Classic Physique gold will be fought for at the stacked 2026 Arnold Classic. On Jan. 16, 2026, Chris Cormier and Dennis James backed Mike Sommerfeld to defeat Wesley Vissers in Ohio. They also discussed Sam Sulek’s chances in his Pro debut.
The 2025 Classic Physique Olympia was extremely close. Despite heading into the event as a favorite, Mike Sommerfeld secured second place. He narrowly lost on the scorecards to Ramon Queiroz by a single point. Having won the Arnold Classic (AC) in 2025, “Mike the Badass” plans to successfully defend the title when the contest returns.
Vissers finished in first place at the AC event in 2024, making him a surefire threat this March. His main goal is securing a spot in the final callout against Sommerfeld. Meanwhile, attention has grown around Sulek, who is coaching himself en route to the show. With the roster set, Cormier and James laid out their expectations for the AC.
Chris Cormier, Dennis James Talk Sommerfeld vs Vissers and Sulek’s Chances at 2026 Arnold Classic
In the video, James complimented Sulek on his conditioning levels less than seven weeks from stepping onstage.
“He’s in great condition already for this far out,” said Dennis James.
Cormier was also left impressed, noting that Sulek brought up his back detail.
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“I like what he’s looking like. His back improved a lot, and that was something I was looking at when he was an amateur. I like what he’s doing. He’s taking his time, learning his body, learning how to develop it,” added Cormier. “I’m a huge fan of that look he’s bringing right now.”
Cormier said balance is more important for Sulek at this stage of his career. He believes mass in his legs could come later:
“His lines are in there, his back development, you see all the little details. Not like swollen mass or something, I’m hoping to see more out of him,” shared Cormier. “The development is coming. He doesn’t have big sweeping quads, but quads don’t have to look like that as long as you got that balance going.”
“I’m looking forward to see how he does at this Arnold Classic. I want to see how he’s going to pair up, but I think he’s going to be better than what people think.”
Overall, they see Sommerfeld as the clear favorite and don’t think Vissers can take him out.
“If Mike is in shape, I don’t think Wesley can beat him,” shared James.
“It looks like Mike is in really good shape,” Cormier said. “His shape is just going to carry him and the experience he has; I just don’t see that being a problem for him.”
“Yeah, he is by far the favorite,” voiced Milos Sarcev.
It won’t just be Sulek, Sommerfeld, and Vissers squaring off. Fans expect Andrea Mammoli and Matheus Menegate to make statements as well. They both have the potential to insert themselves into the Olympia title discussions with a breakout performance.
Should Sommerfeld achieve a second title at the Arnold Classic, he’ll have the hype again heading into the Mr. Olympia. The 2026 Arnold Classic is set for March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio.
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