Just when Samson Dauda stole the spotlight at the NPCWW Ultimate seminar, Hadi Choopan dropped more than a physique update.

The 2024 Arnold Classic winner, currently in Iran, shared a video on Instagram. “I ask for a leave to the great people of Iran." Choopan captioned the video.

That pretty much confirmed that Hadi Choopan is probably getting ready to fly to the USA for the 2026 Arnold Classic in Ohio.

Fitness analyst Nick Miller said on his YouTube channel, “This is the first physique update from Hadi that we've seen, not only this year in 2026, but this is the first one from his Arnold Classic Ohio prep at all in general”.

The Persian Wolf, who reportedly has been granted a US visa, has the potential to win the competition. However, Shawn Ray thinks the current situation and pressure could distract the 2022 Mr. Olympia winner and prevent him from realizing his full potential.

Amid the discussion, another bodybuilding veteran thinks Hadi Choopan could be tough competition at the 2026 Arnold Classic.

Josh Raymond's prediction on Hadi Choopan

The 2nd-largest competition in the bodybuilding world will be held from 5 to 8 March. And bodybuilding veteran Josh Raymond is ready with his top 10 picks.

The list includes

• #1 Andrew jacked
• #2 Hadi Choopan
• #3 Martin Fitzwater
• #4 Nick Walker
• #5 Brandon Cury
• #6 Rafael Brandao
• #7 Mohammad Foda
• #8 Anthony Williams
• #9 Akim Williams
• #10 Hassan Mostafa

While Raymond put Choopan below Andrew Jacked, the latter has yet to beat the Persian Lion on such a big stage. Jacked couldn't surpass Choopan at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, and the Iranian last won the Arnold in 2024.

The 2026 Arnold Classic will be especially exciting after Arnold decided to increase the prize money for the Men's Open champion to $750,000.

So who are you rooting for? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi