{"id":17238,"date":"2026-04-04T02:34:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T02:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=17238"},"modified":"2026-04-04T02:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T02:34:09","slug":"samson-dauda-ready-for-2-man-battle-vs-andrew-jacked-at-2026-mr-olympia-refuses-to-count-out-derek-lunsford-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=17238","title":{"rendered":"Samson Dauda Ready for ‘2-Man Battle’ vs Andrew Jacked at 2026 Mr. Olympia, Refuses to Count Out Derek Lunsford \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Less than six months stand between Samson Dauda and the 2026 Mr. Olympia. On April 2, he discussed his \u2018Gladiator Mindset,\u2019 facing off against Andrew Jacked, and why he won\u2019t underestimate reigning champ Derek Lunsford.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Redemption has defined Samson Dauda<\/a>\u2018s path back to the Sandow trophy. While he entered the 2025 Mr. Olympia<\/a> as the champion, he ultimately left Vegas without the crown. His pursuit of drier conditioning backfired, and he fell to fourth place.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He attempted to rebound at the 2025 Prague Pro<\/a>, but came up short against Martin Fitzwater. Since then, Dauda has made it clear that he\u2019s bringing the 350-pound \u2018monster\u2019 back to the stage. However, when the Olympia makes its return, it will be an uphill battle for Dauda. Chinedu Andrew \u2018Jacked\u2019 Obiekea<\/a> boasts insane momentum, laying claim to victories at the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio<\/a> and UK<\/a> contests.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Additionally, Derek Lunsford<\/a> and Hadi Choopan<\/a> are in the hunt for top spots in Vegas. With the blockbuster show approaching soon, Dauda offered an inside look into his mentality and prep. He also sized up which contenders could give him the biggest test.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Level Up Your Fitness: Join our \ud83d\udcaa strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Samson Dauda on \u2018Gladiator Mindset\u2019 for 2026 Mr. Olympia, Wants Andrew Jacked Showdown\u00a0<\/h2>\n

In the YouTube video, Dauda acknowledged the hype behind Jacked, but said the athletes who are staying quiet are sometimes the most threatening.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe know what the task at hand has to be, and we\u2019re focused on that. We understand the hype and everything else, but we also watch the guys quietly in the background. Those are the ones you always have to keep your eye on.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Dauda hopes the 2026 Mr. Olympia is the year where he finally gets a two-man battle with Jacked. He added that he won\u2019t underestimate Lunsford when they meet again.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cFor me, I\u2019ve been waiting a long time for a two-man battle with Andrew. I\u2019ve been egging at it. Even last year, the Arnold in 2025, I was hoping that was going to be the case. I\u2019ve been waiting for this battle for a long time and I\u2019m super excited that it\u2019s happening. At the same time, like I said, you can never underestimate Derek.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

To get back in the winner\u2019s circle, Dauda said he\u2019s adopted a \u2018Gladiator\u2019s Mindset.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhen I look at these guys, I look at their flaws, I look at what their strengths are, and I compare them to mine. Okay, right, this is what I need to work on. What shots is he going to have over me? Okay, I need to make those shots better. And what shots do I already have over him? I have to make them dominant.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go tit for tat, break everything down, and I\u2019ll screw up my training to match that spot. I feel like it\u2019s the mindset, it\u2019s the Gladiator Mindset of okay, I want to win,\u201d Samson Dauda said<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Dauda isn\u2019t after a single outcome; he\u2019ll leave with his head held high if he can go shot-for-shot with the best in the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Level Up Your Fitness: Join our \ud83d\udcaa strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u201cI want to come on there and hit shot-for-shot. Regardless of what the result is at the end of the day, that doesn\u2019t matter to me. When I stand there and go shot-for-shot, it\u2019s okay, let\u2019s go for it, and you do your homework. For me, that\u2019s my reward right there. Now we have a battle.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Dauda isn\u2019t the only one calling for the Andrew Jacked showdown. \u201cThe Mona Lisa of Bodybuilding\u201d himself has also stressed that he wants a two-man callout with Dauda<\/a>. He believes they share similar strengths, like towering height and symmetry.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The bodybuilding community believes the next Mr. Olympia winner could be decided by the Jacked-Dauda battle. Shawn Ray and Bob Cicherillo have both suggested that Jacked and Dauda will fight for first and second place<\/a> at the Mr. Olympia.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fans are curious if Dauda\u2019s new mindset will help him when he faces off against the lineup. The 2026 Mr. Olympia<\/a> is set for September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>Phil Heath Tells Andrew Jacked to \u2018Impose His Will\u2019 On Derek Lunsford at 2026 Mr. Olympia, Says He Has \u2018Really Good Chance\u2019 to Win<\/a><\/p>\n

Watch the full video from the Ryan Terry YouTube channel below:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n