“I think it’s the biggest fight in the world, especially at this weight division,” Benavidez said at the post-fight press conference.
“It’s definitely a fight I want. Like I said, I’m not afraid of anybody. This is Monstro’s world, and if he wants to get that fight, we’ll get that fight.”
Opetaia recently lost the IBF cruiserweight title after joining Zuffa Boxing and competing in an undisputed fight against Brandon Glanton. Benavidez suggested the move immediately complicated negotiations for a future fight.
“I don’t know why he went to Zuffa,” Benavidez said. “We could have made this fight right after this one.”
“I’m not going to go there and fight for a Zuffa title.”
Benavidez also questioned whether fighters linked to Zuffa would have access to the biggest opportunities in boxing, pointing to Dana White’s history with rival promotional companies.
“I think they’re definitely losing their power,” Benavidez said. “It’s just a lot of politics in it.”
“I think Dana White has shown that he doesn’t want to fight with PBC, DAZN.”
The undefeated champion later made it clear that he believes he has the stronger commercial position compared to Opetaia and suggested there is little reason for him to travel to another promotional setup.
“I’m the one who fills these stadiums,” Benavidez said. “I’m the one fighting pay-per-view.”
“Jai Opetaia has never fought a pay-per-view. He’s never filled an arena like this.”
Benavidez added that he would still be open to the fight if both sides could reach an agreement outside the Zuffa structure.
“If they want to come to the table here, we can do it,” Benavidez said. “Let’s get it.”
