On Episode 301 of The Menace Podcast, host Dennis James was joined by Milos Sarcev and Jose Raymond, and with the 2026 Mr. Olympia final now just weeks away, the panel discussed Samson Dauda’s recent progress. Is Derek Lunsford’s title in jeopardy?
To begin the conversation, “The Menace” pointed out that he had been “concerned” with Samson Dauda’s physique as the 2026 finals were fast approaching. However, the 2024 Mr. Olympia has since posted content on social media that has changed the host’s opinion entirely. “I will have to retract my statement,” said James. “He’s on the money.”
Last week, Dauda posted a sneak peek of his current conditioning, lifting his shirt and shorts to reveal an incredible physique, seemingly ticking all the boxes for size and definition. The big man’s bid to bulk up came after his 2024 Mr. Olympia win was followed up by a disappointing fourth place at last year’s event, leading the British-Nigerian bodybuilder to admit that he’d lost too much size. The 2025 trophy instead went to Derek Lunsford, who is hoping to defend his title in Las Vegas this year, but can Dauda pose a danger with his current progress?
Can Samson Dauda Make History at the 2026 Mr. Olympia?
Currently, Jay Cutler and Derek Lunsford are the only bodybuilders in history to regain the Mr. Olympia trophy after losing it. Jay Cutler won in 2006 and 2007 before losing to Dexter Jackson in 2008. “The Quad Stomper” then regained the title in 2009 and 2010. The current champion, Derek Lunsford is also back on top after winning the trophy in 2023, dropping it to Dauda in 2024, and then recovering the trophy in 2025.
“I think he’s right where he should be,” said the host concerning Dauda’s chances of making his own history. “And I think he will be the most dangerous Samson we’ve ever seen,” he added. The Menace’s sentiment was met with agreement from Jose Raymond. “I saw that too,” he confirmed, but Raymond also suggested some filters may have been at play. “I don’t know if he did it, or if someone else did,” theorized Raymond. “But even with a filtered picture, you can’t fake striations,” he relented. “Even the side leg was crazy, separated and huge.” Still, James pointed out that Lunsford’s legs are also huge as the final approaches, making for a close final in Sin City.
During the podcast, Milos Sarcev also provided some insight into the current champion’s mindset, noting that Lunsford wants to face all the top contenders, even extending his financial help to support Hadi Choopan’s travel to the United States should he be allowed out of Iran. Such a gesture appears to show that Lunsford is confident and welcoming all challengers.
To see this conversation in full on The Menace Podcast, where the panel also dissected the latest bodybuilding news, check it out on the Muscle & Fitness YouTube channel.
