09/03/2026
Based on recent developments in the IFBB Pro League, intense rivalries have developed between top Men's Open bodybuilders Nick Walker and Martin Fitzwater, as well as between Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked. These feuds, often fueled by social media, close competitive scoring, and in-person confrontations, bring significant drama to the sport.
Feud: Nick Walker 🆚️. Martin Fitzwater
The rivalry between "The Mutant" (Nick Walker) and "The Martian" (Martin Fitzwater) intensified around the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Arnold Classic and 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Mr. ⭕lympia, driven by both competitive, close scores and personal animosity.
The 2026 Arnold Classic Drama: Martin Fitzwater publicly explained his refusal to shake Nick Walker's hand after the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Arnold Classic, stating, "I Hate Nick Walker — I Refuse to Be Fake".
Backstage Confrontation: Reports indicated that Martin was extremely upset after the Arnold Classic and reportedly pushed or confronted Nick backstage.
Contrasting Philosophies: Nick Walker has often been criticized for inconsistencies in conditioning, while Martin Fitzwater has criticized bodybuilding media for being "trash" and has experienced "bad blood" due to his perception of being unfairly judged or supported.
Competitive Closeness: Following a 6th-place finish for Walker at the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ ⭕lympia, where Fitzwater placed 5️⃣th, the competitive gap has closed, leading to a heated, "artificial" rivalry.
Feud: Samson Dauda 🆚️. Andrew Jacked
The rivalry between Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked is more of a "classic" competitive rivalry, characterized by intense comparisons of their similar, large, and aesthetic physiques, although they have remained relatively professional.
Competitive Battles: Both athletes are often compared for having similar, tall, "aesthetic mass monster" physiques.
"Stealing" the Spotlight: As fellow Nigerians, they often trade top spots, with Andrew Jacked notably beating Samson at the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Arnold Classic.
Intensity: While they have not displayed the same level of personal hate as Walker/Fitzwater, the intense comparisons of their similar, large, and aesthetic physiques, with Jacked often cited as the "future Mr. ⭕," has created a tense, high-stakes battle for dominance in the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣-2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ seasons.Rumours had it that Samson Dauda failed to greet or talk to Andrew Jacked even though he saw him backstage.That has to be confirmed though.
Consequences of "Bad Blood" in Bodybuilding
The "bad blood" between these athletes has several consequences for themselves and the sport:
Increased Fan Engagement: Drama and personal conflicts draw significantly more attention to shows, generating more clicks, social media interactions, and pay-per-view buys.
Heightened Emotional Toll: The pressure of intense, public animosity can lead to emotional exhaustion, as shown by Fitzwater's decision to step away from social media after the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Arnold Classic.
In-Person Tension: The feuds create an awkward and hostile environment backstage at competitions, reducing the, typically expected, sportsmanship, as evidenced by the refused handshake.
Damage to Reputation: While sometimes driving hype, constant feuding can make athletes appear unprofessional, with critics suggesting that maturity needs to match physical potential.
Increased Scrutiny on Judging: Public disagreements often make fans and athletes more critical of the judges, specifically when close, contentious, or surprising results occur, such as the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ ⭕lympia, where Walker and Lunsford were tied.
Whilst a certain degree of rivalry can keep the competition alive it has to stop at certain levels.It did not start now,competitive rivalry goes back to the Arnold/Sergio era,Frank Zane and Franco Columbu,Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler,Phil Heath and Kai Greene....For the sake of the goodness of bodybuilding, let us hope that this does not negatively impact the athletes involved❗💪💥💯✅
