Keone Pearson wants to put a stamp on his legacy. In a recent video (October 27, 2026), he predicted that he’d win a future Arnold Classic and explained why he needs more size to hold his own against top talent in the Men’s Open.
Pearson’s aesthetics, tapered waist, and bubbly muscle volume have been a lethal combo in the IFBB Pro League. He has earned four consecutive 212 Olympia titles, as he continues to chase Flex Lewis’ record of seven. In his last outing, “The Prodigy” pulled off an impressive title defense in Las Vegas after defeating Lucas Garcia and former two-time 212 Olympia Shaun Clarida.
Pearson continues to tease his permanent switch into the Men’s Open. He tested the waters at the 2025 EVLS Prague Pro, where he secured fourth place against a stacked lineup, including Michal Krizanek, Samson Dauda, and Martin Fitzwater. Though Pearson’s main focus is 212 dominance, he hasn’t taken his eye off the Men’s Open.
Keone Pearson Talks Men’s Open & Future Arnold Classic Goal
In the latest episode of Cutler Cast, Pearson spoke on the current state of the Men’s Open, describing it as insanely competitive.
“That’s the most exciting thing about bodybuilding. Bodybuilding is only getting better. It’s so cool that everybody is so close because one person is off; it’s like, dang, so it’s crazy.”
“That’s how good these guys are. You know, Derek, Samson, Hadi, Nick, all these guys, even Tonio Burton is coming up, hopefully he jumps into the Arnold Classic. I think that will put a little swing in things too because he got fifth.”
While he was invited to compete at the upcoming Arnold, Keone made it clear that he won’t enter until he’s sure he’ll win:
“I’m very grateful, but when I feel like I’m winning, I’m going to do it. When I do it, I’m going to win it,” said Pearson. “I’m very aware. I’m not ready yet. I know I need to be bigger. I know I need to put more size on.”
“I just tell people, let me keep cooking, let me keep winning; when I do move up, and I do make that decision, I will win the Arnold Classic. I hope you guys remember that. Pittsburgh too,” he added.
Pearson isn’t the first to suggest he needs more time to marinate in the 212. Bodybuilding legend Shawn Ray urged the champ to win as many 212 Olympia titles as possible before considering a switch.
“He should do what James Flex Lewis did, stay there, win as many 212 titles as you can. Let these big guys graduate and maybe down the road go.”
Pearson won’t be competing at the next Arnold Classic, but he could make an appearance in Ohio down the line. The 2027 Arnold Classic is scheduled for March 4-7 in Columbus, Ohio.
RELATED: Keone Pearson Is Three Titles From Flex Lewis. Ronnie Coleman Wants Him Somewhere Else
