Tag: 2022 Arnold Classic

Chad Nicholls Shares Predictions For 2022 Arnold Classic

Chad Nicholls Shares Predictions For 2022 Arnold Classic

Chad Nicholls recently revealed who he believes will be the new champion at the 2022 Arnold Classic.
The 2022 Arnold Classic is right around the corner and that means there will be plenty of predictions coming out. Chad Nicholls recently shared his opinion on who could take over as the new champion in Columbus.
The Arnold Classic is back where it belongs taking place from March 3-6. With the event returning to the beginning of the year, there are many big names that will be present. This does not include Nick Walker, who won the show in 2021 but will continue to focus on the 2022 Olympia. This means there will be a new champion and Nicholls, a bodybuilding coach and sports nutritionist, recently gave his pick.

Nicholls joined The Menace Podcast on the Muscle and Fitness YouTube page and this is where he broke down some of the biggest names in the show. Before we get into what Nicholls had to say, let’s take another look at the Men’s Open lineup for the 2022 Arnold Classic.
2022 Arnold Classic Lineup

William Bonac (Netherlands)
Rafael Brandão (Brasil)
Maxx Charles (USA)
Brandon Curry (USA)
Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
Regan Grimes (Canada)
Steve Kuclo (USA)
Cedric McMillan (USA)
Fabio Giga Rezende (Brasil)
Justin Rodriguez (USA)
Mohamed Shaaban (Egypt)
Brett Wilkin (USA)
Akim Williams (USA)

Brandon Curry
It has been quite a run for Brandon Curry. He was crowned Mr. Olympia in 2019 and has finished as the runner-up in back-to-back years to Big Ramy. When looking at the field, Curry has to be considered one of the favorites, if not No. 1 on the list. He has his sights set on taking back his Olympia crown but will appear at the second biggest show of the year first.

Nicholls has always liked Curry to come out victorious at the Arnold Classic and he has not changed his opinion.
“I think Curry’s going to win this. I’ve always though that Curry’s going to win this. I think just that the level that he’s at right now, based off of where everybody’s ay, if he shows up anywhere close, I don’t think anybody beats him.”
Brandon Curry has a victory at the Arnold Classic from back in 2019, the same year he won the Olympia. There is a chance that he could bring home his second in about six weeks.
William Bonac
Walker might have won the Arnold Classic in September but would it have happened this way if William Bonac was there? The 2020 Arnold Classic champ was unable to make the trip but will return to the stage this year. According to Nicholls, this does not mean that he will make an immediate impact.
“I think that the things he has lacked over the last couple of years are finally starting to catch up with him. I think he was downsized a bit and his conditioning was also behind in 2021. I think he had very little time to correct that.”
Brett Wilkin
There are many big names returning to the Arnold Classic this year. Steve Kuclo finished third last year, Regan Grimes continues to improve, and Cedric McMillan and Nathan De Asha always have eyes on them. Nicholls believes another up-and-comer could steal the show.
Brett Wilkin is a rising star in the sport but has not taken that next step just yet. This might not be the year that Wilkin takes home the title but he has a chance to finish in the top three. Nicholls believes that he could be a threat to Curry.
“”He matches Brandon structurally. Obviously, Brandon’s got that massive back and that width and you know, that shoulder to waist ratio but Wilkins isn’t that far off. I think he might be bigger so it’s gonna be interesting.”
It is going to be an intense and entertaining battle to see who finishes in the top five. Wilkin could be the name that makes the biggest jump during this event. As of now, Brandon Curry seems to be the competitor to beat at this point.
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Nick Walker Explains Why He Will Not Defend Title During 2022 Arnold Classic

Nick Walker Explains Why He Will Not Defend Title During 2022 Arnold Classic

Nick Walker will sit out during the Arnold Classic this year to prepare for the Olympia.
The lineup for the 2022 Arnold Classic was announced in December. There were some big names on the list but also one glaring absence — 2021 champion Nick Walker.
‘The Mutant’ put together an incredible season in 2021. He won the New York Pro, which earned qualification to the Olympia, and added a title at the Arnold Classic. In 2022, Walker revealed he will skip the second-biggest bodybuilding show of the year to prepare for the ultimate weekend. Walker took to Instagram to share his insights.

“Everyone keeps asking “why aren’t you doing the Arnold?”
I remember when I did the Chicago pro 6 weeks after I just turned pro. I took 4 place, 3 top guys in the sport beat me. Was I mad I didn’t win? I mean I think that should be anyones initial reaction when the goal is always to win. But I also knew I just got 4th behind some of the best.
I remember the next morning I looked myself in the mirror and I said “they will never beat me again.”

After earning his Pro Card in 2020, Nick Walker began competing at the 2020 Chicago Pro. He finished fourth in the event and wanted to make sure that he did not lose to the top three again — Maxx Charles, Justin Rodriguez, and Akim Williams. Walker mentions that he was not defeated by those competitors in 2021.
Remember, this is the same athlete that was not happy with his fifth-place finish at the Olympia. Most would be pleased with this finish in their first appearance at the Olympia but Walker considered it a loss and nothing more.
“Fast forward some, I won New York, I won the Arnold, I got 5th place at my first olympia. Those guys have not beaten me again.
With the guys that beat me at the olympia, it just doesn’t make sense to continue to compete without making the improvements needed to beat those guys at the olympia. I need the off-season to make big improvements for the olympia 2022.
Speak it into existence- olympia 2022, im coming for it all.”

This year, Nick Walker has his eyes on the bigger picture rather than defending his title. It is clear that his goal is to be named Mr. Olympia after a top-five finish. Walker references the four competitors that beat him in October. They are Big Ramy, Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, and Hunter Labrada. With the four likely holding out for the Olympia, Walker does not feel the need to step on stage beforehand.
The 2022 Olympia will return to Las Vegas from Dec. 15-18. Despite the Arnold Classic taking place in March, Nick Walker will not compete. Instead, all of his eggs will be put into winning gold during the Olympia at the end of the year.
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Cedric McMillan Gives Physique Update Ahead Of Arnold Classic

Cedric McMillan Gives Physique Update Ahead Of Arnold Classic

Cedric McMillan is looking shredded in preparation for the Arnold Classic.
Cedric McMillan is not a competitor that uses social media too often to share physique updates. Just nine weeks out of the 2022 Arnold Classic, McMillan decided to show his fans his recent progression heading into the new year.
On Sunday, McMillan took to Instagram to post a video going through some poses in the gym. He is looking shredded as he prepares to get back on stage during the second biggest bodybuilding show of the year. The Arnold Classic will return to Columbus, OH on March 3-6.

“Alot of us pros don’t post as we start prep and progress, I think its because we don’t wanna deal with being over-analyzed by some dudes sitting on the toilet scrolling instagram haha. My anxiety is so bad I get nervous about even sending progress to a coach, or even just recording and looking at myself! I’ve done whole preps without making pics or videos! So this is an attempt to overcome a challenge. So here critics, enjoy this meal haha and remember as we all get ready for the @arnoldsports we need u to let us know how good or bad u think we are?”

It is a positive sight to see Cedric McMillan back to looking massive after a recent string of health issues. In 2020, McMillan suffered a broken collarbone that kept him out of the Olympia. More recently, McMillan had a long road back after contracting COVID-19. He was hospitalized and lost nearly 30 pounds.
While in the hospital, McMillan lost weight from the virus but was determined to defeat it and get back to competition. He took the stage during the Legion Sports Pro in October. McMillan was not part of the first callout and did not return to stage for the final round. McMillan was then scheduled to appear during the Egypt’s KO Pro show but did not make it.

Now, Cedric McMillan looks like he is in competition shape and ready to make an impact at the Arnold Classic. He was present at the event last year but was heard on commentary rather than competing on stage.
This is a chance for McMillan to prove that he can still compete with the best in the world. One thing we know is that the raw grit ad determination is still there for one of the biggest names in the sport.
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Regan Grimes Looks Incredible 12 Weeks Out From 2022 Arnold Classic

Regan Grimes Looks Incredible 12 Weeks Out From 2022 Arnold Classic

Regan Grimes gives update 12 weeks out from Arnold Classic.
12 weeks out from the 2022 Arnold Classic, Regan Grimes has dropped a new update. The Men’s Open Bodybuilder is showing some great developments ahead of the show, one that he could possibly win.
It appears that Regan Grimes has really turned a corner in his career. From ending up in 15th place at the Olympia, Grimes has been looking pretty impressive. He’s been winning shows and improving his physique and presence on stage. With his new coach Milos Sarcev helping him, Grimes has become a top contender in the Men’s Open division.
Regan Grimes is looking to take his game to the next level. Obtaining a new coach has really helped him build up his physique. Milos Sarcev has clearly made a major impact on his career. Grimes has always had the elements of a high level champion but was missing certain elements. Sarcev is helping to bring those elements to light.
Not only has Regan Grimes been training with Milos Sarcev, he’s also been training with legends like Jay Cutler and Iris Kyle. Training with such high level veterans has clearly given Grimes an edge.
12 Weeks Out

Now ahead of the 2022 Arnold Classic Regan Grimes has revealed a physique update. From what we can see in this latest post is that Grimes has a well balanced physique and all the goods needed to be a potential dark horse in the division.

DAY ONE – I am unofficially 12 weeks out from the 2022 Arnold Classic?? I did apply to compete at the 2022 Arnold Classic; hopefully when the list comes out on the 15th, I’m on it!! Here is the starting point 280+lbs this morning. This first photo was taken after the crazy leg workout today, I could barely pose but practice starts now! Every single day. ?? Swipe to see some clips from the workout!

It’s clear that Regan Grimes has all the tools necessary to take his game to the next level. From this latest update you can already see signs of improvement from his last show. With Milos Sarcev by his side Grimes is already showing some great developments from his physique to his presentation. Can he win at the 2022 Arnold Classic? We’ll have to wait and see, but his chances are definitely favorable.
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

Sarah Villegas Upset To See Women’s Bodybuilding Left Off 2022 Arnold Classic Schedule

Sarah Villegas Upset To See Women’s Bodybuilding Left Off 2022 Arnold Classic Schedule

Two-time Olympia champion Sarah Villegas offering to sponsor women’s bodybuilding events.
Sarah Villegas has turned into one of the top competitors in women’s bodybuilding. This has come after two consecutive Olympia championships in the Women’s Physique division. It is not surprising to see that Villegas was upset to see Women’s Physique and women’s bodybuilding as a whole left off the list of scheduled events for the 2022 Arnold Classic.
The Arnold Classic is scheduled for March 3-6 and will take place in Columbus, Ohio. It will get back to normal scheduling after being moved to September this year due to COVID-19. This was a one-day event that featured just four events — Men’s Open, Classic Physique, Fitness, and Bikini. With the event getting back to normal in 2022, Villegas was disappointed to see some divisions being left off and made an offer to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Villegas took to Instagram to offer Schwarzenegger and Arnold Sports Festival to say she will take $20,000 of her own money and sponsor the Women’s Physique division at the competition.
“I’m very disappointed to learn that the @arnoldsports has excluded Women’s Physique and Women’s Bodybuilding from the 2022 Arnold Classic roster.
I’m extending an offer to @schwarzenegger and @arnoldsportswhere I will personally sponsor all prize money for the Women’s Physique category at the 2022 Arnold Sports Festival if they choose to add the category to the roster. LET THE GIRLS COMPETE.”

Women’s Physique was not present during the Arnold Classic this year. Just two weeks after the event, Sarah Villegas was on stage in Orlando winning her second Olympia title in a row in the division. If Schwarzenegger does not accept this offer, Villegas still plans to give back to the division.

Villegas will still shell out $20,000 if her offer is rejected. She will spread this out over three shows. Villegas plans to give $10,000 to the winner of the 2022 Texas Pro and $5,000 each during two different shows. These two shows are yet to be determined.
“My offer stands, however if it is not accepted, here is what I am going to do to support my category:
I’ve decided to spend $20,000 out of my pocket this coming year to support the Women’s Physique division at multiple Pro shows: $10,000 for the 2nd annual “Sarah Villegas Women’s Physique Distinction Award” that will be awarded to the WPD winner at the 2022 Texas Pro, and two additional $5,000 first place checks that will be awarded to the first place WPD winners at 2 other Pro shows (shows TBD).”
It is unknown is Schwarzenegger plans to accept this offer but even if he does not, Villegas does not condone negative comments toward him. She made it a point to speak highly of Schwarzenegger and all he has done for the sport of bodybuilding.
“Ps. I respect Arnold for the athlete and the pioneer he has been, so please no negative comments towards Arnold or The Arnold Sports organization. I’m doing this in a positive way to support the Women’s Physique category, the category that I love so much. #WeAreWomensPhysique  #WPDstrong ✊”
Sarah Villegas is attempting to make moves strictly for the love of the Women’s Physique division. This is a story that will have a chance to add more information if a response if made from Schwarzenegger or his company.
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