{"id":10178,"date":"2026-01-15T18:37:30","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T18:37:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=10178"},"modified":"2026-01-15T18:37:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T18:37:30","slug":"samson-dauda-signs-with-myprotein-explains-why-hes-skipping-the-2026-arnold-classic-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=10178","title":{"rendered":"Samson Dauda Signs With Myprotein, Explains Why He\u2019s Skipping the 2026 Arnold Classic \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For the first time in four years, Samson Dauda is not competing at the annual Arnold Classic. In a recent Q&A segment via Instagram on Jan. 14, 2026, he explained why he\u2019s sitting out of the prestigious contest.<\/strong> Additionally, he announced a new sponsor deal and broke down how he cuts weight for bodybuilding shows.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Samson Dauda<\/a> entered the 2025 Mr. Olympia<\/a> as the reigning champion, but his pursuit of better conditioning backfired. He appeared downsized onstage. Moreover, he lacked the back and leg width needed to hold his own against top contenders. He ended up placing fourth behind Chinedu Andrew \u2018Jacked\u2019 Obiekea<\/a>, Hadi Choopan<\/a>, and Derek Lunsford<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With time to rebuild his physique<\/a>, Dauda is leveraging his off-season to maximize progress. Though he\u2019s not competing in under seven weeks, \u201cThe Nigerian Lion\u201d is still making moves. He recently inked a contract with Myprotein as he sets his sights on regaining the Olympia title.\u00a0<\/p>\n

After a multi-year run with Fouad Abiad\u2019s Hosstile brand, Dauda announced he\u2019s now a Myprotein athlete.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cProud to officially announce my partnership with the world\u2019s largest supplement brand @myprotein,\u201d Samson Dauda wrote<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He admits that his body needed a rest, which is why he\u2019s skipping the Arnold Classic this year:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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