Lee Priest Warns Nick Walker Isn’t a Lock for Tampa Pro – “If he F*cks Up…”
Just days after Nick Walker officially announced he would compete at the 2026 Tampa Pro, one bodybuilding veteran is already pumping the brakes on any talk of a guaranteed victory. Speaking on a recent podcast appearance, Lee Priest warned Nick Walker isn’t a lock for the Tampa Pro, saying “If he f*cks up, Jo Palacios is going to be right there”
The fast-rising IFBB Pro has generated serious buzz over the last year thanks to his massive frame, freak factor, and rapid improvements. According to Priest, Palacios might be one of the few competitors who can match Walker’s trademark combination of size and density.
Lee Priest Sees a Potentially Tight Battle
“The Mutant” enters the Tampa Pro with plenty of momentum despite a rollercoaster stretch over the last year.
After placing sixth at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Walker rebounded with an impressive showing at the 2026 Arnold Classic. While many believed he brought one of the best physiques of his career, he ultimately finished runner-up to Andrew Jacked and missed out on the event’s seven-figure payday.
Since then, speculation swirled about whether Walker would compete again before the Olympia. Earlier this week, he answered that question himself, confirming that he will step on stage at the Tampa Pro as he continues his push back toward title contention.
Priest acknowledged that Walker already appears to be in strong condition months before the contest – and even joked that Walker’s decision to stop coaching himself and hire a new trainer so close to competition shouldn’t matter at all:
“Nick is looking really good now. The guy doesn’t have to tweak too much… my grandmother could give him chicken breast and rice and a bit of trend and get him in shape.”
But despite Walker’s experience advantage, Priest believes the margin for error may be smaller than many realize.
“It could be close. If Nick f*cks up, Jo is going to be right there.”
The Mutant vs The Machine: Why Jo Palacios Could Be Dangerous
Palacios remains one of the more intriguing names in the Men’s Open division.
After earning his IFBB Pro card by winning the overall title at the 2023 NPC USA Championships, Palacios has steadily built a reputation as one of the division’s most promising young talents. His combination of mass, muscle maturity, and dramatic shape has already drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s biggest stars.
Priest pointed out that most shows featuring Walker don’t typically include another athlete with a similarly “freaky” look.
That’s what makes this matchup interesting.
Both competitors bring overwhelming size to the stage, creating a comparison that could come down to conditioning, presentation, and who peaks best on contest day.
Tampa Pro Suddenly Has Major Stakes
Walker’s decision to enter the Tampa Pro instantly transformed the contest into one of the most anticipated events of the season.
“The Mutant” recently revealed he has also begun working with coach Prabh Dhaliwal, adding another layer of intrigue as he prepares for his return to the stage.
While many fans immediately penciled Walker in as the winner once his name appeared on the competitor list, Priest’s comments serve as a reminder that bodybuilding contests are rarely decided before prejudging begins.
Walker remains the favorite on paper, but Tampa could provide one of the most compelling Men’s Open battles of the year if Palacios arrives with the improvements many believe are coming.
The winner will secure qualification for the 2026 Mr. Olympia, set for September 24-27 in Las Vegas, where Walker hopes to re-establish himself as a legitimate threat to the Sandow trophy.
Featured image via YouTube @seriousandsillinessbodybui3158, and Instagram @nick_walker39
