While many bodybuilding observers have written off Hadi Kupan’s competitive career, the Iranian powerhouse is back and he is teaming up with a familiar friend in Milos Sarchev as they target the 2026 Olympic title.
The return of Mr. Olympia in 2026 Hadi Chupan still remains a political debate.
Hadi Chupan has come under increasing pressure in recent years and has been criticized online for his alleged solidarity with the Iranian government, which has been condemned for suppressing protests and restricting freedom of expression). But while Mr. Olympia in 2022 denied that allegiance, explaining instead that his passion to represent the Iranian people is what drives him, the negative comments didn’t go away. As a result, they lost more than a million Instagram followers and the feeling that, with Choopan’s comeback on the scene diminishing, “The Persian Wolf” may soon give up bodybuilding altogether.
The holy victory of Chupan in Olympia-2022 followed shows the second place from 2023 to 2025. And. while he won the 2024 Arnold Classic in both the US and UK, his Columbus appearance came third for the 2026 Arnold USA, and amid growing online backlash, he didn’t even appear at the UK Arnold this year.
So it’s a big surprise to the bodybuilding world that Chupan still has the fire to step onto the Olympia stage again, and luckily, he’s bringing a friend along for the fight. “When many are gone, one remains,” wrote the madly made-up Iranian in an Instagram post on May 19, 2026. “As silence replaced support, one voice said, ‘It’s not over yet.’
Hadi Chupan and Milos Sarchev are teaming up to prepare for the 2026 Olympics
Chupan opened up to his 8 million IG followers, explaining: “True coaches don’t just build champions, they rebuild broken people into stronger versions of themselves.”
In turn, Milosh Sartsev is more suitable for this job. The man they call “The Mind” understands what it’s like to come from overseas and step on the boards on the world stage. Sarchev, who is a Serb, is a former Mr. Yugoslavia and Mr. Universe who has also competed in the Mr. Olympia finals several times. “I am very proud to announce that I will help Hodi Chupan prepare for Mr. Olympia 2026,” said Sartsev, a respected trainer and regular participant. M&F‘s Threat podcast.
Sarchev clarified his intentions through his personal page on Instagram, saying: “Everyone knows my love, respect and commitment to the people of Iran – and today I want them to hear me clearly: I respect and support you as your representative, your son and the real symbol of Iran and its people. There will always be many speculations and accusations about him. He fought for his people and proudly represented them on the world stage. presented and will continue to show.”
Sarchev’s enviable track record as a trainer has impressed the likes of James “Flex” Lewis, Andrew Jacked and Roelli Winklar, so it will be exciting to see what mark he can leave on the 2026 version of Hadi Chupan.
Has Hadi Chupan already qualified for Mr. Olympia 2026?
Second place in Hodi Chupan The 2025 Olympic event will automatically qualify for the 2026 finaland fans quickly cheered upon hearing of the epic union between Choopan and Sarcev. “The wolf is back,” one follower wrote. “Love this!” added another. “Milos is always like a father to all of us! Amazing man,” commented another.
Perhaps the greatest thing about bodybuilding is that it transcends politics and unites people for the love of the art. As a result, the road to the finals of Mr. Olympia 2026 has become even more interesting.
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