The 2024 Arnold Classic runner-up Samson Dauda is expected to compete at the 2024 Arnold Classic UK. After confirming a health scare following the 2024 Arnold Classic only required prescribed antibiotics and his doctor’s clearance to compete again on March 15-17, 2024, Dauda will return to the competitive stage for a rematch against 2024 Arnold Classic champ Hadi Choopan.
Dauda had been working with former Men’s Open bodybuilder and coach Milos Sarcev for 13 pro shows over the past two and a half years, including for the 2024 Arnold Classic. However, on March 6, 2024, Sarcev confirmed via his Instagram page that the 2024 Arnold Classic was his and Dauda’s “last dance.”
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“Needless to say, I am beyond proud of Samson and what he has accomplished in the very short time we worked together,” Sarcev said in his post’s caption. “[Dauda] has completely transformed his physique and morphed himself into one of the very best bodybuilders in the World and [one of the] greatest threats for the Mr. Olympia title. As the whole world knows, with improved conditioning (that we failed to bring), he would be extremely hard to beat.”
According to a judging review by NPC and IFBB Vice President Tyler Manion in a video published to Manion’s Instagram page on March 5, 2024, that failure to bring sufficient conditioning to the stage that Sarcev referenced was, indeed, the differentiation that set Choopan atop the pack in Columbus, OH.
“Hadi had a pretty clear victory [at the 2024 Arnold Classic],” said Manion. “Extremely striated and extremely full, this was the best package we’ve seen from [Choopan] for sure.”
Manion suggested that Choopan needs more size in his legs during the side chest pose and more fullness in his chest; an area that Dauda does not suffer from. However, Dauda “needs to get to that next level of conditioning” in Manion’s eyes. “He’s pushing towards it but has not quite nailed it yet on stage.”
Manion acknowledged that Dauda’s arms, shoulders, and back have continued to improve since the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest, where Dauda won bronze behind Choopan and reigning Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford.
“We need to see deep lines and deep separation throughout [Dauda’s] body,” continued Manion, who also recommended that Dauda breathe through his chest on stage to maintain a tight and controlled midsection. “Dauda needs to put all these things together. Once he does, everyone needs to watch out.”
Featured image: @milossarcev on Instagram
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