{"id":25932,"date":"2026-07-30T21:55:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T21:55:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=25932"},"modified":"2026-07-30T21:55:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T21:55:40","slug":"samir-bannout-praises-nick-walkers-improved-symmetry-ahead-of-2026-tampa-pro-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=25932","title":{"rendered":"Samir Bannout Praises Nick Walker’s Improved Symmetry Ahead of 2026 Tampa Pro \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

Samir Bannout expects a new and improved Nick Walker at the 2026 Tampa Pro. In a July 25 YouTube video, Bannout opened up about Walker\u2019s better symmetry and smaller waist days before stepping onstage.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHe\u2019s lightyears ahead of what he used to look. He\u2019s way, way better. Look at the shoulder-to-waist ratio, I\u2019m impressed. Definitely, he\u2019s going to do great.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Nick Walker is forcing himself back into the Mr. Olympia<\/a> title picture after falling to sixth place at last year\u2019s gathering. He redeemed himself at the 2026 Arnold Classic<\/a>, where he battled Andrew Jacked<\/a> (Chinedu Andrew Obiekea) en route to a second-place finish.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For a moment, Walker considered taking a break from competing, but had a change of heart. In addition to hiring a new coach<\/a>, he announced his highly anticipated entry for the 2026 Tampa Pro. If he\u2019s successful, he\u2019ll be on track to compete at the Olympia for a fourth time. Previewing the contest, Bannout was blown away by Walker\u2019s latest improvements.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Samir Bannout Says Nick Walker Looks More Symmetrical Ahead of 2026 Tampa Pro\u00a0<\/h2>\n

In the latest Muscle Maturity Podcast<\/em>, Bannout explained that Walker looks better and is displaying his body differently now.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

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

\n

\u201cHe is looking a lot better. He is adjusting his [posing] positions,\u201d said<\/a> Bannout. \u201cHe\u2019s showing his body in a different way. In a way, he\u2019s caught up with the art of bodybuilding a little bit more.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

While \u201cThe Mutant\u201d has faced criticism for a blocky waist before, Bannout doesn\u2019t see that being a concern anymore:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBefore he used to open his legs wide, now he looks more symmetrical, but I honestly think he\u2019s going to be pretty damn dangerous. The waist looks so small. Abs look good. Hamstrings\u2026 I mean, he looks good. Looking at that body, usually you don\u2019t expect that Nick Walker was massive and blocky at some point, now the waist has come way down.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a different Nick Walker right now. I think that\u2019s really going to help him a lot in the next whatever competition he\u2019s going to do. I think he\u2019s definitely the frontrunner.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Walker has been honest about his Tampa Pro preparations. He scaled back drastic cardio<\/a>, and said his goal was to burn fat and achieve a stage-ready physique with just hard training sessions and strict, clean dieting.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bannout sees Walker making a major impact onstage. The 2026 Tampa Pro is set for July 31 to August 1 in Tampa, Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0Chris Aceto Raises Doubt Over Nick Walker Hiring New Coach, Says 2026 Tampa Pro \u2018Not a Slam Dunk\u2019<\/a><\/h4>\n

Watch the full video from the Old School Labs YouTube channel below:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n