{"id":24689,"date":"2026-07-14T17:06:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T17:06:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=24689"},"modified":"2026-07-14T17:06:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T17:06:47","slug":"chris-aceto-on-hadi-choopans-size-ahead-of-2026-mr-olympia-bigger-is-better-if-the-midsection-stays-noticeably-the-same-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=24689","title":{"rendered":"Chris Aceto on Hadi Choopan’s Size Ahead of 2026 Mr. Olympia: ‘Bigger Is Better If the Midsection Stays Noticeably the Same’ \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Could Hadi Choopan\u2019s game plan for more size be a mistake? In a YouTube video from July 13, 2026, Chris Aceto opened up on whether Choopan\u2019s wider waist could hurt his chances at the upcoming Mr. Olympia.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2022, \u201cThe Persian Wolf\u201d etched his name into bodybuilding history<\/a>. He defeated the former two-time champ Mamdouh \u201cBig Ramy\u201d Elssbiay<\/a> to earn the Sandow trophy. However, since that night, Choopan has struggled to stay on top.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For the last three years, he finished in second place at the Mr. Olympia, once to Samson Dauda<\/a>, and twice to Derek Lunsford. In his last outing at the 2026 Arnold Classic<\/a>, Choopan missed the mark and secured third place behind Nick Walker and Chinedu Andrew \u201cJacked\u201d Obiekea<\/a>. To reclaim momentum, Choopan has teamed up with Milos Sarcev ahead of his comeback, but some have concerns about the recent size he\u2019s packed on.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chris Aceto Breaks Down Whether Hadi Choopan\u2019s New Size Will Hurt His 2026 Mr. Olympia Chances\u00a0<\/h2>\n

In the video, Aceto looked at Choopan\u2019s latest physique update and pointed out that his larger midsection is the first area the eyes go to:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe first thing you notice, the very first thing, midsection,\u201d shared<\/a> Aceto.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Aceto emphasized that a tight, detailed midsection is one of Choopan\u2019s signature strengths. Without it, he believes judges could mark him down.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIf you go to an Olympia, and you don\u2019t have, at the Olympia, what you\u2019re known for\u2026 the impact on the judges and the critics is monumental. It\u2019s like Lee Haney going to the Mr. Olympia with, \u2018My back is weaker than it\u2019s been in the past.’\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cBigger is better if the midsection stays noticeably the same.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Before wrapping up the discussion, Aceto also teased Ramon Dino\u2019s potential in a future Men\u2019s Open contest.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI think Ramon Dino, if he was Open, could probably\u2026 one off-season, be a\u2026 he\u2019s big here, that\u2019s my answer.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cNo [I haven\u2019t talked to Ramon Dino about doing the Open], I just know he looks big here, he\u2019s lean here,\u201d said Aceto. \u201cHe\u2019s got to be 103 [kilograms], maybe 106. No, no, no, he\u2019s about 18 pounds over here [in latest update].\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Despite his new size, reigning two-time Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford has doubts about Choopan\u2019s return<\/a>. He argued that if Choopan did manage to bring up his leg fullness, it would help his back poses, but he believes it could water down the quality of his front shots.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With \u201cThe Mind\u201d guiding his preparations, fans are curious if Choopan can bring an improved look back to the stage. The 2026 Mr. Olympia is scheduled for September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong>\u00a0Milos Sarcev Reveals Plan to Bring \u2018Perfect\u2019 Hadi Choopan to 2026 Mr. Olympia, Calls Him the Most Feared Bodybuilder in Men\u2019s Open<\/a><\/p>\n

Watch the full video from the Rx Muscle \u2013 Truth in Bodybuilding YouTube channel below:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n