Derek Lunsford took back the title of Mr. Olympia from Hadi Choopan this year. As it turned out, The Persian Wolf did not take too kindly to the loss. He stomped out of the stage the moment he was announced as the first runner-up. This led to a lot of negative limelight for the bodybuilding legend.

Even though Hadi Choopan publically apologized to Derek Lunsford the moment he realized his mistake, he has been criticized by the fitness community. Now that it has been months since the incident, the event is still pointed out, not just by the fans and followers, but even by elite bodybuilders.

Victor Martinez calls out Hadi Choopan for his little Olympia stunt

Generation Iron Fitness Network, the multimedia network for bodybuilding and fitness, recently took to their official Instagram account and shared snippets of their podcast featuring Victor Martinez and the GI crew. They were discussing whether Hadi Choopan’s losing to Derek Lunsford was a high or low of 2023.

According to Victor Martinez, it was a strategy. He says, “I think that’s a high one because I predicted Derek Lunsford won it after he bowed out from the Arnold.” He goes on to state how it was not a very strong loss for Choopan, and he does not feel bad for him. Hadi Choopan, according to Victor Martinez was posing on the stage as if he was a guest.

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Talking about the fact that Hadi Choopan walked out of the stage before the winner could even be announced, Martinez said, “You could be a great winner but you have to be a respectable loser.” It has not been all criticism for Hadi Choopan. In some cases, he has also received the support of his fellow bodybuilders.

Jay Cutler shows empathy for Hadi Choopan

Jay Cutler resonated with Hadi Choopan after losing to Derek Lunsford. Although the 4X Mr. Olympia had predicted Derek Lunsford to be the winner, he was stunned to see the exceptionally conditioned physique that Hadi Choopan walked on the stage with. It was pretty evident that he had worked hard.

Read More: “Shameful Robbery”: Bodybuilding World Feels Sorry as Hadi Choopan Storms Off the Stage After Losing 2023 Mr. Olympia to Derek Lunsford

Jay Cutler said, “Derek Lunsford won his first, and he was second last year, a lot had first-place votes. Hadi wasn’t too happy about the decision. I wouldn’t be either, you know, he was very very close. It was neck and neck.” There have been several controversies related to the results of Mr. Olympia this year. What are your thoughts about it? Let us know in the comments section below!