Bodybuilder Hadi Choopan is down but not out. In an Instagram post shared on May 19, 2026, Milos Sarcev announced he will coach ‘The Persian Wolf’ for the 2026 Mr. Olympia contest, set for September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
For years, Choopan was coached by FST-7 training founder Hany Rambod. Having shaped other Olympia champions like Jay Cutler and Phil Heath, Rambod was key to Choopan’s rise in the Open class. He reached the pinnacle of his career in 2022, dethroning Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay to secure his lone Sandow trophy.
However, Rambod decided to stop coaching, leaving Choopan in unfamiliar territory. For the past three years, the Iranian native landed in second place at the Mr. Olympia. He gambled at the 2026 Arnold Classic, but fell to third place, behind Nick Walker, and champ, Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea. Though rumors spread that he was retiring, Choopan has now made it clear he’s got unfinished business to handle.
Milos Sarcev to Coach Hadi Choopan for 2026 Mr. Olympia: ‘A New Beginning’
In Choopan’s Instagram post, he opened up on joining forces with Sarcev ahead of Olympia:
“When many walked away, one person stayed. When silence replaced support, one voice said: “It’s not over yet.” A real coach doesn’t just build champions, they rebuild broken people into stronger versions of themselves.
From falling to rising again, from hopelessness to the stage… this isn’t just coaching, this is a new beginning. ✨,” shared Hadi Choopan.
In a separate Instagram post, Sarcev formally announced that he will coach Choopan in preparation for the Olympia.
“I am very proud to announce that I will be assisting Hadi Choopan in preparation for the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
Everyone knows the love, respect, and commitment I have for the Iranian people — and today I want YOU to hear me clearly: I ask for your trust and support for your representative, your son, and a true symbol of Iran and its people — @hadi_choopan.
Sarcev added that Choopan has always fought for the people of Iran and rallied for support:
“Many assumptions and accusations made about him were simply not true. The truth will eventually come to the surface for everyone to see and understand: Hadi has always fought for his people, proudly represented them on the world stage, and will continue to do so.
Now more than ever, he needs unity, support, and belief from the people he loves and represents.
And together — WITH your support — he will be stronger than ever,” Milos Sarcev said.
Sarcev has a history of coaching elite-tier bodybuilders to success, including Regan Grimes, Behrooz Tabanai, and former 2024 Mr. Olympia titleholder Samson Dauda. Many believe that Sarcev’s contributions were key to Dauda’s rise in the Men’s Open.
Fans are excited to see how Choopan adapts to a new coach in his corner. Time will tell if the change allows him to secure a second Mr. Olympia title.
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