Can Nick Walker Beat Derek Lunsford at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro? Victor Martinez explains what he would need to do to win over the Olympia champion
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, hosts Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin tackled pressing issues in the bodybuilding community, focusing on the dangers of extreme conditioning practices and the competitive strategies of top athletes like Derek Lunsford. Victor Martinez also shares his take on what Nick Walker would need to defeat Derek Lunsford at this year’s Pittsburgh Pro.
Below is a brief rundown of the topics discussed in this week’s Generation Iron Podcast:
- Victor Martinez answers: are bodybuilders getting too conditioned?
- Reacting to Derek Lunsford’s Pittsburgh Pro decision.
- Victor’s advice for what Nick Walker would need to defeat Derek Lunsford.
- What does Victor think of Andrew Tate and his recent workout with Bradley Martyn.
You can watch the full episode above. Keep reading for our complete breakdown of this week’s episode. Let’s dive in!
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The Perils of Extreme Conditioning in Bodybuilding
A listener’s question sparked a discussion on whether bodybuilders are pushing their conditioning too far, especially in light of the tragic passing of 20-year-old bodybuilder and coach Jodi Vance. Vance suffered a fatal heart attack due to severe dehydration during the 2025 Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio.
Victor Martinez emphasized that achieving exceptional conditioning doesn’t necessitate extreme measures. He pointed out that the decision to employ dangerous methods lies with the individual, not the competition itself. Martinez specifically cautioned against the use of DNP (2,4-Dinitrophenol), a substance rumored to be linked to Vance’s death, stating he would never recommend its use to any bodybuilder or client.
The hosts highlighted that safer alternatives exist and that extreme methods, while potentially offering high rewards, come with significant risks. They urged athletes not to bypass the hard work required to improve their physiques naturally, as similar conditioning levels can be achieved without resorting to life-threatening practices.
The Role of the IFBB Pro League in Regulating Substance Use
The conversation also addressed whether the IFBB Pro League should intervene in cases of dangerous drug use among competitors. Victor Martinez noted the challenges in policing personal substance use, questioning the feasibility of such oversight.
Martinez suggested that comprehensive drug testing at all competitions would be the only viable intervention but acknowledged the logistical and financial constraints, especially when comparing the bodybuilding industry’s resources to larger sports organizations like the NFL or NBA.
Derek Lunsford’s Ambitious Competition Schedule
Shifting focus, the hosts discussed Derek Lunsford’s announcement to compete in the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro. This marks his third major competition within a year, an uncommon strategy for a former Mr. Olympia champion. After placing third at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Lunsford rebounded by winning the 2025 Arnold Classic, defeating current Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda.
The Pittsburgh Pro offers a $100,000 prize for the Men’s Open winner. Martinez speculated that Lunsford is targeting this substantial cash prize. The competition may lack some of the top threats present at the Olympia or Arnold Classic—unless Samson Dauda also decides to compete. A face-off between Lunsford and Dauda in Pittsburgh would be particularly intriguing, given their recent competitive history.
Comparing Modern Competition Frequencies to the Golden Era
Vlad Yudin drew parallels between Derek Lunsford’s busy competition schedule and the practices of 1980s and 1990s bodybuilders like Ronnie Coleman and Kevin Levrone, who frequently competed throughout the year.
Victor Martinez noted a key difference: past competitions were often scheduled within weeks of each other, whereas Lunsford’s events are spread across several months. This spacing could pose a risk, potentially hindering Lunsford’s preparation for the 2025 Mr. Olympia. Only time will reveal the effectiveness of his approach.
Nick Walker’s Prospects Against Derek Lunsford
The podcast also explored what Nick Walker would need to do to surpass Lunsford at the Pittsburgh Pro. Victor Martinez highlighted Walker’s strengths in his arms, back, and legs, emphasizing the need to balance size with optimal conditioning. Overemphasis on conditioning could lead to a loss of leg volume, a vulnerability that Lunsford might exploit.
Walker has been absent from the Olympia stage for the past two years, making his upcoming battle with Lunsford at the Pittsburgh Pro his first encounter with a top-five Olympia competitor in some time. Defeating a former Mr. Olympia and the current Arnold Classic champion would significantly impact the landscape leading up to the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
Anticipation Builds for the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro
Derek Lunsford’s decision to compete in the Pittsburgh Pro has heightened anticipation for the event. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these top-tier athletes will perform and how their showings will influence the dynamics of the upcoming Mr. Olympia competition.
As the bodybuilding community reflects on the importance of health and safety in the sport, the upcoming competitions serve as a reminder of the dedication and strategic planning required to excel at the highest levels.
Wrap Up
As the bodybuilding world gears up for the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, the Generation Iron Podcast has sparked important conversations about both competition strategies and athlete safety. Derek Lunsford’s decision to compete in multiple major events within a year raises questions about long-term sustainability, while the tragic passing of Jodi Vance highlights the ongoing dangers of extreme conditioning practices.
With top contenders like Nick Walker and potentially Samson Dauda entering the mix, the Pittsburgh Pro is shaping up to be a must-watch event. At the same time, the broader discussion on health, drug use, and the IFBB Pro League’s role in athlete welfare continues to evolve. One thing is certain—2025 is set to be a pivotal year for bodybuilding, both on and off the stage.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
