Being a two-division champion is a rare and remarkable feat in any sport, and bodybuilding is no exception. One of the few athletes to claim the ‘champ champ’ status is the UFC star Conor McGregor. ‘The Notorious’ was the first one in the entire UFC to hold two titles (lightweight and featherweight) at once. Now, there is another athlete, but in the field of bodybuilding, who is looking to replicate McGregor’s humongous achievement.

It is none other than Derek Lunsford, a rising star in the world of bodybuilding, Lunsford won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title in the 212 division in 2021. Months later, he made a guest appearance at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro. The 30-year-old impressed the bodybuilding community and earned himself a special invite to compete in the prestigious Open Mr. Olympia.

Stepping onto the Mr. Olympia stage for the first time as an Open competitor, Lunsford’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He finished 2nd, just behind his teammate Hadi Choopan. Now, as Lunsford prepares for his 2nd outing in the Open category, bodybuilding veteran Flex Lewis has some inspiring words for him!

Flex Lewis predicts Derek Lunsford to be the Conor McGregor of bodybuilding

Having Lunsford as his guest on the Straight Outta The Lair podcast, Lewis shared his admiration for his determination and growth in the sport. He expressed relief that Lunsford was no longer competing, considering the potential threat he posed. Furthermore, Lewis firmly believed that Lunsford could be the first-ever two-division champ-champ in bodybuilding.

“I also said to myself, thank God I am not competing in the Open class against this guy. What you’ve done since the 212 is honestly so inspiring. Now you’re going to be, in my eyes, the first ever champ champ,” said Lewis.

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Further, Lewis expressed how achieving the two-division champ status was a motivation for him. However, Lewis was not able to do that, and he now looks to Lunsford to fulfill that aspiration.

He said, “That to me, because of Conor McGregor and many of the other guys from different weight divisions have done it, is and was my motivation. It was my motivation to be the first-ever two-division champ-champ. I’ll never be able to achieve now that I’m retired. I want to see you go to the moon and back.”

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Can Derek Lunsford pull off what Conor McGregor did? Moreover, do you think he can win the 2023 Mr. Olympia? Do let us know in the comments below.