Fitness Volt
  • News
    • Bodybuilding
    • Strongman
    • Powerlifting
    • Armwrestling
    • CrossFit
    • Results
    • Arnold Classic
    • Mr. Olympia
    • 2025 WSM
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
    • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Exercise Guides
    • Muscle Groups
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Mobility & Stretching
    • Shoulders
    • Yoga
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Supplements
    • Reviews
    • Food Facts
  • Calculators
  • More
    • Forum
    • Strength Standards
    • DIY
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
  • News
    • Bodybuilding
    • Strongman
    • Powerlifting
    • Armwrestling
    • CrossFit
    • Results
    • Arnold Classic
    • Mr. Olympia
    • 2025 WSM
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
    • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Exercise Guides
    • Muscle Groups
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Mobility & Stretching
    • Shoulders
    • Yoga
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Supplements
    • Reviews
    • Food Facts
  • Calculators
  • More
    • Forum
    • Strength Standards
    • DIY
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
No Result
View All Result
Home » Bodybuilding

Samir Bannout: Chris Bumstead ‘Should Compete In Open’ at 2023 Arnold Classic Despite Bicep Tear

Bannout discussed the pros and cons of Cbum and Derek Lunsford jumping into the 2023 Arnold Classic: 'Why Not?'

Written by Doug Murray

Published on20 January, 2023 | 1:00 PM EDT

Ask Question?
Samir On Chris Bumstead

Samir On Chris Bumstead - Image via @w_wittmannphoto Instagram/ @Oldschoollabs Youtube

Samir Bannout believes four-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead ‘should’ compete in the Men’s Open at the upcoming 2023 Arnold Classic. Despite his bicep injury, Bannout argued that Bumstead could still find success on the Arnold stage in less than six weeks. 

Last month, Joe Weider’s 58th annual Mr. Olympia weekend went down with 11 champions walking away with gold. One of which was Chris Bumstead, who entered the contest as an overwhelming favorite given his previous accomplishments. Even though he switched coaches two months from the event, Chris only seemed to improve under Hany Rambod. 

However, en route to securing his fourth Classic Physique Olympia title, Bumstead faced adversity in the form of a bicep injury. Initially, it was just fan speculation, but weeks after 2022 Olympia, Cbum confirmed he won his fourth title with a damaged bicep. And judging from some of the photos he shared, it looked painfully uncomfortable.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Bumstead (@cbum)

A few weeks ago, the 2023 Arnold Sports Festival announced that the Men’s Open prize money for first place swelled to $300,000. As a result of the added incentive, a handful of competitors joined the show, including Nick Walker, Patrick Moore, Andrew Jacked, and now, Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay. 

Get Fitter, Faster

Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!

Please wait...
You're In! Let's Crush Your Fitness Goals Together

Expect expert-backed workouts, nutrition advice, the latest in strength sports, and a whole lot of motivation heading your way.

Samir believes both of Rambod’s students Derek Lunsford and Chris Bumstead should enter the competition. In his latest podcast with Nick Trigili and John Hansen, Samir explained the pros and cons of each IFBB pro making a splash at the 2023 AC. In addition, they compared the prestige of an Arnold Classic title versus Mr. Olympia.

Samir Bannout on Derek Lunsford Competing at 2023 Arnold Classic: “Of Course He Should Do It” 

If Lunsford was healthy post-Olympia, Samir suggested it would be a good idea to compete at the Arnold. 

“What about Derek, why won’t Derek enter,” says Bannout. “Hany says no? Well, if Hany says no, then he’s playing it safely and he understands that the body needs a break and not to push the envelope too much. Look: he would make a lot of money, but listen, you have to remember one thing, liver enzymes, your SGPT…” 

“Of course he should do it. Look, sometimes if you take it easy and look forward to the future instead of like risking more health and you know,” Bannout added. “Don’t forget the mental aspect. Sometimes there’s physical, sometimes there’s mentals. If you’re going to go there not 100% sure, or you’re risking something — but you know that’s what a good coach will do, really.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Derek Lunsford (@dereklunsford_)

Samir explained that Derek’s health should be prioritized above everything else even though he’d like to see him compete.  

“He will look after your health and wellbeing. You know the Olympia is coming back the next year, so they know something we don’t know, obviously. And that will probably be the only reason why he’s [Hany Rambod] not letting him compete.” 

Samir Bannout to Chris Bumstead: Do The Open at the 2023 Arnold Classic

Bannout would like to see Chris Bumstead compete in the Open at March’s Arnold Classic. Previously, Bumstead hinted that he will one day attempt an Open show. Though, later clarified that he won’t be making the switch this year (2023). 

“Talking about Bumstead, he pulled his biceps muscle, and was in pain. In my opinion, Bumstead could be competing in the Arnold Classic in the Open — he should. Why not? Bumstead: do it,” suggested Bannout. 

“You could see that the subcutaneous fluids spilled over in that bicep [at 2022 Olympia]. You could see that it was inflamed, and you could see that something had happened. Obviously, a tear, that’s the result of a major tear.” 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hany Rambod (@hanyrambod)

On the other hand, Samir understands why Chris would want to take time off since he’s nursing a bicep injury. 

“I think Chris Bumstead’s case, he had a partial tear,” Bannout said. “It would be smart to pull down, it don’t matter a little bit, pull it down completely, because it might serve his career better. He knows, him and his doctors know, but yeah, clearly it was visible to me something was going on with that bicep.” 

Samir Compares Arnold Classic vs Mr. Olympia Prestige: ‘The Arnold Classic Won’t Ever Take Over The Olympia’ 

According to Bannout, the Mr. Olympia title will always be the most respected and powerful honor in the sport of bodybuilding. 

“I think the Olympia is still the champion — the number one event in the world. Arnold’s show is very impressive too. I think the name Olympia has already taken over for real. Ever since we decided to start the Olympia till today, the Olympia is the most respectable title.” 

He specified that the AC’s promotion quality is better than Mr. Olympia’s. 

“Well, yeah, I think the Olympia is a powerful title. The thing is if you look at the promotion and the quality of the show, I think Arnold does a great job, better than the Olympia, I think so,” Bannout shared. “I don’t think the Arnold Classic will ever take over the name Olympia.” 

The last time fans heard from Bannout, he urged Derek Lunsford to enter the upcoming show. He also suggested the event would be lackluster unless there were at least 18 to 20 competitors. With less than 12 bodybuilders on the Open roster, Samir thought Hunter Labrada would make a great addition as well. 

RELATED: “Only the Cream of The Crop Should Get on The Mr. Olympia Stage” — Samir Bannout on The Mr. Olympia Qualification Rules

Considering Bumstead’s bicep injury and long off-season last year, fans believe he’ll take time away from competing to make improvements. Even with the setback, however, Bannout is confident Cbum would deliver at his first-ever Men’s Open contest. 

Check out the full video below:


If you have any questions about this news, please feel free to contact Doug by leaving a comment below.

Stay on top of the latest fitness news and updates by adding Fitness Volt to your Google News feed: Follow us on Google News You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for even more content.
Facebook Twitter Reddit Flipboard LinkedIn Pinterest
Categories: Arnold Classic Bodybuilding News Videos
Previous Post

Eddie Hall Reacts To Some Of The Most Hilarious Gym Fails

Next Post

Nick Walker’s Varicose Veins Look Significantly Diminished Six Weeks Out Of The 2023 Arnold Classic

Doug Murray

Doug Murray

Doug Murray is a News Editor for Fitness Volt with a focus on strength sports, including bodybuilding and powerlifting. His experience covering diverse sports, including MMA, for publications like Sportskeeda and CagesidePress informs his in-depth reporting.

Related

Ronnie Coleman
Bodybuilding

Ronnie Coleman Treated for Sepsis, Undergoes ‘Minimally Invasive Heart’ Surgery, Focus Now on Recovery

Dennis James
Bodybuilding

Dennis James Says Only ‘Best in the World’ Belong at Mr. Olympia: ‘Narrow It Down to 10 or 15’

Erin Stern
Bodybuilding

Bodybuilder Erin Stern Reveals 8 Simple Swaps to Burn Belly Fat Faster

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Bodybuilding

Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals If GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Destroy Your Muscle

Dennis Wolf
Bodybuilding

Bodybuilder Dennis Wolf Still Ripped at 46, Discusses His Health in Retirement

Keone Pearson
Bodybuilding

Keone Pearson Looks Huge in Latest Physique Update 14 Weeks Before Title Defense at 2025 Mr. Olympia

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

Ronnie Coleman Treated for Sepsis, Undergoes ‘Minimally Invasive Heart’ Surgery, Focus Now on Recovery

Dennis James Says Only ‘Best in the World’ Belong at Mr. Olympia: ‘Narrow It Down to 10 or 15’

Forget the Gym: Get Visible Abs at Home With This 3-Move Bodyweight Workout

Bodybuilder Erin Stern Reveals 8 Simple Swaps to Burn Belly Fat Faster

Breon Ansley Confirms Plan to Compete in Classic Physique at 2025 Olympia After 212 Attempt Falls Through

Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals If GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Destroy Your Muscle

Fitness Volt

At Fitness Volt, our mission is to empower every individual on their fitness journey by providing expert advice, the latest research, and comprehensive resources. Whether you are a beginner or an elite athlete, we are here to support your goals with trustworthy and up-to-date information in strength, fitness, and nutrition. Read more.

For inquiries, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]

About Us | Careers | Contact Form

Topics

  • Mr. Olympia
  • Bodybuilding
  • Strongman
  • WSM
  • Powerlifting
  • CrossFit
  • Workouts
  • Exercises
  • Training
  • Reviews
  • Nutrition
  • Discussion Forum

More

  • Calculators
  • Fasting
  • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Workout Plans
  • At-Home Workouts
  • Programs
  • Supplements
  • Newsletter
  • Review Process
  • Accessibility
  • Advertise
  • Syndication
  • Sitemap
  • DMCA
  • Copyrights
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Disclaimer

© Copyright 2010 - 2024 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Bodybuilding
    • Powerlifting
    • Strongman
    • Armwrestling
    • CrossFit
    • Results
    • Mr. Olympia
    • 2024 WSM
    • Arnold Classic
  • Forum
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Workout Plans
    • Muscle Groups
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Programs
    • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Exercise Guides
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Shoulders
    • Yoga
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Supplements
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Reviews
    • Food Facts
  • Fitness Calculator
  • More
    • DIY
    • Strength Standards
    • Motivation
    • Videos

© Copyright 2010 - 2024 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.