Artur Beterbiev says he wants David Benavidez – but everything about his current positioning suggests he’s already locked into a third fight with Dmitry Bivol, whether fans want it or not.
Beterbiev reiterated this week that his focus remains on completing a trilogy with Bivol, even confirming that a lucrative, multi-million dollar offer for a third bout in Russia was recently turned down by the unified light heavyweight champion. Despite this rejection, Beterbiev is still pushing hard for the fight to take place in Moscow.
It tells you everything.
Benavidez is the more explosive, more fan-friendly option — especially in the U.S. market — but he’s also stylistically the more dangerous. Unlike Bivol’s movement-heavy, control-first approach, Benavidez would meet Beterbiev in the pocket and force exchanges. That kind of fight sells, but it also carries real risk for a 40-year-old puncher whose margin for error is narrowing.
“Yes, of course I want to fight,” Beterbiev told the media when asked about Benavidez, he praised his recent win over Anthony Yarde. The words sound welcoming, but the actions don’t match. With Benavidez expected to move up to cruiserweight as early as May, the window for that fight is closing fast — and Beterbiev knows it.
Instead, the trilogy path offers something safer: notoriety, funding and political support. Turki Alalshikh’s involvement has effectively kept the Bivol series alive, even as parts of the fan base grow restless with the game. Without that financial muscle, it’s hard to believe that a second – let alone a third – fight would have materialised.
Beterbiev also dismissed talk of moving up in weight, and realistically so. A jump to heavyweight at this stage would be symbolic more than competitive, and even cruiserweight would present size problems.
For now, the direction is clear. Beterbiev may talk about options, but his career is headed for one outcome: Bivol III, wherever and whenever that ends up happening.
The real question isn’t whether Beterbiev wants Benavidez.
It’s whether the sport will ever force him to take that risk before the moment is over.
Last updated on 12/12/2025
