Ahead of one of the most elite bodybuilding competitions in the world, Mr. Olympia, veteran bodybuilder and coach Milos Sarcev issues a strong warning to the Men's Open division.

On May 29, the Serbian bodybuilder declared former Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan as the most feared competitor in the sport as the Iranian star prepares to win the Sandow trophy at the 2026 Mr. Olympia.

Sarcev, who recently started coaching Choopan in May this year, appeared on the Ron Harris Muscle podcast with Ron Harris. During the interview, he stated that he believes Choopan remains one of the most dangerous competitors at Olympia despite facing fierce competition from reigning champion Samson Dauda and other rising stars across the division.

“He’s always a top runner at the Olympia, and he’s going to be this year also," said the confident coach on the May 29th episode of the podcast. "I think he’s the most feared bodybuilder among the athletes. If I was going against Hadi, I would be concerned.”

In the video, Sarcev laid out his plan to ensure Choopan's victory, explaining that his goal is to emphasize Choopan's conditioning, muscle density, and relentless work ethic, which make him a title threat.

After winning the Mr. Olympia title in 2022 and being ranked among the elite competitors today, Choopan has been battling for the top spot, only to settle for second place, in three consecutive seasons in Mr. Olympia.

But this time, Sarcev says the objective is not to reinvent Choopan but to refine his already top-tier physique.

“I am throwing some [giant sets] at him," the coach said, giving a glimpse of his training. "I’m going to tell you right now, to have a perfect Hadi Choopan on the Olympia, I would still want to have a little bit fuller chest, fuller quads, tighter back, hamstrings, and glutes, obviously.” 

He explained that improvements are still needed in his back poses, where a leaner, drier, and more detailed look is expected. While Choopan's leg size has been a major strength, judges have previously noted that his right quad lacked fullness at times.

Sarcev's appreciation and guidance come at a crucial time in Choopan's career.

After parting ways with his long-time coach, Hany Rambod, in 2024, Choopan was left training on his own for the 2025 Olympia edition. But ahead of this year's Olympia, the two joined forces to ensure Choopan's second win.

Besides Sarcev, there is someone else who has a plan for Choopan's victory.

Terrick El Guindy Has Some Pointers for Hadi Choopan

In one of the episodes of Prime Time Muscle last December, Terrick El Guindy laid out a plan for Choopan that will help him win his second title.

“Consistency," Guindy said. "You can’t just show your best on Saturday, especially if you’re really close to guys like Derek, Samson. You got to knock it out of the park on Friday and Saturday. Come in with great conditioning on both days.”

Chris Cormier, too, even urged the 2022 winner to focus on connection rather than lifting heavy weights.

Thanks to his second-place finish at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Hadi Choopan is already qualified for the 2026 edition. Meanwhile, his coach, Milos Sarcev, understands the demands of competing on the global stage, having won Mr. Yugoslavia and Mr. Universe titles.

Will Choopan's performance match the high standards his coach expects of him? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar