Chris Cormier Asserts Samson Dauda’s Lower Body Development Is Reaching Legendary Proportions Ahead of the 2025 Arnold Classic: “Even Ronnie and Dorian Didn’t Display This Level”
In a detailed discussion with Milos Sarcev, Chris Cormier delved into Samson Dauda’s staggering quadriceps and hamstring advancements in preparation for the Arnold Classic, suggesting, “We might witness a physique evolution unparalleled in bodybuilding history.”
Samson Dauda is laser-focused on extending his dominance over the Arnold Classic roster as he eyes a consecutive title defense. Cormier noted that Dauda’s leg separation, density, and vascularity are exceeding even the iconic leg development of legends like Ronnie Coleman and Dorian Yates.
With every competitive season, Dauda’s physique refinement becomes more apparent, showcasing enhanced muscle maturity and striations. In 2023, he clinched a commendable third place at the Mr. Olympia, trailing behind Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford. The decisive factor was Lunsford’s commanding back double biceps pose, which set him apart. However, Dauda rebounded in 2024 with a resounding victory at the Tsunami Pro, solidifying his momentum leading into another showdown with Lunsford.
At the 60th anniversary of the Mr. Olympia in 2024, Dauda unveiled his most complete and conditioned package to date, capturing his maiden Sandow trophy on bodybuilding’s grandest stage. While many competitors opt for downtime following such monumental achievements, Dauda’s relentless work ethic propelled him to declare his participation in the 2025 Arnold Classic. Furthermore, he issued a direct challenge to both Choopan and Lunsford, inviting them to battle once more for supremacy.
Chris Cormier Declares Samson Dauda’s Leg Definition Surpassing Ronnie Coleman’s and Dorian Yates’ as 2025 Arnold Classic Approaches
During a recent episode of The Menace Podcast, Chris Cormier revealed that he’s observing remarkable enhancements in Dauda’s overall musculature.
“The one thing I’m noticing about Samson is he’s got these big deep grooves between his ham, thigh, and glute that area. At over 300-something pounds but he didn’t have that when he was competing in the Arnold sometimes.”
Cormier was astonished by Dauda’s unprecedented leg separation, deep muscle striations, and sweeping quad tie-ins, stressing that even legends like Ronnie Coleman and Dorian Yates never showcased this caliber of lower body development.
“He didn’t have it then but here in the off-season, 300 plus pounds, and you’re seeing these deep grooves, not so much definition in the hamstrings but deep sliced grooves here.
Yeah, the tie-ins, judges look at that and think you’re in tip-top shape. But still, he’s 300 pounds, we never saw that from Ronnie, Dorian, or anybody. I think that’s going to be something to watch as we get closer.”
Milos Sarcev chimed in, suggesting that fans might be on the brink of witnessing an unprecedented display of leg aesthetics and muscle symmetry from Dauda.
“Maybe we’re going to see something we have never seen before. The rate he’s improving, size-wise, shape-wise, groove-wise, quality-wise, conditioning-wise, size of the arms, size of the chest, back, Derek was untouchable when he won that Olympia, there was no comparison really in the back double biceps pose between him and Samson.”
Sarcev speculated that Dauda could very well eclipse Derek Lunsford’s hallmark back double biceps pose, a signature shot that has defined Lunsford’s dominance.
“Already last year, it was a very good comparison but this year, I wouldn’t actually be surprised if Samson beat him even in that pose,” shares Sarcev.
Sarcev further emphasized that Dauda’s progression isn’t confined to his legs alone—his overall package has evolved, exhibiting unparalleled muscle fullness, roundness, density, and stage presence.
“In every aspect he improved. Improved in size, fullness, roundness, width, thickness, shape, presentation, everything. Listen, that’s a driven individual that knows his potential,” states Sarcev. “Derek is in the running but he’s going against a specimen that is just transforming, morphing in front of us. He’s becoming a photoshop in front of your eyes.”
Bodybuilding veterans such as Milos Sarcev, Chris Cormier, and Dennis James have been vocal in their forecasts for the 2025 Arnold Classic, unanimously predicting that Dauda will clinch the coveted title. A victory here would catapult Dauda into another landmark year within the IFBB Pro League, solidifying his status among the sport’s elite.
With a staggering $500,000 prize purse on the line, the 2025 Arnold Classic promises to be a career-defining showdown for the victor. Be sure to witness Dauda’s highly anticipated performance when the Arnold Sports Festival returns to Columbus, Ohio, from February 27 to March 2, where the world’s best physiques will battle for supremacy.
