{"id":1936,"date":"2026-01-02T18:14:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T18:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=1936"},"modified":"2026-01-02T18:14:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T18:14:13","slug":"derek-lunsford-says-nick-walker-could-win-2026-arnold-classic-with-his-pittsburgh-look-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=1936","title":{"rendered":"Derek Lunsford Says Nick Walker ‘Could Win’ 2026 Arnold Classic With His ‘Pittsburgh Look’ \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The 2026 Arnold Classic is around the corner, prompting Derek Lunsford<\/a> to assess the lineup. On Jan. 1, 2026, via YouTube, the reigning Mr. Olympia predicted the top two finishers at the Arnold Classic and discussed Nick Walker\u2019s chances. Additionally, he laid out his plan to win a third Mr. Olympia title.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2025 Mr. Olympia<\/a> told us a lot. When the chips were down, Lunsford proved he could respond to adversity. He didn\u2019t just beat his opposition onstage; he overcame a pec tear<\/a> and a panic attack<\/a> en route to cementing his legacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lunsford will not be competing at the Arnold Classic<\/a>. Heading into the competition, all eyes are on Walker. After falling to sixth place at the Olympia<\/a>, \u201cThe Mutant\u201d is training himself, hoping to get back in the winning column when he storms Columbus, Ohio. With the event just under nine weeks out, Lunsford previewed what lies ahead for him and some of the sport\u2019s top stars.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Derek Lunsford Talks 2026 Arnold Classic and His Mr. Olympia Title Defense Plan\u00a0<\/h2>\n

In the latest Menace Podcast<\/em>, hosted by Dennis James<\/a>, Lunsford predicted that Hadi Choopan and Chinedu Andrew \u201cJacked\u201d Obiekea would finish in the top two.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cI see Nick and Martin right there battling it out. If Nick comes back, I think he can beat Martin. I think Martin looked incredible in Prague.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s that right there, but I\u2019m looking at probably Hadi because I see him being the most complete of them all. But then you have Andrew, who has been a fav favorite since the Olympia. Those are the two I see in the top two.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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