{"id":10701,"date":"2026-01-17T00:50:49","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T00:50:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=10701"},"modified":"2026-01-17T00:50:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T00:50:49","slug":"chris-cormier-dennis-james-back-mike-sommerfeld-as-clear-favorite-at-2026-arnold-classic-discuss-sam-suleks-chances-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=10701","title":{"rendered":"Chris Cormier, Dennis James Back Mike Sommerfeld as Clear Favorite at 2026 Arnold Classic, Discuss Sam Sulek’s Chances \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Classic Physique gold will be fought for at the stacked 2026 Arnold Classic. On Jan. 16, 2026, Chris Cormier and Dennis James backed Mike Sommerfeld to defeat Wesley Vissers in Ohio.<\/strong> They also discussed Sam Sulek\u2019s chances in his Pro debut.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The 2025 Classic Physique Olympia<\/a> was extremely close. Despite heading into the event as a favorite, Mike Sommerfeld<\/a> secured second place. He narrowly lost on the scorecards to Ramon Queiroz<\/a> by a single point. Having won the Arnold Classic<\/a> (AC) in 2025, \u201cMike the Badass\u201d plans to successfully defend the title when the contest returns.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Vissers finished in first place at the AC event<\/a> in 2024, making him a surefire threat this March. His main goal is securing a spot in the final callout<\/a> against Sommerfeld. Meanwhile, attention has grown around Sulek, who is coaching himself en route to the show. With the roster set, Cormier and James laid out their expectations for the AC.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chris Cormier, Dennis James Talk Sommerfeld vs Vissers and Sulek\u2019s Chances at 2026 Arnold Classic\u00a0<\/h2>\n

In the video, James complimented Sulek on his conditioning levels less than seven weeks from stepping onstage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cHe\u2019s in great condition already for this far out,\u201d said Dennis James.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Cormier was also left impressed, noting that Sulek brought up his back detail.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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