Victor Martinez: What Nick Walker Must Do to Overcome Derek Lunsford at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro
Can Nick Walker rise to the occasion and dethrone Derek Lunsford at the highly anticipated 2025 Pittsburgh Pro? In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, hosts Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin dissected key topics dominating the bodybuilding sphere. They examined the hazards of extreme conditioning protocols and analyzed the competitive strategies of elite athletes, including reigning Arnold Classic champion Derek Lunsford. Additionally, Martinez shared his expert opinion on the adjustments Nick Walker must make to emerge victorious over Lunsford in Pittsburgh.
Below is an in-depth recap of this week’s discussion on the Generation Iron Podcast:
Are modern bodybuilders pushing conditioning to unhealthy extremes? Victor Martinez weighs in.
Evaluating Derek Lunsford’s decision to enter the Pittsburgh Pro.
Martinez’s expert breakdown of what Nick Walker must refine to surpass Lunsford.
Victor Martinez’s take on Andrew Tate’s recent training session with Bradley Martyn.
Watch the full episode above or continue reading for a comprehensive analysis of the key takeaways from this week’s discussion. Let’s dive in!
The Risks of Extreme Conditioning in Bodybuilding
A listener’s inquiry prompted a crucial conversation about whether today’s competitors are prioritizing ultra-shredded conditioning at the expense of their health. The discussion took a sobering turn as the hosts reflected on the tragic passing of 20-year-old bodybuilder and coach Jodi Vance, who suffered a fatal heart attack due to extreme dehydration during the 2025 Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio.
Victor Martinez emphasized that attaining peak stage conditioning should never require reckless or hazardous measures. He stressed that while contests do not mandate extreme methodologies, individual athletes often make perilous choices in pursuit of a hyper-peeled look. Specifically, Martinez issued a stern warning against the use of DNP (2,4-Dinitrophenol), a potent and highly dangerous fat-burning agent speculated to have played a role in Vance’s passing. He made it clear that he would never advise any athlete to incorporate such substances into their prep regimen.
The hosts underscored that there are safer, scientifically backed approaches to achieving elite-level conditioning. While extreme tactics may yield rapid results, the long-term consequences can be devastating. They urged competitors to embrace disciplined training, meticulous nutrition, and strategic supplementation rather than resorting to shortcuts that jeopardize their well-being.
The IFBB Pro League’s Role in Addressing Performance Enhancement Substances
The discussion naturally led to whether the IFBB Pro League should implement stricter regulations regarding dangerous drug use among competitors. Victor Martinez acknowledged the complexities of enforcing such oversight, particularly given the deeply ingrained nature of performance-enhancing substances in the sport.
Martinez suggested that the only viable solution would be widespread drug testing across all competitions. However, he also recognized the logistical and financial constraints, especially when juxtaposing bodybuilding’s resources against powerhouse organizations like the NFL or NBA. The reality remains that while education and advocacy for safer practices are paramount, a comprehensive regulatory framework would be difficult to implement and enforce on a global scale.
Derek Lunsford’s Ambitious Competitive Schedule
Shifting gears, the podcast delved into Derek Lunsford’s decision to compete in the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, marking his third major contest within a single season—an uncommon move for a former Mr. Olympia titleholder. After securing a third-place finish at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Lunsford rebounded with a dominant victory at the 2025 Arnold Classic, dethroning reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda in the process.
With a $100,000 prize purse on the line, the Pittsburgh Pro represents an enticing financial incentive. Martinez speculated that Lunsford sees this contest as both a lucrative opportunity and a strategic momentum builder heading into the 2025 Mr. Olympia. However, the competition landscape in Pittsburgh could shift dramatically if other top-tier contenders—particularly Samson Dauda—opt to throw their hats into the ring, setting the stage for a blockbuster rematch.
The Evolution of Contest Frequency: Then vs. Now
Vlad Yudin drew comparisons between Lunsford’s active competition schedule and the grueling contest circuits of 1980s and 1990s legends like Ronnie Coleman and Kevin Levrone, who frequently competed throughout the year.
Victor Martinez noted a key distinction: past competitors often entered shows that were scheduled within weeks of one another, allowing them to maintain peak conditioning without prolonged rebound phases. In contrast, Lunsford is spacing his contests over several months, a strategy that carries potential pitfalls. Martinez speculated that sustaining peak conditioning over an extended period could prove detrimental to Lunsford’s overall Olympia prep, but only time will tell if this gamble pays off.
Can Nick Walker Dethrone Derek Lunsford?
One of the most hotly debated topics of the episode centered on Nick Walker’s prospects against Derek Lunsford. Martinez dissected Walker’s strengths—his dense, granite-like muscularity, insane arm development, and thick back and legs—but emphasized that his ability to find the perfect balance between size and crisp conditioning will be crucial.
Martinez cautioned that over-focusing on extreme conditioning could lead to a loss of lower-body fullness, which would play into Lunsford’s hands. Given Lunsford’s ability to present a streamlined yet ultra-detailed physique, Walker must ensure that he peaks at the right time without sacrificing volume or symmetry.
Having been absent from the Olympia stage for two years, Walker’s clash with Lunsford at the Pittsburgh Pro marks his first encounter with a top-five Olympia finisher in quite some time. A victory over Lunsford—who currently holds the Arnold Classic title—would serve as a seismic shift in momentum leading into the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
The Road to the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro
Derek Lunsford’s decision to compete at the Pittsburgh Pro has significantly heightened excitement around the event. Fans and analysts alike are eager to witness how these bodybuilding titans will fare against one another and how their performances will reshape the competitive hierarchy leading into the Olympia season.
Beyond the onstage battle, the bodybuilding community continues to grapple with the ever-present discussion of health and longevity in the sport. While competitors push their physiques to extraordinary extremes, the conversation surrounding athlete safety, drug use, and the IFBB Pro League’s role in fostering a healthier competitive environment remains ongoing.
Final Thoughts
As anticipation builds for the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, this week’s podcast sparked thought-provoking conversations about competition strategies, the sustainability of frequent contest appearances, and the perils of extreme conditioning tactics. With Nick Walker poised to challenge Derek Lunsford—and the potential wildcard entry of Samson Dauda—this year’s Pittsburgh Pro is shaping up to be one of the most compelling bodybuilding showdowns of the season.
At the same time, the broader dialogue surrounding athlete health and safety continues to evolve. Whether the IFBB Pro League will eventually implement stricter regulations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 bodybuilding season is already shaping up to be one for the history books—both on and off the stage.
