The 2026 Arnold Classic is taking place from March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio. Ahead of the event, Jay Cutler took to a YouTube video on March 5 to discuss the Hadi Choopan vs Andrew Jacked battle. He also suggested that Martin Fitzwater and Nick Walker could pull off upsets.
A historic $750,000 winner’s purse awaits the new Men’s Open champion at the Arnold Classic. The roster is stacked with world-class talent, including frontrunner Hadi Choopan. He secured second place for a third time at the recent Mr. Olympia contest. “The Persian Wolf” laid claim to his lone Arnold Classic title back in 2024.
Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea also has momentum, having earned bronze in Vegas, and then quickly turning around to win the Romania Pro. Additionally, Martin Fitzwater and Nick Walker are two wildcard contenders who could spoil the party with all-time best packages.
Jay Cutler Not Counting Out Fitzwater & Walker, Breaks Down Choopan vs Jacked 2026 Arnold Classic Battle
In the video, Cutler touched on how Choopan and Jacked are feeling before their showdown.
“It’s a crazy time for Hadi right now. He’s the guy. Former Mr. Olympia, second place. I don’t think any of these guys have beaten Hadi. I think it’d be a really great achievement for him at this point. I’m sure there’s a lot of uncertainty. I know how strong he is and what he represents. We talk about training and who trains the hardest, and I think guys who say oh it’s me, but Hadi is definitely a machine.”
He noted Jacked’s momentum and genetics, which could pay dividends against Choopan.
“He’s up against the genetics of Andrew Jacked. We talk about Mr. Olympia, shoulder-width, height, weight ratio; he’s coming into his own. He had a lot of momentum from the Olympia. I feel like there’s a lot of pressure on him to win it,” he said.
Cutler also shared that Walker is under immense pressure for a big performance after a lackluster Olympia showing:
“There’s also a lot of pressure on Nick Walker to win it. Obviously, Nick Walker has been absent. We haven’t seen the best of Nick Walker in a little bit of time,” he shared. “We always talk about Nick’s physique being the most muscular body up there.”
He added that Fitzwater has been counted out in the lead-up to the show, and bodybuilding predictions reflect that.
“Martin is on a tear right now. I think people are counting him out, which I think he has the ability to show up here and kind of shock the world a little bit. A lot of other guys in this lineup that people are excited about.”
According to Cutler, fans shouldn’t be surprised if Fitzwater or Walker pull off upsets.
“Listen, Andrew, Hadi, it’s kind of like a show that you might see those two battle at, but you know what? Don’t be surprised if a Martin or a Nick Walker upsets what everyone thinks is going to happen and ruins it for both those guys.”
While most bodybuilding veterans don’t have Walker winning the Arnold Classic, not everyone has lost hope. Lee Priest recently argued that Walker could defeat Choopan when they square off, emphasizing that his best days are not behind him.
It’s grind time for athletes, who are focused on presenting their best in just two days. Don’t miss Fitness Volt’s full coverage of the 2026 Arnold Classic, set for March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio.
Watch the full video from the Beyond the Stage TV YouTube channel below:
Get Ready With Us For The 2026 Arnold Classic
- How To Watch The 2026 Arnold Classic (Free Livestream Online)
- 2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Preview and Contenders to Watch
- 2026 Arnold Classic Physique Preview and Contenders to Watch
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