Mike Sommerfeld Misses Arnold Weight
Reigning Classic Physique champion Mike Sommerfeld missed weight at the 2026 Arnold Classic and will not compete in this year's event. The unexpected development shakes up the division and opens the door for new contenders in one of bodybuilding's premier competitions.
The defending champion reportedly missed his weight target by approximately seven pounds. This was not the first time Sommerfeld has faced challenges with weight requirements, having had a similar issue at the 2025 Mr. Olympia competition. The issue appears to stem from an expectation that his height would be re-measured at the event. Classic Physique division rules tie a competitor's maximum weight directly to their height. Sommerfeld and his team reportedly based his target weight on a potential new height measurement that did not occur, leaving him over the limit for his officially recorded height. In a statement, Mike Sommerfeld took full responsibility for the miscalculation. He expressed his disappointment but confirmed his intention to compete at the upcoming Arnold Classic UK. With Sommerfeld out of the running, the 2026 Arnold Classic Physique title was claimed by Wesley Vissers. The rest of the top three consisted of Matheus Menegate in second and Andrea Mammoli in third place.
