Derek Lunsford’s tone and demeanor have changed ahead of his next bodybuilding contest. On December 18, 2024, he discussed how he plans to exact his revenge against Samson Dauda at the 2025 Arnold Classic after losing his Olympia title.
In 2023, Derek Lunsford won the Mr. Olympia and cemented himself as the sport’s first two-division titleholder, having previously acquired the 212 title in 2021. Although he was expected to dominate en route to a successful title defense, things did not go according to plan. He ended up placing third at the 2024 Mr. Olympia behind his teammate Hadi Choopan and the newly crowned champion Samson Dauda.
To get back to his winning ways, Lunsford will compete at his first Arnold Classic competition. The competitors list has been made official. In addition to a showdown against Dauda, Lunsford will have to overwhelm Andrew Jacked, Brandon Curry, and a slew of other surging threats to bring home the Arnold Classic trophy.
Derek Lunsford Reveals How He Plans to Beat Samson Dauda at the 2025 Arnold Classic: “I Just Check More Boxes”
During a recent YouTube video, Lunsford reflected on why he chose to throw his name into the Arnold Classic.
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“The last two years I wanted to compete in the Arnold. After thinking about it and discussing it with my wife I just decided not to do it and I think then it was the right call. And then coming off the Olympia, knowing that was not my best showing and I have more to prove, I was like I have to jump into the Arnold.”
While he’s known for his grace in triumph and defeat, Lunsford made it clear he’s coming to prove that ‘my best is the best’ in Columbus, Ohio.
“Normally, I’m just like ‘Oh I appreciate it guys.’ Truthfully, I’m always going to be respectful to the champion but truthfully, I believe my best is the best and I’m coming to prove it in 2025 for sure, starting with the Arnold.”
He expects to win at the Arnold Classic against Dauda and emphasizes that he’s competing for more than just revenge.
“I’m coming to win and that’s why I expect. Like I said in the beginning, I truly believe my best is the best in the world when I bring it. If I don’t bring it like this past Olympia, then sure, you can see me slip behind him or Hadi. But no. When I bring it at the Arnold, you better believe maybe think twice next time,” shared Lunsford.
“I think I would have [done the Arnold if I won the Olympia] to be honest with you. Like I said, I have more reasons than just wanting so-called revenge back.”
Lunsford argued that he can defeat Dauda from the side and has also improved his front poses like the front double biceps and front lat spread.
“For sure the side shots and I would say the front double and like Chris said, my front lat spread has even come up and we worked on the ab thigh pose, I’d say that pose too. I think between and the things you just said Terrick, the conditioning and all the judging criteria, I think I just check more boxes.”
Simply put, at 100 percent, he believes he’s the best in the world.
“As a champion, he wants me to be on and as a champion myself, I want him to be on. I want all these guys to be 100 percent. Yeah, me at 100 percent, I believe is the best in the world. I say that as humble as I can say it.”
He also teased a possible entry into the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, which will feature the Open Bodybuilding category for the first time.
“If I did Pittsburgh this year, it wouldn’t be for the money at all, 100 percent it would be because like you said, it’s where I did the guest posing to propel my Open career. I believe that the Pittsburgh Pro is going to be arguably the best show at some point, I believe it’s going to be the best show of the year outside of the Mr. Olympia.”
According to bodybuilding veteran Chris Cormier, fans should expect to see ‘the best Derek Lunsford to date.’
“His legs are going to be big at the Arnold. They are going to be more developed at the Arnold,” shares Chris Cormier. “I know for a fact you’re going to see the best Derek Lunsford to date.”
With the second-biggest event of the season almost here, bodybuilding veterans are giving their take on who might shock the world. Interestingly, Lee Priest believes it would be a mistake to overlook James Hollingshead, comparing his muscle density to the former six-time Olympia winner Dorian Yates.
Having surrendered his Olympia title to Samson Dauda, Lunsford has a unique opportunity in front of him to seek revenge. Don’t miss the 2025 Arnold Classic show from February 27 to March 2 in Columbus, Ohio!
Watch the full video from the OlympiaTV YouTube channel below:
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