At the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Samson Dauda failed to reclaim his title, finishing 4th overall.

After the event, he committed to adding more muscle mass to his frame. Currently weighing 340 pounds, he plans to add 10 more pounds this off-season. However, amidst this journey, he has not forgotten about his heart.

‘The Nigerian Lion’, in his recent YouTube video, explains the one aspect he now prioritizes that has improved his cardiovascular functioning and sleep, even while being 350 pounds. “Using the sauna has really helped in terms of cardiovascular function, breathing, and sleep,” said Dauda.

During the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Dauda appeared less defined than his 2024 form. According to him, he cut too much weight, dropping to around 295–305 lbs at the time, which he cites as the primary reason for his defeat.

Speaking about his current weight, Dauda explains, “This is the most I’ve ever weighed, and it’s comfortable. It’s actually much more comfortable.”

Looking to reclaim his title, Dauda plans to increase his muscle mass as much as possible, but King Kamali has different advice for him.

King Kamali’s advice to Samson Dauda

Samson Dauda believes he needs more size, but King Jamali disagrees. On the recent Iron OG Podcast, Jamali stated that Dauda doesn’t need more size; he needs to level up his conditioning.

"Samson doesn't need to get bigger. Samson just played the conditioning game the wrong way. There's a right way, and there's a wrong way to play the conditioning game, and it destroyed him," he said.

Kamali believes that Dauda should join forces with former 6x Mr Olympia Dorian Yates for better coaching. “He just needs to get back to the basics. I said it before, and I'll say it again, and if Samson is listening, I hope he's listening… pick up the phone, call Dorian Yates. Call Dorian Yates and say Dorian, I'm coming in, and I'm going to train with you for six months.”

Kamali is insistent that Dauda needs more definition, not more body mass. Dauda, however, believes otherwise. Will he take the advice? Time will tell.

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu