Chinedu Andrew “Jacked” Obiekea is putting the final touches on his physique for the 2026 Arnold Classic UK, set for March 27-29 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. On March 25, he discussed going ‘all in’ during preparations and called for a battle against Samson Dauda at the Mr. Olympia.
It’s been all gas and no brakes for Andrew Jacked. He took third place at the 2025 Mr. Olympia and dominated the Romania Pro to secure an early qualification for next year. On his third attempt at the Arnold Classic, Jacked claimed the title in a tense showdown against Nick Walker. This victory clinched him the $750,000 winner’s purse, the highest bodybuilding prize payout in history.
With another $250,000 reserved for the Arnold UK winner, Jacked has a shot at earning $1 million in prize earnings in a single month. However, if he hopes to accomplish that feat, he has to take out surging Pro Martin Fitzwater overseas.
Andrew Jacked Calls for Dauda Battle at 2026 Mr. Olympia, Says ‘We’re Going All Out’ for Arnold Classic UK
In the video, Jacked shared that he’ll be an ‘inch’ better in the UK than he was in Columbus. He expects Fitzwater and all other contenders to bring their best:
“I think I’ll be a little bit better. It’s just how I was better in Romania than Olympia. I think it will be the same. I’ll be just an inch better,” he said. “Not just him, I’m expecting everyone. Everyone who has been here has definitely been cooking. I’m expecting everyone to bring their platter buffet.”
According to Jacked, fans will know who the winner of the event is on Friday.
“I believe on Friday night we’ll know who the winner is. So, we’re going all-out, all-in on Friday night. We’re going for the kill. I believe if it happens, it means on Saturday night it’s a wrap.”
He wants a battle with Samson Dauda in the future and noted how similar their structures are.
“I’m just looking forward to just it being me and him, give the audience good entertainment because we’ve got almost same physique. I’m 6’2″, I’m taller than him by a little bit. But we’ve got the same structure, same everything, and I think that will be an amazing battle.”
Overall, Jacked believes his physique and Dauda’s best represent the Mr. Olympia, likening them to ‘Greek Gods.’
“I’m honestly looking forward to that,” he shared. “Both of us satisfy the criteria. The thing I believe is, when you talk about Olympia, it’s a Greek world, it’s like God. If you talk about the Greek Gods, they are tall, symmetry, everyone is looking at someone like that to call his [role] model. Same thing with Samson too.”
While Jacked has competed consistently since the Olympia, Dauda decided to take an alternative route. He sat out of the Arnold Classic and has yet to reveal when his next show will be. There’s also been speculation that Dauda could end up waiting to compete until the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
Jacked is focused on presenting his best onstage in Birmingham. Time will tell if he decides to shut it down after this event and focus solely on Mr. Olympia preparations. The 2026 Mr. Olympia takes place September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Watch the full video from the Beyond the Stage TV YouTube channel below:
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.Tip: If you're signed in to Google, tap Follow.
