{"id":23295,"date":"2026-06-26T17:11:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T17:11:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=23295"},"modified":"2026-06-26T17:11:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T17:11:09","slug":"dennis-james-says-derek-lunsford-is-the-most-hated-bodybuilder-since-phil-heath-everyone-wants-to-see-the-champ-lose-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=23295","title":{"rendered":"Dennis James Says Derek Lunsford Is the Most Hated Bodybuilder Since Phil Heath: “Everyone Wants to See the Champ Lose” \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Reigning two-time Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford<\/a> will aim to defend his title in just under 13 weeks. In a YouTube video from June 25, Dennis James called Lunsford the most hated bodybuilder since Phil Heath<\/strong>. In addition, Milos Sarcev discussed Nick Walker\u2019s chances at the upcoming Tampa Pro.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In 2025, Lunsford etched his name into bodybuilding history. He secured gold at the Arnold Classic<\/a>, Pittsburgh Pro<\/a>, and Mr. Olympia<\/a>, completing his \u2018Triple Crown\u2019 goal. Before heading back to Vegas, Lunsford took an off-season to improve his chest and biceps.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the meantime, Chinedu Andrew \u2018Jacked\u2019 Obiekea<\/a> emerged as one of his greatest threats. Jacked claimed a massive $750,000 winner\u2019s purse after beating Nick Walker at the 2026 Arnold Classic<\/a>. He rounded out his earnings with another $250,000 thanks to his Arnold UK<\/a> victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The two met face-to-face for an intense Olympia Battle workout. Tensions flared, and Lunsford told Jacked he\u2019d never win the Sandow trophy<\/a>. With preparations underway, James opened up about the fan backlash Lunsford has faced as he pursues a potential third title.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Level Up Your Fitness: Join our \ud83d\udcaa strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Dennis James Calls Derek Lunsford the Most Hated Bodybuilder Since Phil Heath<\/h2>\n

During the podcast, Jose Raymond spoke up about the hate Lunsford has dealt with lately.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cHas anyone noticed the enormous amount of hate Derek has been getting in the last couple of weeks?\u201d asks<\/a> Jose Raymond. \u201cThey are just shitting on him.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

According to James, Lunsford has reached a point where he uses negative media as fuel:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cI think Derek is at a point in his life right now where this doesn\u2019t bother him no more. I think it fuels him and makes him get better. I think all this negative fuckin bullshit people talk about him\u2026 and I understand one thing, when you don\u2019t know him and never really talk to him, he can come across as a little arrogant.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

James compared Lunsford to Phil Heath<\/a>, who was also known for trash-talking opponents ahead of the Olympia.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou\u2019re right, I think he\u2019s the most hated one since Phil,\u201d said Dennis James.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of people don\u2019t like it. You know how it is nowadays. Everyone wants to see the champ lose. It\u2019s not like you want to support the champ to win another one. Them times are long gone. Everybody is rooting for the underdog, and when the underdog wins, then they start rooting for someone else because you\u2019re already on top.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In a change of direction, Milos Sarcev previewed Walker\u2019s chances at the Tampa Pro, labeling him a major favorite:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Get Fitter, Faster<\/em><\/h3>\n

Level Up Your Fitness: Join our \ud83d\udcaa strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u201cIf you are Nick, you\u2019re always a top Olympian. You almost beat Derek at Pittsburgh last year. And then he placed second at the Arnold Classic this year, so he\u2019s absolutely a top Olympian. Jo is still not there. Jo is not considered like top-six material,\u201d shares Sarcev. \u201cIf he beats Nick, of course. Nick is a major favorite going into this show.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Though most of the pre-contest attention has been on Lunsford and Jacked, other contenders could pull off upsets. Head judge Steve Weinberger recently suggested that eight bodybuilders could end up winning<\/a> the 2026 Mr. Olympia.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This season, it doesn\u2019t look like Lunsford is letting outside noise affect his preparations. The 2026 Mr. Olympia is set for September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>Samir Bannout Warns Derek Lunsford About Adding Size for 2026 Mr. Olympia: \u201cIt\u2019s Going to Backfire\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

Watch the full video from the Muscle and Fitness YouTube channel below:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n