a worse version. I have experienced this myself,” Vissers said.
Wesley Vissers could cement himself as an undeniable favorite to beat reigning Classic Physique Olympia Ramon Queiroz if he wins in the UK. Vissers has shown he has the tools to take out the Brazilian star, a feat he accomplished back at the 2024 Arnold Classic.
It’s the matchup fans have been anxiously awaiting. Do you think Vissers or Sommerfeld will emerge victorious at the 2026 Arnold Classic UK? Let us know in the comment section!
RELATED: Wesley Vissers Breaks Down His New Training Split for the 2026 Arnold Classic
Watch the full video from the Beyond the Stage TV YouTube channel below:
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