{"id":22747,"date":"2026-06-18T20:58:48","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T20:58:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=22747"},"modified":"2026-06-18T20:58:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T20:58:48","slug":"jay-cutler-breaks-down-whether-taller-bodybuilders-have-the-edge-at-the-2026-mr-olympia-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=22747","title":{"rendered":"Jay Cutler Breaks Down Whether Taller Bodybuilders Have the Edge at the 2026 Mr. Olympia \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The 2026 Mr. Olympia is approaching fast, and Jay Cutler<\/a> is previewing what lies ahead. In a YouTube video from June 18, 2026, he revealed whether taller bodybuilders have the edge at the prestigious event<\/strong>. In addition, he discussed Derek Lunsford\u2019s mentality and why the Open class overlooks the standing relaxed pose.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In 2025, Derek Lunsford<\/a> achieved the improbable. He reclaimed the Mr. Olympia title<\/a> after losing the crown to Samson Dauda. He became the first Men\u2019s Open athlete since Jay Cutler to recapture Olympia gold after losing it onstage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chinedu Andrew \u2018Jacked\u2019 Obiekea<\/a> is arguably Lunsford\u2019s greatest threat. The 6\u20192\u2033 Nigerian native secured back-to-back victories at the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio<\/a> and UK<\/a> shows. Looking ahead, Cutler questions how stature could affect the results when the biggest contest of the year returns.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jay Cutler Discusses Whether Taller Bodybuilders Have the Advantage at 2026 Mr. Olympia\u00a0<\/h2>\n

In the video, Cutler broke down whether taller athletes have the edge at the Mr. Olympia. He believes Lunsford would disagree with the idea and explained how winning the Sandow trophy changes your mentality.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cI think Derek would argue that. He\u2019s very confident right now,\u201d shared<\/a> Jay Cutler. \u201cYou know, coming back to win the title after losing it\u2026 it changes your mentality because the world is against you, right? Oh, it can\u2019t be done, Jay Cutler did it once.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He emphasized that other shorter bodybuilders like Hadi Choopan could find success, especially after teaming up with Milos Sarcev.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cListen, Hadi Choopan is not a slouch either. Milos is now working with him. We haven\u2019t had Milos on much to talk about his abilities, but I\u2019m looking at Behrooz right now. He may look his best of all time. We have the two Iranian guys that are hungry and getting the job done.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Cutler also noted that the Men\u2019s Open class doesn\u2019t critique the standing relaxed pose:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cNow, today, you got the arms here, here, there are so many [differences]. The leg stance is totally different. The judges don\u2019t necessarily critique that standing relaxed as much, as far as in the Open division.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This hasn\u2019t been Cutler\u2019s first time discussing Lunsford\u2019s chances at the Olympia. He recently urged the two-time champ to bring fuller legs, or risk losing the title. He also offered Lunsford ab training advice<\/a> and mind-muscle connection tips.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Though he won\u2019t be the tallest athlete onstage, Lunsford isn\u2019t short on confidence. The 2026 Mr. Olympia is set for September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong>\u00a0Jay Cutler Discusses Derek Lunsford Controversy After Mr. Olympia: \u201cWe All Think Our Era Is the Best\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

Watch the full video from the Cutler Cast YouTube channel below:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n