The annual 2026 Mr. Olympia contest is lighting up Las Vegas from September 24-27. In a September 24 post, bodybuilding legends Flex Wheeler and Lee Haney backed Samson Dauda to win the contest.
It’s anyone’s title heading into Sin City. Derek Lunsford remains the man to beat. He went undefeated in 2025, picking up three consecutive victories, including the Arnold Classic, Pittsburgh Pro, and Mr. Olympia. Meanwhile, mass monster Samson Dauda dropped to fourth place with a more streamlined look.
Dauda attempted to rebound in Prague but still hadn’t regained the size that won him the 2024 Olympia. He promised to bring the ‘monster’ back to the stage, though some bodybuilding veterans have their doubts about him.
According to Shawn Ray, Dauda was behind two weeks out, and urged him to start a low-carb diet and cardio immediately after his 2026 Europa Pro win. Peaking a 300-pound-plus physique isn’t an easy task; despite that, two of the world’s best bodybuilders see him winning the upcoming Olympia.
Flex Wheeler and Lee Haney Predict Samson Dauda Wins 2026 Mr. Olympia
In the video, Wheeler opened up about Dauda’s chances of reigning supreme at the Mr. Olympia:
“If I was a betting guy right now, I would probably have to put my money on Samson. He’s a former Mr. Olympia. He absolutely has all the size everywhere from top to bottom. He’s added more muscle. He’s come in condition that’s comparable to what he did a couple of years ago.”
The ‘Sultan of Symmetry’ emphasized that if Dauda doesn’t do his job, other contenders can take his spot:
“For me, it’s his show to win. If he doesn’t do his job, then any one of those other two guys can easily walk through that door.”
Lee Haney commented below the post, calling Dauda ‘the closest thing’ to eight-time Mr. Olympia kingpin Ronnie Coleman.
“Samson has the total package of size, symmetry, and definition. His height and shape is the closest thing to Ronnie Coleman to date. My pick🫵🏽👌🏾” shared Lee Haney.
These aren’t the only bodybuilding greats to get behind Samson Dauda. Former 1983 Olympia Samir Bannout called Dauda ‘the man to win’ the 2026 Mr. Olympia. However, he stressed that the contest won’t be a walk in the park for ‘The Nigerian Lion,’ with Lunsford, Andrew Jacked, and Nick Walker in the mix.
The time for waiting is finally over. Don’t miss Fitness Volt‘s live coverage of the 2026 Mr. Olympia Weekend from September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The livestream is free, which could turn this into the most-watched bodybuilding show of all time.
RELATED: How to Watch the 2026 Mr. Olympia Free Livestream
