All eyes are on Hadi Choopan as of late. Since he arrived in the United States and immediately dropped new content, flanked by longtime friend and coach Hany Rambod, the world of bodybuilding and fitness has come alive! The Persian Wolf is on a shortlist of competitors who have the ability to defeat reigning champion Samson Dauda. Many fans still haven’t digested Choopan’s loss to Lunsford in 2023; however, they believe that Hadi is the only man who can topple Dauda at the Olympia stage. While Lunsford bested Dauda in Columbus, Ohio, earlier this year, that’s the 2nd most important contest in the world. You can win the Arnold, the NY Pro, and you can then go onto winning other big prize shows, like the Dubai; however, it’s only the Olympia that determines the #1 bodybuilder in the world. This might explain why Samson was able to brush the Lunsford upset off. It didn’t change anything. But it also lit a fire under the defending champ. He didn’t do any more shows. He focused on growing the sport and preparing for the Olympia. Who knows what would have happened if he won in Columbus. He may have tried competing in the first-ever Pittsburgh pro bodybuilding show and/or he may have done the NY Pro, too.
Another key reason why Samson hunkered down has to do with Hadi. Very few people believe that Derek will knock Samson out, especially since the Columbus loss. The champ got caught off guard, but it won’t happen for a second time. Although he doesn’t harbor any ill will for Lunsford, he won’t underestimate him again. There are, of course, other threats on Dauda’s radar. These include Andrew Jacked, Martin Fitzwater, and Hadi Choopan, but Hadi is a little different. When Hadi won the O, he beat both Lunsford and Dauda. When Hadi lost it, it was by the skin of his teeth. Hadi hasn’t faded away and he’s solidified himself as the #1 contender. To millions of fans, Hadi is the uncrowned Mr O. And all of that helps come showtime because seats will be filled with bodies and pay per view packages will sell. Hype may not reflect on the score cards, but it certainly contributes to the psych out.
We’ve often heard that a great deal of the 1977 film “Pumping Iron” was scripted, but the psych-out seems real to me. It was real in their day and it’s real today. It may not involve hiding good luck charms, but the mind games at play are ever-present. That as much you can rest assured of. Unlike years prior, Hadi has been more active on social media and people have been tuning in. The guy is a stripped down bodybuilder. You won’t find him using goon lighting or playing with shadows. What you see, is what you get, and The Persian Wolf has really been stepping up. I will tell you that all of the top guys were none too happy to see their old brother-in-iron Stateside. What’s more, he came with three weeks time. He won’t be jetlagged, tired, or hungry. He’ll have the good fortune to train into the contest, look and feel his best, and do serious battle.
What say you? Can Hadi be the second man in history to win back his Olympia? Only time will tell, but The Persian Wolf is coming for redemption. I look forward to reading your feedback in the comments. See YOU at the 2025 Olympia Weekend!!
