Mike Sommerfeld may have enough to compete in multiple divisions of bodybuilding, but he has a clear stance on his competitive path. And it doesn't go through the Open and 212 divisions.

Every time a competitor rises to the ranks of his division, rumors start to swirl about their move to the Open division. Mike Sommerfeld seems to be the latest victim of the rumor. But the German bodybuilder has no plans of taking a different route.

Sommerfeld competes in the Classic Physique division and, in a recent interview with BTS TV, put an end to any further speculations surrounding his future in bodybuilding. He said, “I am Classic. I will be Classic, and I will be forever Classic. I won’t compete in Open, I won’t compete in 212. Never. If I compete in Open, it’s not a competition.”

The 31-year-old made his professional debut in 2019, but it wasn't until 2024 that he rose to the ranks and got himself in the league of the greats like Chris Bumstead. Sommerfeld secured the second place in the Classic Physique at Mr. Olympia 2024 and 2025, which made him a household name in the community.

The rumor about his move to the Open or 212 division gained momentum post his 2026 Arnold Classic UK victory in the Classic Physique division. It was an important win for him since he missed out on defending his Arnold Classic 2025 Classic physique title this year.

Sommerfeld was disqualified from the 2026 Arnold Classic in Ohio because he couldn't make weight in time. Hence, he lost the title to Wesley Visser.

But while the German native wants to stick just to the Classic Physique division, not everyone follows the same approach as him.

Mike Sommerfeld’s Opponent, Ramon Dino Has Different Plans

Mike Sommerfeld might not be planning to switch divisions, but his rival and 2025 Mr. Olympia Classic Physique champion Ramon Dino wants to follow a completely different approach in his career.

In an interview last year, Dino opened up about his desire to switch divisions in the distant future, believing he first needs to spend some more time in Classic Physique.

The Brazilian bodybuilder said, “Firstly, maintain the title for at least about five years there [Classic Physique]. And like I always said, at the end of my career there, I want to move up to Open and finish in Open, but we still have a lot to do.”

So, now that you have seen how two bodybuilders can have completely different plans, which one would you say is better?

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Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Souvik Roy