“Need to Be the Aggressor More Than the Actual Defender”: Samson Dauda Shares his Mentality Going Into Arnold Classic 2024

Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda is ready to defend his title. The bodybuilder will step on stage to compete with a stacked roster in less than a day. While Andrew Jacked and Rubiel Mosquera pulled out of the contest earlier, fans believe Hadi Choopan alone might prove to be an insurmountable obstacle for the Nigerian Lion. However, Dauda doesn’t seem daunted.

In an exclusive interview with BarBend, the 2023 Arnoold Classic champion opened up about his mindset. Although Samson Dauda faces a formidable opponent in former Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan, he has confidence in his prep. In fact, the defending champion plans to take the heat to the former Mr. Olympia during the contest.

Samson Dauda believes that a good offense is the best defense

During the interview, the reporter asked if this prep has been enjoyable for the defending champion. “Are you ready to stand against Hadi Choopan for judges’ comparisons?” the interviewer added. After saying that he was “feeling really good” about the Arnold Classic prep, Samson Dauda explained that he was getting “goosebumps” from the excitement of stepping on stage.

“I’m ready to get after it. I need to be the aggressor more than the actual defender,” Dauda said during the interview. While Samson Dauda has never defeated Hadi Choopan in a bodybuilding contest, he seemed confident about taking on the former champion. The Nigerian Lion is well aware that the Persian Wolf will bring the best version of himself on show day.

While Samson Dauda has made significant improvements, especially to his chest, back, and conditioning, Hadi Choopan’s physique updates also seemed impressive. The Iranian champion is gunning for glory after losing his Olympia crown to Derek Lunsford. However, the defending champion is keen on scoring his first victory against the former Mr. Olympia.

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Besides seeking his confident mindset and Hadi Choopan, Samson Dauda also spoke about two other contenders.

The Brazilians are the underdogs of the division

With Arnold Classic UK champion Andrew Jacked and rising star Rubiel ‘Neckzilla’ Mosuqera out of the lineup, Rafael Brandao and Marcello De Angelis have emerged as the dark horses of the contest in Ohio. Brando has put on pounds of muscle and nearly reinvented his physique for the Arnold Classic. Meanwhile, De Angelis, according to Samson Dauda, will surprise everyone.

The Nigerian Lion said the Brazilian bodybuilders pose a bigger challenge than people give them credit for. He predicted that Brando would place among the top bodybuilders. Samson Dauda said that De Angelis will also be among the top contenders. “I competed against him last year and was impressed,” Dauda told the interviewer.

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Hence, it’s safe to say that Samson Dauda is not underestimating his opponents. However, he also feels that his mindset is in the right place to come out top.