Derek Lunsford has revealed a “new persona” showcasing strong outspoke confidence… but Victor Martinez worries that it will not be enough for the 2026 Mr. Olympia
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, host Victor Martinez covered a wide range of topics spanning bodybuilding, combat sports, and… relationship advice. From Derek Lunsford’s “new persona” heading into the 2026 Mr. Olympia to controversy surrounding MMA fighter Josh Hokit, the panel shared strong opinions and candid reactions throughout the discussion. And looking beyond bodybuilding – Victor shared advice on what to do when you aren’t satisfying your woman in bed.
Here’s a brief overview of the full topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Victor Martinez thinks that despite Derek Lunsford’s “new persona,” he’s still in trouble come the 2026 Mr. Olympia
- Was Hadi Choopan trashing Derek Lunsford? Is that good for the sport?
- Victor’s advice on how to please a lady when you are struggling in bed
- Victor’s review of the White House UFC event and Josh Hokit’s controversial statement
- Clavicular would rather have a full head of hear over a functioning penis – Victor responds
- Victor reflects on Eddie Hall’s boxing match against Tommy Fury
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a full in-depth breakdown of the discussion below. Let’s dive in!
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Derek Lunsford’s New Attitude Ahead of the 2026 Mr. Olympia… And Why He’s Still In Trouble
One of the biggest bodybuilding discussions centered around reigning Mr. Olympia champion Derek Lunsford and his increasingly bold public statements. Recently, Lunsford made headlines after declaring that he “owns Mr. Olympia” and suggesting that the competitors trying to replace him are “duds.”
Victor Martinez admitted that he enjoys seeing a champion display confidence. In his opinion, confidence is part of what makes a great champion. It demonstrates strength, leadership, and gives fans something exciting to rally behind as the next Olympia approaches.
However, Victor believes there is a major difference between confidence and reality. While he appreciates Lunsford’s mindset, Victor strongly disagrees with the notion that the competition chasing him consists of “duds.” In fact, Victor still believes that Lunsford is in trouble heading into the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
According to Victor, the athletes behind Derek are among the hungriest and most dangerous competitors in bodybuilding today. He pointed out that Derek’s 2025 Mr. Olympia victory was far from dominant. The contest was decided by a very small margin, highlighting just how competitive the Open division has become.
Victor also argued that the current era of bodybuilding may be one of the deepest and most competitive periods in recent memory. Evidence of that can be found in the lack of a long-term reigning Mr. Olympia champion over the past several years.
Even Derek himself experienced the volatility of the division. He won the title in 2023, lost it in 2024, and had to fight his way back to reclaim the championship in 2025. For Victor, those facts demonstrate that nobody is safe at the top.
While Derek’s confidence may help build excitement around the sport, it does not change the reality that several elite competitors remain within striking distance.
Is Hadi Choopan Responding to Derek Lunsford?
Following Derek Lunsford’s comments about owning the Olympia and referring to challengers as “duds,” Hadi Choopan made a public statement suggesting that he felt insulted by criticism of his value. Although Hadi never directly mentioned Derek by name, the timing raised eyebrows throughout the bodybuilding community.
Victor Martinez believes this kind of rivalry is exactly what bodybuilding needs. Unlike mainstream sports where athletes compete weekly, bodybuilding competitors spend most of the year training, dieting, and preparing behind closed doors.
As a result, there are fewer opportunities to create excitement between contests. Victor argued that public exchanges like these help build anticipation.
When champions speak confidently and challengers respond, it creates storylines that fans can follow throughout the season. Whether Hadi was specifically targeting Derek or not, Victor believes the perceived tension benefits the sport.
Fan Question: Should You Ask Your Wife What She Wants in Bed?
The episode opened with a fan question from a husband concerned that his wife seemed unhappy and unsatisfied during intimacy. The listener asked whether he should directly ask his wife what she needs or if doing so might be a turn-off.
Victor Martinez immediately identified what he viewed as the biggest red flag in the question. According to Victor, the fact that the husband said he was “trying” may actually be part of the problem.
“You shouldn’t have to try,” Victor explained. Instead of approaching intimacy like a project or a task that needs to be solved, he suggested focusing on being present in the moment and enjoying the connection naturally.
Victor emphasized that overthinking often creates unnecessary pressure. Rather than worrying about whether his wife is dissatisfied, the husband should focus on communication.
In Victor’s view, asking questions is not a turn-off when done correctly. The key is confidence and tone. Instead of asking in a self-deprecating or insecure manner, Victor recommended asking what he can do for her and what specific things she enjoys. Open communication helps partners better understand one another and build stronger intimacy.
Victor also stressed the importance of creating the right atmosphere. Setting the mood, making experiences romantic, and keeping things exciting can go a long way toward improving intimacy. He advised against treating physical relationships like a checklist and encouraged introducing variety and spontaneity.
Mixing things up, surprising a partner, and approaching intimacy with excitement instead of anxiety can often make a meaningful difference.
Victor Martinez and Ehsan Farahi React to Josh Hokit Controversy
The podcast also addressed recent backlash involving MMA fighter Josh Hokit, who drew criticism after making comments about Michelle Obama during a White House UFC event, referring to the former First Lady as a man.
Victor Martinez did not hold back in his response. He stated that the comments reflected weakness rather than strength. While acknowledging Hokit’s accomplishments as a fighter, Victor argued that publicly insulting a former First Lady in that setting demonstrated poor character.
For Victor, the issue extended beyond politics. He viewed the comments as disrespectful and unnecessary, particularly given the location and circumstances in which they were made.
Co-host Ehsan Farahi shared a similar perspective. Although Ehsan emphasized that people should generally be free to express their opinions, he described the comments as trashy and disrespectful. He argued that basic decorum has become increasingly rare in modern political culture.
Victor then expanded on another aspect of the controversy. He argued that comments targeting Michelle Obama cannot be separated from America’s racial history.
According to Victor, the recurring trend of calling Michelle Obama a man is rooted in racial prejudice and stereotypes directed toward Black women. He suggested that the persistence of those remarks is not accidental and reflects deeper societal issues that continue to exist today.
Viral Looksmaxxing Influencer Clavicular Chooses Hair Over Functionality
The podcast also examined a viral debate sparked by looksmaxxing personality Clavicular. During a discussion online, Clavicular was asked whether he would rather have a fully functioning penis or a full head of hair.
His answer surprised many people: Clavicular chose hair.
His reasoning was that having a functioning penis is meaningless if thinning hair prevents a man from attracting attractive women in the first place.
Victor Martinez found the logic baffling. Joking about the situation, Victor suggested that Clavicular appears so focused on physical appearance that he has forgotten the ultimate purpose behind attracting romantic partners.
Co-host Vlad Yudin offered a different interpretation. He suggested that Clavicular may simply understand how internet culture works and intentionally makes shocking statements to generate attention and headlines. In today’s social media environment, controversial opinions often travel much farther than reasonable ones.
Victor acknowledged that possibility but maintained that it remains a bizarre position regardless of intent. Even if the goal is engagement and publicity, he questioned why anyone would choose to create controversy around the functionality of their own body.
Eddie Hall’s Boxing Match Against Tommy Fury
The final major topic focused on former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall and his boxing match against Tommy Fury.
Although Hall ultimately lost by decision, Victor Martinez viewed the performance as a success in several respects. Victor pointed out that Hall lasted the entire fight without being knocked out.
Considering Hall’s background as a strongman rather than a professional boxer, simply making it to the final bell represented an achievement.
That being said, Victor admitted that he would have liked to see Hall land more significant punches. Because of Hall’s tremendous size and strength advantage, a single clean shot could have dramatically changed the outcome of the fight. Had one of his powerful swings connected flush, Victor believes there was a legitimate possibility of an upset victory.
Wrap Up
This week’s Generation Iron Podcast delivered another blend of bodybuilding analysis, and sports commentary with a surprising dose of relationship advice for good measure.
Victor Martinez praised Derek Lunsford’s confidence while warning that the reigning Mr. Olympia remains vulnerable against one of the deepest competitive fields in years. The possibility of a growing rivalry between Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan only adds more intrigue as the Olympia season approaches.
The panel also tackled controversial headlines involving Josh Hokit, debated viral internet personality Clavicular’s unusual views on attractiveness, and gave credit to Eddie Hall for stepping outside his comfort zone in the boxing ring.
As always, the podcast combined serious analysis with humor and unfiltered opinions, giving bodybuilding fans plenty to discuss as the road to the 2026 Mr. Olympia continues.
