Derek Lunsford is ready to put on a show in Columbus, Ohio. On December 23, 2024, he opened up on his mentality ahead of the 2025 Arnold Classic, taking place February 27 to March 2.
Derek Lunsford’s trajectory in the Men’s Open class has been explosive. It began after he switched from the Men’s 212 division. It took him just one off-season to nail down second place in the Open Mr. Olympia back in 2022. Then, in 2023, he reached the pinnacle of his career, capturing the Mr. Olympia title.
Fans thought Lunsford’s bulletproof back double biceps pose would secure him a second Sandow trophy at 2024 Olympia, but he came in off, with his legs looking flat. This led to a third-place finish behind Hadi Choopan and Samson Dauda. Fortunately, Lunsford will have a shot at revenge against Dauda on the horizon.
Derek Lunsford ‘Coming to Win’ 2025 Arnold Classic Against Samson Dauda
During the YouTube video, Lunsford emphasized that this Arnold Classic contest was personal and that he plans to win it despite dealing with some personal struggles.
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“From Olympia to the Arnold I believe was about 20 weeks apart. At 15 weeks out, I started working with my new coach.
Even at that point, I knew that I was coming back better. I was in a good spot at 15 weeks out but I still wanted to give myself a few more weeks to be on plan and to get back into the gym and to start ramping up my training.”
“And just be a little closer to the show, having made even more improvements so that way when the list came out and if I put my name on the list, I knew that I was going to be in a good spot to come back better.”
Lunsford emphasizes that he plans to win at the 2025 Arnold Classic and prove he is the best in the world.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m coming to win. I believe my best is the best in the world when I bring my best. And I expect nothing less than that going into this Arnold.
Like I said, we’re 10 weeks out right now but the whole world has probably felt that I wanted to come back and prove something on stage, like I said, that I am the best, that I have more to bring with my physique, yes that’s true.”
“Having an Arnold Classic title is something I’ve always wanted,” he adds.
Bodybuilding veterans have been vocal about who they believe could walk away with gold in Columbus, Ohio. Thus far, Dennis James, Chris Cormier, Milos Sarcev, and Samir Bannout have all backed Samson Dauda to emerge victorious.
Lunsford believes he has the tools necessary to win in his debut at the 2025 Arnold Classic. Don’t miss his chance at revenge against Samson Dauda in March. Fitness Volt will have live coverage of the event.
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