On Episode 287 of The Menace Podcast, Dennis James, Jose Raymond, and Milos Sarcev discussed Sarcev's appointment as the official coach of Hadi Choopan, the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
Sarcev explained he had been cautious about protecting Choopan due to what he called “misconceptions and misinformation.” The former Mr. Yugoslavia and Mr. Universe said extensive conversations with Choopan and his translator convinced him the controversy surrounding “The Persian Wolf” was exaggerated. “It’s all created and inflamed by somebody like King Kamali,” Sarcev said. “Talking so much negativity and then people are just jumping on it.”
Sarcev further justified his support, stating Hadi Choopan has always been for the people and represents Iran, but has never worked for the Iranian regime. He noted that Choopan received a phone from the Iranian government with a pre-installed photo of the Ayatollah, which led to false assumptions about his political leanings. “Now, people going to say he is with the regime,” Sarcev said. “He’s not.” This caused Choopan to “cry his nights into the mornings” as he felt loved ones were losing faith in him.
Regarding the training plan for the 2026 Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas this September, Sarcev said the first priority is to show Iran that Choopan would never betray them. Second, he wants to rebuild Choopan’s confidence. “He was second at Mr. Olympia 2023, 24, 25, and arguably he could have won all those three shows. So, he’s that close.” Sarcev also aims to bring back the fuller legs and tight back Choopan displayed during his winning 2024 Arnold Classic performance. “That was the best. From back, to glutes, to hamstrings, that he didn’t have this year at The Arnold.”