The 2024 Arnold Classic UK will probably be a rematch between Hadi Choopan and Samson Dauda.
Last updated on March 14th, 2024
Three-time Arnold Classic champ Jay Cutler, bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev, and Matt Daniels convened on the podcast to investigate the 2024 Arnold Classic results. The contest occurred on March 1-3, 2024, in Columbus, OH, and featured 2022 Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan claiming his first Arnold Classic title by dethroning 2023 Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda.
Sarcev was Dauda’s coach for the 2024 Arnold Classic — their thirteenth pro show. However, they split following the competition in Columbus. Cutler, Sarcev, and Daniels also discussed expectations for the forthcoming Arnold Classic UK set for March 15-17, 2024, in Birmingham, England. Listen to their takes within the video below:
Arnold Classic Men’s Open Division
Cutler and Sarcev acknowledge the Men’s Open on the 2024 Arnold Classic was a head-to-head battle between Dauda and Choopan. Sarcev contends that Choopan achieved the most effective conditioning he’s ever had.
Choopan appeared larger than he was on the 2023 Olympia. Still, Sarcev concurs with IFBB Pro League Vice President Tyler Manion on the need for Choopan to extend his size further if he’s to reclaim the Mr. Olympia title from Derek Lunsford in 2024.
Dauda vs. Choopan — Posing Comparison
Choopan and Dauda will clash again on the 2024 Arnold Classic UK. Observing poses from the 2024 Arnold Classic US, Sarcev mentioned Dauda as more imposing than Choopan in a relaxed stance but points out Choopan’s remarkable ability to expand when posing.
Flexing Abs
Sarcev remarks that Choopan’s abs, when flexed, display his phenomenal conditioning. Despite Dauda’s narrower waist, Sarcev observes that Choopan’s waistline stays impressively unblocky.
Cutler and Sarcev concur that while Choopan showcases incredible conditioning, Dauda possesses a superhero-esque physique for sheer size and shape.
Front Double Biceps Pose
Sarcev highlights Choopan’s and Dauda’s smaller waists and pronounced V-tapers within the front double biceps pose. Sarcev prefers Dauda’s overall aesthetics but acknowledged that Choopan’s arms, broad lats, and defined quads with distinct cross striations combined along with his dense musculature were beyond reproach
Front Lat Spread
Cutler and Sarcev notice how Choopan positions his legs at an angle on account of an imbalance, saying his right leg appears barely smaller than his left. Sarcev argues that Choopan’s adjustment is unnecessary, as Choopan’s typical stance conceals the supposed discrepancy.
Side Chest Pose & Side Triceps
Sarcev prefers Dauda’s full construct of serious muscle mass within the side chest pose. However, Cutler highlights Choopan’s superior conditioning, which is especially noticeable in Choopan’s arms and shoulder tie-ins. Sarcev feels when showcased properly, Dauda’s muscular superiority is more evident in profile view.
Rear Double Biceps Pose
Cutler and Sarcev note Choopan’s improvements because the 2023 Olympia. They remain impressed by Dauda’s flow, but Cutler suggests Dauda may gain advantage from more muscle on his back. They unanimously acknowledge Dauda’s significant progress over the past three years.
Rear Lat Spread Pose
Choopan’s rear lat spread impressed Cutler and Sarcev, asserting Choopan’s 2024 Arnold Classic package surpasses Lunsford’s from the 2023 Mr. Olympia. While Dauda boasts remarkable thickness, Choopan’s exceptional conditioning captivates the audience.
Abdominal & Thigh Pose
Choopan’s vacuum pose is an unquestionable highlight that could make a difference in close competition. Dauda exudes confidence within the abs and thighs, however the flow offered by a superior vacuum is tough to beat.
More Muscular Pose
Choopan is formidable in probably the most muscular as his legs were significantly improved from the 2023 Olympia. Choopan has room to enhance within the fullness of his chest, however the sharpness of his striations compensates.
Jon Delarosa
Jon Delarosa secured fourth place 2024 Arnold Classic and was one of the improved athletes in the sector. Previously critiqued by Sarcev, Delarosa took the feedback and made significant improvements.
2024 Arnold Classic‌ Physique
Sarcev feels the keenness for the Classic Physique division falls wanting the Men’s Open. Nevertheless, having had a front-row seat, Sarcev found the 2024 Arnold Classic Classic Physique champ Wesley Vissers‘ performance, highlighted by significant leg and upper body improvements, was worthy of the gold.
However, Sarcev felt runner-up Ramon Queiroz presented a more comprehensive package. The victory margin was slim; Queiroz fell short by one point.
Vissers win raised the stakes for five-time reigning Olympia champion Chris Bumstead. Sarcev stays skeptical anyone in Classic Physique measures as much as Bumstead, but Vissers’ Arnold Classic win was an enormous shake-up.
Sarcev, Cutler, and Daniels discussed 2024 Arnold Classic fourth-place finisher Breon Ansley‘s shredded physique, noting bronze medalist Urs Kalecinski‘s larger legs gave edged out Ansley.
