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The 2026 Arnold Classic<\/a> may have already produced its biggest surprise before the competition officially begins.<\/p>\n Update: Mike Sommerfeld has announced that he missed weight for the 2026 Arnold Classic. He has now set his sights on the 2026 Arnold Classic UK, scheduled for March 27-29 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Find his full statement below:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cHeading into the show, the weight didn\u2019t come down enough to meet the Classic Physique limit. I take full responsibility for that. Moments like this don\u2019t define you \u2014 they humble you. We reset, we adjust, and we move forward.<\/p>\n I want to sincerely thank the IFBB pro league and the organizers for their kindness and professionalism throughout this process. I also want to thank my coach Neil hill who has always looked out for my best interests and is an incredible mentor to me. Wishing all the athletes on stage today the best of luck and great Moments to remember. The focus now shifts forward. See you at the Arnold Classic UK,\u201d Sommerfeld shared<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n According to people who attended the athlete check in in Columbus, Ohio, Mike Sommerfeld<\/a> reportedly did not make the required weight for the Classic Physique category, which has now prevented him from mounting a title defense.\u00a0<\/p>\n Classic Physique competitors must follow strict rules connected to their height measurement. Each athlete has a maximum weight they cannot exceed.<\/p>\n\n
Reports Point to Height and Weight Confusion<\/h3>\n