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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\u00a0 discussed Samson Dauda\u2019s recent progress. Is Derek Lunsford\u2019s title in jeopardy?<\/p>\n
To begin the conversation, \u201cThe Menace\u201d pointed out that he had been \u201cconcerned\u201d with Samson Dauda\u2019s 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\u2019s opinion entirely. \u201cI will have to retract my statement,\u201d said James. \u201cHe\u2019s on the money.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s bid to bulk up came after his 2024 Mr. Olympia win was followed up by a disappointing fourth place at last year\u2019s event, leading the British-Nigerian bodybuilder to admit that he\u2019d lost too much size.<\/a>\u00a0The 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?<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 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. \u201cThe Quad Stomper\u201d then regained the title in 2009 and 2010.<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI think he\u2019s right where he should be,\u201d said the host concerning Dauda\u2019s chances of making his own history. \u201cAnd I think he will be the most dangerous Samson we\u2019ve ever seen,\u201d he added. The Menace\u2019s sentiment was met with agreement from Jose Raymond. \u201cI saw that too,\u201d he confirmed, but Raymond also suggested some filters may have been at play. \u201cI don\u2019t know if he did it, or if someone else did,\u201d theorized\u00a0 Raymond. \u201cBut even with a filtered picture, you can\u2019t fake striations,\u201d he relented. \u201cEven the side leg was crazy, separated and huge.\u201d Still, James pointed out that Lunsford\u2019s legs are also huge as the final approaches, making for a close final in Sin City.<\/p>\n During the podcast, Milos Sarcev also provided some insight into the current champion\u2019s mindset, noting that Lunsford wants to face all the top contenders, even extending his financial help to support Hadi Choopan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nCan Samson Dauda Make History at the 2026 Mr. Olympia?<\/h2>\n