Hadi Choopan is heavier than ever — a gamble that could reclaim his title in 2026. Choopan's 20-lb offseason gain marks his heaviest prep ever.

Now, when the Mr. Olympia is not too far away, legendary bodybuilder Milos Sarcev shared an update on Choopan that can warn his opponents.

On July 7, Sarcev shared an Instagram post with the caption, “@hadi_choopan, 12 weeks out, with added 20 lbs (9 kg) - heavier than ever”.

This update came just after a training video of Choopan was posted on his YouTube channel on June 20. The video showed the bodybuilder following an intense chest workout routine with heavy weights to enhance his power and strength.

In Sarcev's Instagram post, Choopan displayed visibly thicker arms, legs, chest, and shoulders, and his trademark muscle separation and density were clearly visible.

After earning the title in 2022, the Persian wolf failed to capture 1st place since 2023.

Choopan’s momentum also stalled this season after finishing 3rd in the Arnold Classic behind Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford. Walker and Lunsford are top contenders for the 2026 Olympia.

Now, with the 20-lb weight add-on, Choopan is promising his fans that this year he will compete at full strength. If the added mass translates to stage, Choopan could challenge for his second title.

Now, the question is how Sarcev, Choopan's coach, is training him for bodybuilding at the 2026 Mr. Olympia.

Milos Sarcev changed Hadi Choopan’s routine for 2026 Mr. Olympia

On June 27, a question was raised in an Instagram video posted by Muscle Discord.

The post said, “@hadi_choopan 13 weeks out! Full blown on @milossarcev protocol. Are too many people counting him out? Can he win back the title?”

Only time will tell the answer, but according to Sarcev, Choopan is adopting all the necessary changes.

During his appearance on the Menace podcast on May 29, Sarcev shared changes to Choopan’s routine. At first, he added that, “instead of stress, he needs support from the very people that he loves”.

According to Muscle and Fitness, “Sarcev also revealed that in terms of training, he wants Choopan to bring back the fuller legs that he presented during his winning effort at the 2024 Arnold, along with a tight back section”.

Judges prioritize leg separation and chest fullness in recent Olympia contests.

On June 5, in the 288th episode of the Menace podcast, Sarcev also said, “I want to bring up legs a little bit” and further added, “I want to bring up, a little bit, chest.”

• Sarcev also advised Choopan to follow some movements that can enhance muscle contraction, including:
• Pull down
• Pull up
• Rowing
• Pullover
• Deadlift.

It looks like Choopan is following all the guidance.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil