Reigning two-time Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford will aim to defend his title in just under 13 weeks. In a YouTube video from June 25, Dennis James called Lunsford the most hated bodybuilder since Phil Heath. In addition, Milos Sarcev discussed Nick Walker’s chances at the upcoming Tampa Pro.
In 2025, Lunsford etched his name into bodybuilding history. He secured gold at the Arnold Classic, Pittsburgh Pro, and Mr. Olympia, completing his ‘Triple Crown’ goal. Before heading back to Vegas, Lunsford took an off-season to improve his chest and biceps.
In the meantime, Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea emerged as one of his greatest threats. Jacked claimed a massive $750,000 winner’s purse after beating Nick Walker at the 2026 Arnold Classic. He rounded out his earnings with another $250,000 thanks to his Arnold UK victory.
The two met face-to-face for an intense Olympia Battle workout. Tensions flared, and Lunsford told Jacked he’d never win the Sandow trophy. With preparations underway, James opened up about the fan backlash Lunsford has faced as he pursues a potential third title.
Dennis James Calls Derek Lunsford the Most Hated Bodybuilder Since Phil Heath
During the podcast, Jose Raymond spoke up about the hate Lunsford has dealt with lately.
“Has anyone noticed the enormous amount of hate Derek has been getting in the last couple of weeks?” asks Jose Raymond. “They are just shitting on him.”
According to James, Lunsford has reached a point where he uses negative media as fuel:
“I think Derek is at a point in his life right now where this doesn’t bother him no more. I think it fuels him and makes him get better. I think all this negative fuckin bullshit people talk about him… and I understand one thing, when you don’t know him and never really talk to him, he can come across as a little arrogant.”
James compared Lunsford to Phil Heath, who was also known for trash-talking opponents ahead of the Olympia.
“You’re right, I think he’s the most hated one since Phil,” said Dennis James.
“A lot of people don’t like it. You know how it is nowadays. Everyone wants to see the champ lose. It’s not like you want to support the champ to win another one. Them times are long gone. Everybody is rooting for the underdog, and when the underdog wins, then they start rooting for someone else because you’re already on top.”
In a change of direction, Milos Sarcev previewed Walker’s chances at the Tampa Pro, labeling him a major favorite:
“If you are Nick, you’re always a top Olympian. You almost beat Derek at Pittsburgh last year. And then he placed second at the Arnold Classic this year, so he’s absolutely a top Olympian. Jo is still not there. Jo is not considered like top-six material,” shares Sarcev. “If he beats Nick, of course. Nick is a major favorite going into this show.”
Though most of the pre-contest attention has been on Lunsford and Jacked, other contenders could pull off upsets. Head judge Steve Weinberger recently suggested that eight bodybuilders could end up winning the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
This season, it doesn’t look like Lunsford is letting outside noise affect his preparations. The 2026 Mr. Olympia is set for September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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