Two of the sport’s most popular talents are set to collide in just nine weeks. On August 10, 2025, Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford posted ripped physique updates to their Instagram accounts as their showdown in Las Vegas looms.
Walker and Lunsford have already gotten accustomed to each other this season. “The Mutant” made his highly anticipated return at the Pittsburgh Pro. At this event, he took silver after pushing Lunsford in a sudden-death tie-breaker round to decide the winner.
It wasn’t the outcome Walker had planned for, but that didn’t stop him from mapping out his next move. He competed a week later at the 2025 New York Pro and dominated. Having secured his entry to the sport’s ‘Super Bowl of Bodybuilding,’ talks about who will become the undisputed champion are ongoing.
There’s bad blood heading into their rematch at the Olympia. Lunsford believes Walker should have thanked him for the defeat in Pittsburgh, stressing that he allowed him the opportunity to create hype. Walker called Lunsford’s remarks “nonsense,” with plans to settle the score once and for all this October.
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Derek Lunsford & Nick Walker Share Ripped Physique Updates 9 Weeks from 2025 Mr. Olympia
In recent Instagram posts, Lunsford and Walker sent warning shots to each other with physique updates:
“Morning Check-In If I told you my weight… you wouldn’t even believe me. Lol 😆9 weeks out” Derek Lunsford posted.
Though Lunsford kept his weight a mystery, Walker confirmed he’s tipping the scales at 289 pounds.
“9 weeks out 289” Nick Walker shared.
The bodybuilding community is all-in for the Lunsford, Walker rivalry — that includes Men’s 212 veteran Jose Raymond. He recently joined industry expert Dennis James on The Menace Podcast. Raymond and James confirmed that Lunsford and Walker “legitimately don’t like each other.” They believe the brewing hostility has only added intrigue and hype to the Mr. Olympia contest.
While fan chatter has centered around the Lunsford, Walker beef, the lineup is loaded with big-name bodybuilders. Lunsford and Walker will have to contend with former 2022 Olympia champion Hadi Choopan — many, including icon Lee Haney, have backed “The Persian Wolf” as their favorite to win the show.
Jay Cutler, a decorated four-time Olympia titleholder, has strong opinions on his favorites as well. He shared his four horsemen for the Olympia in no particular order. He sees Choopan, reigning champ Samson Dauda, Walker, and Lunsford all in the mix to take home the Sandow trophy.
Lunsford and Walker appear to be at their all-time best, less than three months from their battle. The 2025 Mr. Olympia event is set for October 9-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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