At the 2025 Olympia press conference – Samson Dauda directly addressed his loss to Derek Lunsford at the 2025 Arnold Classic and how it motivated him
Bodybuilding fans got a fiery reminder of Samson Dauda’s warrior mentality at the 2025 Mr. Olympia press conference. When host Bob Cicherillo asked Dauda about his runner-up finish to Derek Lunsford at the 2025 Arnold Classic – just months after defeating him for the 2024 Mr. Olympia title – the British powerhouse didn’t flinch. His answer was pure determination, raw and unfiltered.
“On the contrary, there is nothing like getting knocked down that makes you want to come back stronger. I’m hungry. I want that shit back.”
That one line summed up exactly who Samson Dauda is.
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From Underdog to Olympia Champion
Born in Nigeria and raised in the United Kingdom, Samson Dauda’s journey to bodybuilding’s biggest stage is a story of perseverance and relentless evolution. Early in his career, Dauda was known for incredible size and symmetry but lacked the conditioning to break into the elite tier. Over time, he transformed from a promising contender into one of the most complete physiques in the world – earning the nickname “The Nigerian Lion.”
His rise through the IFBB Pro League was steady. After turning pro in 2018, Dauda gained momentum with standout performances at shows like the British Grand Prix and the Arnold Classic UK. But his true breakout moment came at the 2023 Arnold Classic, where he battled against Nick Walker and Andrew Jacked to earn the runner-up spot. The bodybuilding world took notice. His combination of mass, shape, and stage presence became impossible to ignore.
Then, in 2024, Dauda made history – claiming his first Mr. Olympia title in a dramatic showdown against Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan. It was the culmination of years of grinding, refining, and proving himself against the best. Samson Dauda had arrived.
The 2025 Arnold Classic: A Setback or Setup?
Just a few months after his Olympia victory, Dauda decided to compete at the 2025 Arnold Classic – a move that surprised some fans. Defending an Olympia title is already a monumental task, and competing again so soon can be risky. But Dauda has never shied away from a challenge.
The event turned into a classic showdown. Derek Lunsford, hungry for redemption after losing the 2024 Olympia, brought his sharpest conditioning to date. Dauda, though massive and full, came in slightly off his Olympia form. When the dust settled, Lunsford edged him out for the win.
The bodybuilding world immediately buzzed with speculation: Did Dauda peak too early? Did the quick turnaround from Olympia to Arnold affect his prep? And most importantly – did the loss shake his confidence heading into his Olympia title defense?
Dauda’s response at the Olympia press conference answered all of those questions in one shot.
“There’s nothing like getting knocked down that makes you want to come back stronger.”
That mindset—turning a loss into motivation—has defined Samson’s entire career.
Eyes Locked on the 2025 Mr. Olympia
Now, heading into the 2025 Mr. Olympia weekend, Samson Dauda stands as a man on a mission. Losing to Lunsford at the Arnold didn’t break him—it reignited him. He’s used the months since to tighten his conditioning, refine his posing, and prepare mentally for the ultimate rematch.
Sources close to his camp say Dauda’s training intensity has reached new levels. Every session, every rep, is driven by the memory of standing in second place. The Nigerian Lion isn’t coming to defend a title – he’s coming to reclaim dominance.
A Rivalry for the Ages
The Samson Dauda vs. Derek Lunsford rivalry has become one of the most compelling storylines in modern bodybuilding. Lunsford, the former 212 Olympia champion turned Open contender, represents precision and structure. Dauda brings sheer size and aesthetic flow. Their contrasting physiques, and the respect they share as competitors, have fueled a healthy but fierce rivalry that’s captivating fans around the world.
This weekend’s Olympia will mark the next chapter. Will Dauda reaffirm his reign as Mr. Olympia, or will Lunsford even the score and take back the crown? Either way, fans are guaranteed a battle for the ages.
One thing is certain: Samson Dauda is not backing down.
“I’m hungry. I want that shit back.”
And when the Nigerian Lion says he’s hungry – you can bet the bodybuilding world is about to see something special.
