Derek Lunsford isn’t playing it safe in the lead-up to his title defense at the 2026 Mr. Olympia. In an interview shared on May 26, 2026, he discussed his rivalry with Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea. Additionally, he predicted that he could win the Olympia for the next three years.
In 2025, Lunsford was focused on redemption after dropping the Sandow trophy. The loss motivated him to improve his legs, arms, and chest, which were on display at the Arnold Classic. He won the event against Dauda and took out Nick Walker in a sudden-death finale at the Pittsburgh Pro.
To achieve his coveted ‘Triple Crown’ goal, Lunsford reclaimed the Mr. Olympia title and secured a $600,000 winner’s purse. While Lunsford took an extended off-season, Jacked remained active. He raked in $1 million in prize money, courtesy of his big wins at the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio and UK shows. With tensions flaring, Lunsford gave his thoughts on the current Men’s Open climate.
Derek Lunsford Shares Unfiltered Take on Andrew Jacked Rivalry & 2026 Mr. Olympia
In the video, he shared that Jacked refused to visit his gym despite being invited.
“Something needed to be said. It’s been a couple years, nobody really knows, but behind the scenes, I’ve had conversations with him. I just felt rubbed a certain way that wasn’t good. I invited him to my gym. He refuses to come, which is fine; that’s so petty if I held that against him.”
Lunsford explained that Jacked was disrespectful after the Arnold Classic and wasn’t grateful for his prize money.
“Some things he said to me were disrespectful,” explained Lunsford. What got me the most was at the Arnold Classic, and he tried to paint a picture about me and Samson actually, for that matter, that was just completely untrue.”
“I’m not going to sit there and allow him to portray me that way. But also, not even just the personal shots, but the fact of when we are talking about a million dollars that a promoter gives for placing first for winning the show and we shrug it off like it’s nothing, like it’s not that much money.”
Lunsford isn’t lacking confidence. He made it clear that if he is still present, nobody has a chance at the Mr. Olympia title.
“If I’m still around, and if I’m competing every single year, nobody has a chance because this [mentality] is stronger than anything you have ever known. I wanted to let you know that face to face, but then, I want it to click here and go, ah, hm, there is something different about this guy.”
He doesn’t see Jacked reaching a new level because he’d have to go to a place mentally that he’s never been.
“He does have a standard that’s above everyone else. If I ever want to think or consider being the champion and beating this guy, I’m going to have to go to a place that I’ve never went before. And, if he does it, he can be even more dangerous, but the thing is, man… I don’t see it happening.”
Looking ahead, Lunsford believes he can win the Mr. Olympia for the next three years.
“Who knows…,” he added. “I can definitely see myself being Mr. Olympia for the next three years, for sure.”
The reigning two-time champ isn’t lacking self-belief, but some in the community don’t like his chances at the Olympia. Shahriar Kamali, better known as King Kamali, stressed that Lunsford doesn’t get respect as the Mr. Olympia and said nobody has him winning again.
The 2026 Mr. Olympia is set for September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lunsford appears more determined than ever to leave Sin City with another title.
“I might be a nice guy, I might care for you, but you wanna challenge me for this title — I don’t think so. I’m going to take your head off.”
