Questions about the 2025 Arnold Classic are being raised as the contest heads back to Columbus, Ohio in March. Taking to YouTube on October 25, 2024, bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler explained why Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford shouldn’t compete at the event. He also named his frontrunners ahead of the massive show.
Jay Cutler attended the finals at the 60th anniversary of the Mr. Olympia and witnessed a shocking turn of events. Despite his status as a favorite, Derek Lunsford appeared off with downsized legs; this led to him placing third on the prestigious stage. Meanwhile, Samson Dauda turned in a gold-winning performance to make history against runner-up Choopan.
Riding high thanks to the biggest win of his career, Samson Dauda has plans to continue his dominance, having already announced his entry for the 2025 Arnold Classic. While fans would relish the opportunity to see Lunsford and Choopan compete in Columbus, Ohio, Cutler doesn’t believe it would suit them at this stage in their respective careers.
Jay Cutler Says Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan Shouldn’t Compete at 2025 Arnold Classic, Discusses Frontrunners
Cutler doesn’t believe Derek Lunsford or Hadi Choopan should compete at the 2025 Arnold Classic considering their recent performances on the Olympia stage. He adds that Lunsford needs time to improve his leg fullness.
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The Arnold is paying big money, $500K, a $500,000 purse, so of course these guys are ‘Okay, I’m turning around and doing it.’ Samson is doing it, Andrew Jacked is doing it.
I don’t think Hadi and Derek necessarily would do it. I wouldn’t suggest that they would do it because Derek he had issues with his legs, his leg size was down. He needs to get his legs fuller. He tried to come in Hadi condition man and it affected him,” said Cutler.
As for his two frontrunners at the Arnold Classic, he mentioned the reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda as well as surging Men’s Open Pro Andrew Jacked, who took fifth place on the blockbuster stage.
“That’ll be a build-up. We’ll be talking about that [2025 Arnold Classic] the next few months, who’s the frontrunner for that, and right now, that’s Samson. I think Andrew, I think Chris [Aceto] is working to rectify Andrew now and I think we’ll see a different Andrew Jacked up there.”
Jacked is another big name who could shock the world at the 2025 Arnold Classic. He believes Dauda opened the door for taller athletes to find success in the IFBB Pro League. Dauda and Jacked both bring aesthetic shape and imposing structures, which could spell trouble for the rest of the lineup slated to compete in Ohio.
The official competitors list for the 2025 Arnold Classic hasn’t been announced, but we know Dauda, Jacked, and Nathan De Asha will all be in attendance. With a $500,000 purse up for grabs, fans expect a stacked roster of threats to storm the stage in March.
Watch the full video from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel below:
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