{"id":9088,"date":"2026-01-12T23:23:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T23:23:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=9088"},"modified":"2026-01-12T23:23:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T23:23:41","slug":"lee-priest-says-his-prime-off-season-arms-were-better-than-derek-lunsfords-stage-photos-talks-olympia-rules-w-bob-cicherillo-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=9088","title":{"rendered":"Lee Priest Says His Prime Off-Season Arms Were Better Than Derek Lunsford’s Stage Photos, Talks Olympia Rules W\/ Bob Cicherillo \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

Lee Priest is still keeping tabs on the biggest players in the Men\u2019s Open division. In a recent video shared on Jan. 12, 2026, he compared his prime arms to Derek Lunsford\u2019s stage photos<\/strong>. He also discussed the Mr. Olympia rule changes with Bob Cicherillo.\u00a0<\/p>\n

At the 2025 Mr. Olympia<\/a>, Lunsford secured his second Sandow trophy. It wasn\u2019t a home-run victory; he faced resistance from Hadi Choopan<\/a> and Chinedu Andrew \u2018Jacked\u2019 Obiekea<\/a>. Right after the event, the outcome was heavily debated, with Priest naming Choopan or Jacked as the rightful winner. He also claimed Lunsford was in guest posing shape<\/a> when he reclaimed gold in Las Vegas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The next Mr. Olympia will look a touch different from previous events. One Pro show win won\u2019t be enough to qualify for competitors from Classic Physique, Men\u2019s Physique, Bikini, and Wellness. Competitors must win two events during the qualification period<\/a> or place within the top 25 in point standings. With such a big shakeup, Priest and Cicherillo discussed its impact.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lee Priest, Cicherillo Talk 2026 Olympia Rules and Lunsford\u2019s \u2018Watery\u2019 Biceps\u00a0<\/h2>\n

In the video, Cicherillo underscored that the new Mr. Olympia rules are in effect, which will likely eliminate 120 athletes from competing in Sept.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe new rules kick in this year, Shawn. It might not be longer; it might actually be a little shorter because not all the athletes are going to qualify, especially in three divisions,\u201d said Cicherillo.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got Bikini, you got Men\u2019s Physique, and Classic, those are the big three, where we were almost at 100 athletes qualifying per division. Let\u2019s just say that\u2019s 300, round it off. It\u2019ll probably shave about 120 athletes off.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\n Get Fitter, Faster<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\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

Please wait…<\/p>\n

\n You’re In!<\/strong> Let’s Crush Your Fitness Goals Together<\/span><\/p>\n

Expect expert-backed workouts, nutrition advice, the latest in strength sports, and a whole lot of motivation heading your way.<\/p>\n