Bodybuilding legend Lee Priest is still keeping tabs on the Men’s Open class in retirement. On Feb. 10, 2026, he discussed Samson Dauda’s decision to add mass for the 2026 Mr. Olympia. Priest also revealed his bench press max during his prime.
The 2025 Mr. Olympia was full of surprises. Despite his status as a heavy favorite, Dauda’s pursuit of sharper conditioning backfired. He lacked the mass and density needed to hold his own against Hadi Choopan and the newly crowned two-time champ, Derek Lunsford.
Dauda attempted a rebound show at the Prague Pro, but faced off against an all-time best Martin Fitzwater. He ended up in second place and decided it was time for a rest. In the off-season, Dauda has already eclipsed the 350-pound mark, as he sets his sights on reclaiming the Olympia title. Priest, who competed in the 1990s to 2000s, opened up on Dauda’s bold strategy.
Lee Priest Shares His Prime Bench Press PR, Breaks Down Samson Dauda’s Decision to Bulk Up for 2026 Mr. Olympia
In the video, Priest discussed Dauda’s decision to focus on regaining size in 2026:
“I’m interested to see how Samson is going to look at the Olympia. Like he said, he’s got enough time to hold on to some of that weight, where it’s not like some people, they balloon up, and then as soon as they hit it, boom, come straight back down.”
“He’s got a good time to sit in that 240-250 range so when he does diet down, it’ll be interesting to see what he comes in the Olympia at in good condition, if he’ll still be 310 or something.”
As for Priest’s all-time bench press PR, he revealed it was 525 pounds for five reps.
“525 pounds for five reps,” shared Priest.
Though Priest doesn’t have a problem with Dauda’s new strategy, some bodybuilders think it could be a mistake. Namely, Shawn Ray, who recently suggested that adding size ‘doesn’t work’ when you’re standing against ‘harder and smaller’ bodybuilders. He also emphasized that Dauda is almost 40 and dropping significant weight before a contest could prove difficult.
Shahriar Kamali, better known as King Kamali, argued Dauda should take a different route. He suggested that Dauda team up with former six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates. If the two worked together, Kamali is confident they would present a physique ‘the world has never seen.’
Dauda is focused on regaining glory at the ‘Super Bowl of Bodybuilding.’ The 2026 Mr. Olympia will head back to Las Vegas, NV, from Sept. 24-27.
RELATED: Samson Dauda Signs With Myprotein, Explains Why He’s Skipping the 2026 Arnold Classic
Watch the full video from the Serious and Silliness Bodybuilding with John Livia YouTube channel:
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