Samir Bannout isn’t playing favorites ahead of the 2025 Arnold Classic, where a $500,000 cash prize is on the line. On February 15, 2025, he discussed why he’s not underestimating Derek Lunsford before previewing the rematch between Martin Fitzwater and Nick Walker at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro.
This year’s 2025 Arnold Classic lineup is arguably more stacked than ever before. A total of three Mr. Olympias will be in attendance, including Samson Dauda, Derek Lunsford, and Brandon Curry. However, there are plenty of threats looming in the background, such as Andrew Jacked, Carlos Thomas Jr., James Hollingshead, Akim Williams, and William Bonac.
Derek Lunsford is seeking revenge against Dauda, who prevailed at the last Mr. Olympia contest in first place. Lunsford, meanwhile, left Sin City in third place. With the showdown approaching in less than two weeks, Bannout, a former 1983 Olympia winner, gave his take on who might run away with gold.
Samir Bannout Not Doubting Derek Lunsford at 2025 Arnold Classic, Discusses Samson Dauda’s Attitude
In a recent YouTube video, Samir Bannout explained why it would be a bad idea to underestimate Derek Lunsford at the 2025 Arnold Classic.
“I would never leave Derek outside my winner’s circle. I said winner, he should never be out of first or second, thinking about Samson who was Mr. Olympia, come on. But I mean I don’t think people should underestimate what Derek can bring to the table.”
“I think Derek is a badass bodybuilder once he’s right on the money. Hey man, all bets are off on my side. I really think he’s capable of beating anyone.
While he credits reigning Olympia champion Dauda for his incredible mass and balance, he refused to dismiss Lunsford’s chances in Columbus.
“With all due respect to Samson, whom I think is incredible with all the mass and all the balance at his height, it’s amazing, but then again, when you talk about Derek man, the combination he has, he’s got a lot of mass.”
He believes Dauda has the attitude of a true champion heading into the Arnold. Bannout adds that his mass and momentum from winning the Olympia are notable advantages.
“When you have this attitude, yeah I’m Mr. Olympia but I’m not good enough yet, then you are a true champion because he doesn’t want anyone to touch him.”
“He’s already got an advantage by being Mr. Olympia, he’s got the advantage because he’s super massive. He’s got everything. I sincerely feel Samson needs to get a little bit sharper.”
Looking toward the Pittsburgh Pro, Bannout underlined that it will be a different Martin Fitzwater who rematches Nick Walker. However, he has yet to clarify who he believes will win that contest.
“It’s a different Martin right now. We’re talking a different Martin. Let’s see a different Nick Walker. We haven’t seen anything about Nick since his hamstring injury. I would love to see Nick Walker, he’s saying 299, hopefully he brings the same quality with more mass,” he shared.
Although fan attention is shifting to Pittsburgh, first things first: we have to see how Lunsford and Dauda perform on the Arnold Classic stage. Don’t miss the 2025 Arnold Sports Festival from February 27 to March 1 in Columbus, Ohio!
Watch the full video from the Old School Labs YouTube channel below:
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