Samson Dauda aims to widen the gap between himself and the rest of the Arnold Classic lineup as he sets his sights on a second title. On February 6, 2025, Chris Cormier suggested that Dauda’s leg definition is surpassing Ronnie Coleman’s and Dorian Yates’.
It seems with each passing season, new improvements and details are noticeable in Samson Dauda‘s physique. In 2023, he took third place at the Mr. Olympia contest behind Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford. Lunsford’s dominant back double biceps pose was the difference-maker. In 2024, Dauda warmed up with a big win at the Tsunami Pro just weeks before it was time to rematch Lunsford.
During the 2024 Mr. Olympia’s 60th anniversary, Dauda showcased his all-time best to secure his first victory on the prestigious stage. While most athletes take some time off following such a historic feat, that’s not in Dauda’s nature. He announced his entry for the 2025 Arnold Classic before inviting Choopan and Lunsford to join him.
Lunsford took him up on the offer and fan anticipation for the rematch has grown since. To break down the action and what’s likely to unfold, Chris Cormier joined Milos Sarcev to give their take on the upcoming showdown.
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Chris Cormier Says Samson Dauda’s Leg Definition Surpassing Ronnie Coleman’s and Dorian Yates’ Ahead of 2025 Arnold Classic
In a recent The Menace Podcast, Chris Cormier shared that he’s seeing new changes in Dauda’s physique.
“The one thing I’m noticing about Samson is he’s got these big deep grooves between his ham, thigh, and glute that area. At over 300-something pounds but he didn’t have that when he was competing in the Arnold sometimes.”
Cormier was taken aback by Dauda’s leg definition and tie-ins, emphasizing that we haven’t seen this from bodybuilding legends like Ronnie Coleman and Dorian Yates.
“He didn’t have it then but here in the off-season, 300 plus pounds, and you’re seeing these deep grooves, not so much definition in the hamstrings but deep sliced grooves here.
Yeah, the tie-ins, judges look at that and think you’re in tip-top shape. But still, he’s 300 pounds, we never saw that from Ronnie, Dorian, or anybody. I think that’s going to be something to watch as we get closer.”
Milos Sarcev adds that fans may witness something they have never seen before from Dauda.
“Maybe we’re going to see something we have never seen before. The rate he’s improving, size-wise, shape-wise, groove-wise, quality-wise, conditioning-wise, size of the arms, size of the chest, back, Derek was untouchable when he won that Olympia, there was no comparison really in the back double biceps pose between him and Samson.
He wouldn’t be shocked if Dauda manages to defeat Derek Lunsford’s signature back double biceps pose.
“Already last year, it was a very good comparison but this year, I wouldn’t actually be surprised if Samson beat him even in that pose,” shares Sarcev.
Sarcev underlined that Dauda has improved across the board, from fullness, roundness, and thickness to presentation.
“In every aspect he improved. Improved in size, fullness, roundness, width, thickness, shape, presentation, everything. Listen, that’s a driven individual that knows his potential,” states Sarcev. “Derek is in the running but he’s going against a specimen that is just transforming, morphing in front of us. He’s becoming a photoshop in front of your eyes.”
Bodybuilding veterans like Sarcev, Cormier, and Dennis James have been open about their predictions for the 2025 Arnold Classic. They all believe Dauda will walk away victorious, which would set him up for another major year in the sport.
With $500,000 up for grabs, the upcoming 2025 Arnold Classic will be a life-changing event for the winner. Don’t miss Dauda’s performance when the Arnold Sports Festival returns to Columbus, Ohio from February 27 to March 2.
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Huh, I don’t see anything different with this guy.